Moving along slowly

 Goodness, tomorrow is December 1st hard to believe that tomorrow is December 1st. So much has happened this year that honestly I am looking forward to Christmas cheer and a new year...my goal is to stay out of doctor's offices and surgeries. If Santa is listening, please bring me a bubble to save me! This past week I have had a stomach bug. Thank goodness I was sthe only one in the house who was sick. Finally feeling better. The house is decorated

Not the best picture...maybe one at night...anyway, we have been giving our friends across the courtyard, Robyn and Dave have been seeing a light show with Alan switching from one light setting to another! Remember it has 7 functions....

In between not getting out of bed and when I have this past week, I have been slowly sewing the hexagon quilt

Only have 3 more rows to add...I think. What I mean is that I may add or not. I am working on row 16 now. While sewing I have Christmas music play via radio. Found a station that plays a great assortment. Just in case I need something special my CDs are at the ready.
Nce again this year I have joined Jo's Christmas Blog Hop. My posting date will be December 16th. I will remind you when the time arrives so you can visit her blog to see what everyone is posting. Both Alan and Lisa are working late tonight so Murphy and I are are on our. A simple supper it will be. So glad you had the time to visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

My helper...not

 Oh we are having a heat wave....an Arizona heat wave...(to the tune of Having a Tropical Heat Wave). Temps are high already and Monsoon is starting. When I woke at 5am it was 93...going to 112. Now 101 at 10am! Murphy only is going out to do his thing and right back in. Me? I am going to the sewing table. Yesterday Dianna came for quilting and lunch. Always enjoyable time and good conversation. 

Dianna's quilt will be a wall hanging. She is making it all in floral print so the fabric she brought me are flowers and I shared some floral print with her, I forgot to take a picture...next visit.

Prime delivery  late yesterday was this...what is it you ask?

A wool zippered tote that contains 

A wool pressing mat and silicone piece to put under the mat while using. A new cutting mat. My mat is about 30 years old.  I have been told how great the pressing is with these mats. Also in the tote was

A  pouch containing pins, tape measure and scissors. Don't you love getting new stuff for sewing.....  

Murphy, the helper...not... immediately took care of the box it arrived in. He loves tearing it all up! He also thinks the quilt is for him...

and yes, I did give him belly rubs! We are...I mean Alan and Lisa are still on vacation arriving back on Tuesday. Across the courtyard friends Robyn and Dave have been checking on me.... nice to have good neighbors friends. As for an update.... depending on when you ask, I am doing really well. Then there is the moment when I unintentionally move my shoulder...yes still wearing the  stupid sling... and then there is pain. Pacing myself and paying attention to what I am doing helps. Of course my heel is still healing..... I am a walking injury!  This has slowed me down...Alan is always telling me to slow down.  

Okay friends, time to sew and stay on iced liquids. Right now it is iced coffee and then it will be water for the day. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, and thank you for your friendship.

Slip Slidin' Away

 what a lovely morning. It is not yet to warm to enjoy the garden. the temperature at the moment is only 79 and Murphy and I sat outside for a few minutes. Of course it is only 7am.

There is almost not part of my delicate body that is not hurting...and it is not just the arthritis. On Tuesday just finishing my shower.... guess where this is going....I stood from the built in seat in the shower to hang the shower head back in holder and all of a sudden.... yes down I went. Twisting and turning in hopes of getting up without breaking anything or hitting my head. I was alone in the house except for Murphy who was not attempting to come to my rescue. I think my yelling caused him to remain outside the bathroom. Finally got my aerobics under control and got out to find Murphy finally showing some concern. Actually he was trying to take the towel away...loves to grab towels. When Lisa returned home from the fitness center, she wanted to show me a good exercise for me to do. While demonstrating it I began to think she might want me to try so I told her about my shower exercise. I did not feel anything to bad so we left for an errand and while out we bought me a non slip bath mat. Didn't I mention that there was no mat in the tub? I had planned not to tell Alan..... but of course Lisa did. Yesterday was spent literally in bed and slathering Voltaren gel over most of my body. Still feel like there was a fight which I lost. Very thankful nothing is broken. i am thinking of making a bubble-wrap suit.

If you follow my blog you know that the Arizona heat is on...has been in the triple digits reaching up to 118. What? Yes that is a ball in the fridge. Murphy left it outside and when I went to get it it was mushy...not hard as a rock like it should be. It was melting! So into the fridge for 20 minutes hoping it would firm up. Murphy was not amused and waited by the fridge for it to be returned to him. He loves this ball that makes sounds when pushed and shaken. This is a nutty house for sure. 

Monday (June 21st) marked the 4th anniversary of not having Dennis in my life. It still is difficult, some days more than others. I was so lucky to have spent 48 years with my favorite person in the whole world. I am thankful for the people who have been there for me in the early days and those that followed. Besides family there was Glenda and Don and Dianna and Bobby and Robyn and Dave. Lucky for having friends like them.

Today will be another do nothing day.... more Voltaren and plenty of iced water. Back to resting my back...glad you stopped by to visit. thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Edited: I really need to give a shout out to all my dear blogging friends who faithfully send good thoughts. They are  wonderful support group.

What time is it!?

 Can not believe I woke at 10am..... but Murphy and I were awake at 6am. Guess we fell back into slumber land. The temps are still rising and according to the local TV channel we are hitting record marks this year. Nice and comfy inside. Last week a package arrived from sis Lynowl

yes, the temp was 113 and I get a fluffy and soft as a bunny tail robe! Oh is feels so nice on...not exactly time for it yet! It fits perfectly.

Tomorrow our boy Murphy goes for his grooming.... sure does get scruffy fast. He was not feeling well the last few days.... bad tummy. As Alan says, if he would stop eating all the junk he finds ( plants, rocks, cardboard and paper, and socks) he would be okay. I am always on poop patrol to be sure if he ate it it comes out! 

I finally find my this years Christmas ornament.. well one of them.

Angels... remember the quote; Every time a bell rings, an Angel gets his wings..... now they will be looking to fly for Christmas. Robyn, across the courtyard friend approves. Can you believe we are already midway into August? Goodness time seems to be really on a jet.

Weill my friends, I am so glad to chat with you but I need a cup of coffee. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Stay safe and well. 

Twins...Handsome Murphy and pillowcases

Goodness....the heat has arrived here in The Valley of the Sun...yesterday it was 106 and the rest of the week into next will be around the same. We are under a heat advisory. Inside time for sure.
Bet you are wondering, twins in a senior living community?

Robyn and Dave--across the courtyard---discovered a Hummingbird nest atop the Kokopelli chime hanging outside their front door. Two little ones have emerged. I am across from them and this nest is so small that I cannot see it or these adorable babies.

Look at this handsome face! Murphy finally was able to go to the groomer, Alyssa. We don't spoil him....too much. Alyssa said he is "mouthy" but oh so cute and gives them lots of kisses. He still is not totally committed to having a bath and haircut but is doing better. I need a haircut...as so many others do. I am just not ready to go into the salon wearing a mask during the entire time. Lisa will be going on Sunday.
Speaking of Lisa, she and I have been sewing Burrito Pillowcases.

This is her second one and she did make a companion to this....no picture yet. Her sewing skills are improving as it has been a very long time since Lisa used a sewing machine.

These are the ones I made for my bed. No fabric waste by reversing the body and cuff fabric. Oh we have more to make.

This is the fabric selection for my next pillowcases. They are easy and fun to make. I can not show Lisa's fabric as hers will be gifts. so, this hot weather is okay. We will be inside sewing!

My last blog post was not looking for attention , no, it was to be open about a subject many of us do not talk about. Thank you for your kind comments.💟

 I am slow to get moving today. Lisa is at work but this afternoon we will take Murphy to get a new harness. Did I mention that his last weight was 23.25 pounds. In a week he will be 10 months old. Upon research, and the vet's comment that he is a not really a mini … but he is  not a standard…. let's leave it that he is on the line. No matter what we love him to pieces and he returns that love to us. Blogger, the template that I use for this blog sent a message that in late June there will be a new format! I know right now that it will be an issue for me. Until then, thank you for stopping by and chatting. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.

Where do the days go?

Good afternoon..... I know..... where have I been and what have I been up to. I am still right here and not doing too much. I have been out of sorts lately… actually for a few months. A visit to the doctor with Alan and things are getting back on track. I am touched with the emails from some of you checking on me.... I could feel the hugs wrapping around me. Thank you.

We had 3 days of rain storms last week and now they say we will get more this week. Just look at the first tomato! The kitchen garden is growing leaps! The Mr Lincoln roses have been wonderful to pick and have in the house. The fragrance is lovely. There are more buds on the bush. Here it is end of November and the Prickly Pear Cactus is blooming...

I love the feel of the flowers....they feel waxy. Of course taking a picture requires being very careful...

The pads, or Nopals are eatable... not that I have tried them. They should post a warning:
Spines and tufts of barbed bristles (glochids) can cause significant allergic skin  reactions... not to mention painful when pricked!

The red fruit appears once the flowers finish and they make the best jelly.

The Fairy Duster plant is also in bloom....the hummers love it as do the bees. So nice to have color in the garden at this time of year.

On Satrday, Lisa and I went to a faire in Scottsdale... not as good as the Litchfield one, but we had a nice day. While we were out, friends across the courtyard, Robyn and Dave, told me that a large healthy looking coyote walked up to the birdbath in the front and stood there drinking. He could each without difficulty. I would have loved to seen that!

Hopefully my desire to get back to creating will return soon. In the meantime, thank you for the lovely caring messages. I will make more of an effort to post as I always did... often. Thank you for your thoughts and kind words and most of all for your friendship.

Oh what a morning.....

Actually what a yesterday and a night which is now morning. I started out yesterday for the mall specifically going to Macy's. As I was driving I was going past my PCP office so I thought I should just stop and make an appointment as I have not been feeling all that great recently...a month.... and inquire about a flu shot. Well I guess it was the right thing to do.  Yes I could get the flu shot, but first a check on my blood pressure. The MA took it twice and looked concerned and gave a shout out to the NP and it was taken again with a different device. Next thing is that the NP strolled in to chat. He was very concerned that my BP was extremely high. A quick impromptu exam and the heart was okay and questions answered and yes I would be given the flu vaccine but was then ordered to go home and rest... do nothing or at least as little as possible for the next few days. I need to check my pressure daily and write it down and return next week...or if it continues to be as high return sooner. No stress is what I need right now.....okay. Shortly after returning home, Robyn....across the courtyard called and hubby Dave was bringing me a dessert. Just what I needed.

….I could not wait to have my dinner so I could munch on this...but the good news is, she sent 2 pieces so now I have another for today...delicious.
I have not been idle ….

The wings of the dragonfly are finished.... now to do the body. The colors are so pretty..... jewel like. Before beading the body the perforated paper needs to be cut away so that might be today.
At the moment I am having my first cup of coffee and holding ice to my shoulder as it is very sore and a little swollen. The count down for The Brother Alan is in full mode....about 26 days... and I am trying to get things ready.  If the weather would only cooperate I can work in the garage. I decided that I would like to hang a hummer feeder outside my bedroom window. Oh and the AC issue, well now the filter is an issue.... always something but I am trying my hardest not to feel ruffled in any way.
An update on Eva P... aka mom.... she is doing better. This lady who will be 93 in December has 9 lives. Thank you for the good thoughts sent her way. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship.

I'm on a "watch list"...again

This is not the first time I have been on a watch list...the other is when we first moved here to Arizona.... and it was the bank's fault that I was being investigated for bank fraud----but that is another story.
Where did this week disappear to? I blinked and it was Friday!  To be accurate it is Friday afternoon! It is not that I have been on vacation...I only wish I were. Let's see, on Saturday I spent time with Diana and then Bobby took us out for Mexican dinner. Sunday there was a visit from Robyn who brought delicious cookies to have with our coffee and moving to Wednesday and Glenda came by for morning coffee. Oh and there was the visit with the Opthmologist on Tuesday. Busy me. The doctor has me on a watch list for the very suspicious glaucoma diagnosis. For now we are just monitoring. I am okay with that.... for now.
The beading has been keeping me busy... still cannot show you as it is a gift. I need to order some beads to make the horse and paw print pods. They will eventually be gifts too. You may be asking why not show the one I am working on? Well, the person who will be getting it will know because it is very obvious. Anyway, In the meantime I will be working on the Mill Hill Southwest Santa in between.

Robyn thought these 2 fabrics would be a nice origami star so I will be making that this weekend.  This heat and humidity has made me lazy to get out and drive.  Have I mentioned that I am still driving on the full tank of gas that The Brother Alan put in the car before they left at the end of May? Finally at a half tank! What can I say. You do remember that The Brother and Lisa will be here for good by the beginning of October. Almost have a date, and then the countdown will really begin. Preparations on both ends are being taken care of.
At the moment, the computer keyboard is acting up.... just about ready for throwing it out and of course my tablet is misbehaving. Seems electronics only last 3 years or so then it is replacement time.
Well, my friends, no need to worry about me...thank you for your caring emails. Happy you took the time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.

Hot town......

… summer in the city desert...… here it is  almost 6am and it is 93 and heading to 111 or more. At the moment it is all cloudy. Yesterday was 113 and stifling. Severe heat advisories again today, no problem, for me as I do not plan to leave the abode. Woke at 1 am so by later today I will need a nap!I did go out yesterday. I went to visit with Diana and  when Bobby came home from work he took us out to dinner. Very good Mexican fare. As always I enjoy being in their company. Later this morning, Robyn...from across the courtyard will be joining me for coffee and.

I can not show you my current beaded pod project...I have one taco done, now for the next two.… but this Southwest design is on the to do next. I will change the shade of blue and the red for other colors keeping the stallion black. So glad I am able to bead again. I do stop and rest my hand and so far so good. Still feeling the inflammation in the thumb/wrist area. The majority of the swelling has disappeared. It is what it is.
There is swishing at the moment in h laundry area with another to follow but that is the extent of household duties for me today. Still waiting for the Faeries to appear.
Soon I will be beading and watching Le Tour de France... sad to say that today is the last day. I know the riders are happy but I will miss it. This year there have been strange happenings due to weather and several riders crashing. I will be looking for another sport to watch. Not big on watching baseball... too slow for me.
So, it has been nice to have you visit today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Friends and a pod

Whether it is 100 or 108 here is very little difference...it is hot; plain and simple it is hot. Happily I have an automatic car starter. I get the car cooled before getting in to drive. Even parked in the garage out of the direct sun and heat, the interior is too hot for comfort. This quote is from a local source. Obviously when parked in the garage is better, but in a parking lot it can be extremely stifling. I always start the car before leaving the stores.
  “When temperatures outside range from 80 degrees to 100 degrees, the temperature inside a car parked in direct sunlight can quickly climb to between 130 to 172.” 
Back living in Rhode Island it was more for the iced car windows and cold of the winter. Yesterday I picked up Glenda and out for lunch we went.... however, the restaurant that we usually go to has made some changes so next outing will be elsewhere. Believe me there is no shortage of places to go. All your good thoughts for Glenda have certainly helped...she is doing well. As I was just entering the house my cell phone began to ring. It was Robyn from across the courtyard. Normally the verticals in the living room are open by 10... (it was now 1pm) usually earlier. Same for Robyn's front window. The phone call was "just calling to make ..sure you are okay". Simply I had forgotten to open the verticals! We watch out for one another. Robyn and Dave took good care of me when I had my hand surgery.

The green and silver Christmas Pod is finished. A day or two of hand rest is now in order, so I say now. Not sure what I will be beading or making next. I think a Christmas Bauble in red or green. I also need to get out the holiday fabric to make a couple of Origami Stars for gifts. So far I am using from what I currently have on hand. Always a good thing.... gee, sounds like Martha Stewart! Remember she used to say that on her older shows.
Chatting with you is always a pleasure. Glad you had time to visit. Thank you or your kind and caring words and for your friendship. 

A cloudy day......

There is no sunshine … at least not at the moment. Clouds cover the sky and me too. We  have been in a cool down...temps lower than normal...what really is normal? Weather is what it is...changeable at a minutes notice. Winds are expected later today.... just means the chimes will make noise which is not a bad thing.

On Friday mail delivery brought me a package from Catherine at I Love to Stitch blog..... so many beads! Catherine tells me she wanted to share... and she did. She is encouraging me to make a beaded covered needle case...sending me the needle cases and a link to a video on how to do!

If the bead supplies were not enough, she included a bracelet that she created! Goodness on overload. Speaking of mail, I ordered some beads and the expected delivery was to be on Monday coming...I did not check the USPS tracking and it arrived yesterday...while I was out. So now I will need to go to the post office on Monday to pick it up. Oh well. That is okay because I was busy anyway...

I finished another Pod Ornament...this is Butterfly, design by Patti Lamb. I already started another one and know I will be making more. Love making these pods.
Yesterday morning when I opened the verticals in my bedroom I was surprised to se a Dove sleeping in the lanai.... I started him and when he panicked got caught in he net curtain across the front of the lanai. So instead of grabbing my camera I went out to rescue him. That is when I saw that there is already another Dove nesting.... this will be #3. Of course the Dove Kids from the last nesting are still are sitting around the garden..not ready to leave. I have become Dove Sanctuary! I thought about getting out there to sweep today but with winds expected it would be useless. Instead it will be a butterfly pod day.
Robyn and Dave gave me the approval on a new shrimp recipe that I tried. dessert to die for.... we  It was bacon wrapped hot pepper stuffed shrimp. This will definitely be on my frequent to make list. I love shrimp! Last week they sent over a dessert to die for. We share across the courtyard!
Can you believe there are only 2 more days before The Brother Alan and Lisa arrive.....2 days...Tuesday! Not sure what the week will hold but it will be a good week for sure. I only have about 4 or 5...at the moment...things on The Brother To Do List!  It is not too important at the moment for some of these things.... just as long as we enjoy the week.
I am off to do chores s once again the House Faeries  seem to be on vacation. Nice to chat with you today.Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.
Two years ago today my world came crashing down and never recovered. It has not gotten any easier….my heart is broken and cannot be fixed. 💔I am grateful to those who reached out then and still do now to be there for me.

My left leg......

Happy to have the weekend gone. The weather was delightful, very warm and sunny. We entered a cool down to the 80s yesterday. In this early morning the chimes are singing loudly in the darkness. Caught a glimpse of the Dove kids  while the parent was off nest...

It is beginning too get a little crowded up there. They now have feathers so it will not be too long before they try them out. Never a sound from them unlike other baby birds.
I have been busy with beading...

Russian Leaves Earrings finished; dipped and dried. The beads have  a high shine and a green tinge to them. I also tried without success to learn another beaded earring. I plan to continue trying until I get it! Getting lots of encouragement from the Facebook beading group. I did practice to make a small beaded tube...

I just grabbed some beads to practice and it was easier than I thought. Today I will begin a "pod" style ornament. Positive thoughts that I will accomplish it.
Just trying tp keep sitting busy so that I will not do too much of anything. Yesterday was the RFA procedure on my back. My blood pressure was quite high so we had to wait a little to see if I relaxed enough.... I admit I was nervous. Thankfully Dr. Paul is a sweet man who continued to chat with me to occupy my mind. I will admit it was painful to get the initial injections for insertion of the larger needles, but all said it was not too bad. When he was finished, two nurses came in and I thought why do I need them both. That was soon revealed when I stood and my left leg turned to rubber. Totally numbness.  So, they took me to the recovery area ( a small room with soft recliners) to rest until I could walk. It was what seemed to be a very long 3 mile drive home. I was clear headed but my left leg seemed to be still at the office! Getting from the car/garage into the house was tricky and then right to the recliner to rest and let it wear off. Finally I could actually stand and feel my leg somewhat. The phone rang.... from across the courtyard. Robyn was checking to be sure I was doing okay.... then Dave appeared at the front door. Robyn sent

freshly baked and still warm Banana Bread for me to have for breakfast. Why wait?! Yum... and it certainly took my mind off the left leg issue. So here it is very early morning and I am walking almost perfectly, not quite fully a normal feeling in my leg/hip area. Today and tomorrow will be rest days to let the procedure take hold. No driving and not much of anything. It can take 3 weeks for the effect to take hold … or longer and can last from 6 months to a year or more. Keeping positive thoughts.

My Plumeria is leafing! I am excited that there are signs of successfully rooting this plant that Dianna and Bobby brought back from Hawaii for me. They have a few in their yard and now I will have one too. I know it is not  the best picture, but as I can not bend down yet to get a better look, this will have to do. My Garden Jungle is looking mighty good. Still needs some work, but in 18 days The Brother Alan and Lisa will be here and will take care of it . Yes, the count is now 18 days. I do not have too much on the TO Do List this time.
Thank you for the emails checking on me...and the encouragement. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship.
When friends care, all is well......

Relaxed but was busy

Yesterday was the day to do nothing to allow the injections to do their thing. So far so good. Well, I did sprinkle flower seeds in the pond garden and gently sprayed them. For now this will do if they grow be there. I also checked on my Plumeria... I spotted some sprouting. I am so excited. This may be the year I grow one. I did manage to stiffen the earrings twice...

They look great. The gold tone ear wires look perfect.

I also made the May Origami Star...

Little blue flowers on pale blue and dark blue flowers on lighter blue..... April showers bring May flowers. No Robyn, you are not loosing it. I decided to make this instead of the pink...well I made that one also. Enjoyed having you over for muffins and coffee. Hope you are rested after the long walk!
I spent an hour trying to locate 2 special Swarovski beads to make a turtle... not such an easy task. I want them from the same company to assure they are the same color. I wish my LBS had them. I will keep looking.
We are having warm weather with lots of clouds today and tomorrow will be hot again. No wonder my sinuses are going crazy. The AC is still cooling me off.... I know, some people will not turn theirs on. Me, I like comfort. As mentioned, my sinuses do not like what the air can bring in.
So glad to chat with you today..... are you counting? 18 days from today.... Do I have to tell you what is happening???? I do not think so. Thank you for your kind words and emails. Thank you for your friendship.

Flowers, beading and needles

I can not believe it is almost May. These months seem to be disappearing so quickly. It is not that I am so busy...although at times lately I have been busy. I just went out to the garden to check on the Dove...still no sightings of babies. What I did see was another mess of debris. Last night the winds rang my chimes.... haha.

The Prickly Pear Cactus is in bloom...in our courtyard. Actually this is in front of Robyn and Dave's home. Living beneath this large cactus is a bunny warren...that is what it is called. Soon there will be Prickly Pear fruit appearing.

My Guara plant is so pretty... love this shade of pink.... and delicate looking. It is a very overcast day with 50% chance of rain today and looking out to the garden makes up for the lack of sunshine.
Yesterday I decided to sort through beads to make a pair of Russian leaves earrings...

The one on the left (green) is the one made with the Delica beads as recommended and the other is made with regular seed beads. The difference is about 1/2 inch in length and once stiffened will be about the same width. At this size it makes a good pendant as well as an earing. I like big earrings. So now I have to decide if I will make it as an earing. While I am deciding I will go ahead and make the pair I was going to make. I plan to make a bumble bee bead but must get the beads...I now, but I do not have what I need in the cupboard of beads.

These are some of the recent beading needles that I have put to rest. I save them for the February 8th Hari-Kuyo… Festival of Broken Needles:
Hari-kuyo （針供養）is a traditional Japanese festival where people pay tribute to the old and broken needles that have served them the past year, and at the same time pray for better sewing skills. 'Hari' means needle and '-kuyou' means memorial. Most needle-workers are women. The reasons for sewing and praying were given deep thought.
I keep a lot of needles on hand. Either they bend by the end of a project if not sooner or the eyes break. It does not matter what brand or the cost I am very tough on needles.

This is my Plumeria from Hawaii that Dianna and Bobby brought me back this year. I think it just may be growing! The last one died. The very tip is showing "leaf" growth. Dianna checks it when she visits…. hope she is reading and seeing this! It is getting lots of sun and water and misting.
I had a fairly good night sleep and late start (for me)  this morning. I do remind myself that I have no commitments for anything earlier than 10 on any day. This week is clear except for Wednesday when I go for more injections. Now about that...I feel very lucky to receive all your kind words and encouragement. Understand that I do know that many others have more issues than I...   and also that I am not the only one that is working through a loss. I truly am lucky to have a place to speak my mind and heart without judgement. This is my place to record not only my crafts but my thoughts. I do keep a daily diary where I can really put words down to express my heartfelt thoughts. Once someone ( along time back) asked why I do not just write about my crating. She no longer follows me once I told her that this is my blog and I can write as I wish. Oh well. For those of you who visit regularly and comment here or in email, thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your valued friendship. 

Oh Bunny!

A lovely day yesterday. First there was the invite to join Robyn and Dave across the courtyard for breakfast.... cinnamon rolls and coffee. I also had an invite for a luncheon with Glenda and Don and you know that I accepted. We enjoyed our ham and potato salad outside on the patio. The breeze was lovely. Glenda sent me home with  helping of ham for a couple of meals. Yum!   Good friends all day!
But first....as I was leaving my house to take the long walk

this was hanging on my front door..... so there really is an Easter bunny out there. I am sure it travelled from across the courtyard! but no one is admitting anything.

I thought she was cute while in the bag...but she is adorable....and made of string… some kind of string….

Excuse her backside but I wanted you to see.... and she is so soft. She is wearing a knitted vest and carrying violets. Too darn cute!

Currently growing on my kitchen counter is Basil, green onions and white onion and romaine lettuce. They will be soon planted out in the garden...definitely in a tall planter so the visiting bunny will not get to eat them before me. Yes he is still in and out leaving me deposits to clean. Before they can go out there I need to decide if the planter is going to be moved.... that will be Tuesday when the landscaper comes to remove a plant for me from the garden. (It is a Yucca that I am constantly getting cut on.) You did not think I was going to try to move a 36 inch high ceramic planter full of soil did you? Ok, I did think about it.... for a quick moment.
On Saturday evening at 5:30 I went for my MRI and should have results by Tuesday. Finally, maybe, hopefully, then I can start or get treatment for my aching back.

Thank you for the kind words about my latest beading project. Now that I have been looking at it I like the colors.... this is my beading cabinet which I am outgrowing! The top shelf is containers 3 deep. So I do have beads but never the combination that I want.  Or the amount or size...you know how it is for those of us who craft.... no matter what materials we use.
The weather has been in the high 90s and will continue. For now the AC is not on but soon, very soon; unless there is a nice cross breeze in the house.
Well, I hope all of you had a lovely day. I am getting ready to just relax and get the Tylenol. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Busy morning....

I watched the Boston Marathon as I have done for many years before leaving New England. I am always in awe of these athletes … I can barely run across the street! The weather was perfect for them. Here the sun is bright and it is warm and doors are open.... at least until it gets too warm then the fans will be on.
The electrician came this morning.

He installed the security light outside my garage. I will need to check the light angles once it is nightfall. Then I will clean and paint the area from the previous light. When he removed the old light, out scurried a gecko.

Can you spot him? He ran to hide behind the downspout. Not sure where he will be living now.... but most likely will move into the garden where they all come to live.
Yesterday I saw a video on how to bead a round peyote pendant. Why not five it a try, something new. Door bell is ringing...be back asap.
How many people does it take to install a trash can liner? Me to ring Ethel's doorbell to ask to use an electrical outlet, Mark to grind the old rim, Dave to insert the liner, of course I did supervise and then Robyn to carry the hammer back home with Dave.

Was not as difficult as I thought...small; the size of a quarter. Do not pay attention to the colors this was just a learning piece. I would love to learn new projects to bead. Lots of gals have done tape measure covers and such...they look so nice. I like a challenge.

My question to beaders out there...do you need to use a plastic ring in the center?! I will post to one of the bead sites and ask. I will definitely make another but larger.
The temps is already rising (almost noon and 84) so the doors will close and fans on. I am determined to not turn on the AC yet.
Vicki and her husband stopped by the other day to pick up my craft donation to her daughter's school and we took a picture. Stop over to Vicki's blog and see it!
There was swishing and fluffing in the laundry area.... not it will be folding time. Off I go....
Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Lemons and Daffodils

Some days you need to bring the sunshine indoors.... and when I bought these daffodils they are just perfect on this cloudy morning. Then along came Robyn and more sunshine! These lemons are huge....

There are 10 of them and each weighs a pound...I did weigh them! I will be slicing them and then freezing them for use in my iced water drinks. I will also cut a few into wedges for cooking and for jesting.

Thank you Manda for sharing with your mom who shared with me.

These Daffies are so full....but I must admit that as much as I love them I hate their fragrance. So in the kitchen they will stay. So many flowers blooming around me outside...

Bottle Brush tree in front of my house

Bougainvillea at the courtyard entrance

Slow moving this morning. These morning headaches are becoming almost daily. I keep telling myself that it is the weather.... I do not need an additional issue to deal with right now. 

Rabbit Rabbit....today is April 1st.... and it is my cousin Freddie's birthday. March certainly got lost. Days are flying and I feel rushed. Not that I want time to stand still but I would like time to be at a slower pace for now. For today it will be kept slow... new month, new plans to make. Glad we had time to chat. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.