Flowers and tea pots

 I know.! another post so soon. Well I just must show off one of the rose bushes in the Rose Garden

One bush... Fragrant Cloud is what the tag names it. We pick almost daily and the fragrance is unbelievable. There are so many buds waiting to catch some sun.

I keep at least 2 or 3 blooms in my bedroom. Today one from that bush and the pink from Chicago Peace

Tomorrow a yellow might be ready. Love having fresh flowers in the home. Sometimes though fabric ones appear

This is Hydrangeas from Fabled Flowers by Kumiko Sudo. I love Japanese origami flower folding and I have this book as well as her book Omiyage. I just made 2 dolls from that book and forgot to take pictures before giving them away.  I plan to make another and will be sure to take a photo.  Still trying to decide on the next fabric origami to do. 

For years my needles was busy with counted cross stitch. Now my interests have taken a turn to hand sewing as I did when I was a child. It is good to have more than one interest. I also finished

the Tea Pot table topper, except for the edging. The pattern called for bias binding edge. Finding the best color seems to be difficult. I may just do a hand stitched edge. For now it sits on the dining table. 

The Las Vegas adventure produced many pictures. So, I will add one when I post.

The three amigos wandering the streets of Vegas...l-r....me, Dianna and Marissa

Always nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Mr. Lincoln

 A nice day so far.... 

This is the beauty of the Firecracker Bush in the winter. the leaves turn a beautiful bronze. The berries are gone as the birds came for them. Soon Alan will cut this back and in Spring it will begin all over again.  It does not have to be cut back but it is easier to control the height and width this way. the garden is still with some bloom...

Mr. Lincoln is a rose for all time! It is still blooming and just look at the center of this rose..... like 3 roses in one! The fragrance is wonderful. I prefer not to have any bloom die on the bush instead I prefer to have them in a vase to be enjoyed. Somehow I can not seem to cut this one.

Today will be do very little day...not a good sleep and my aches are really painful today.  Napping just may happen today. I wish you could smell this rose but at least you can admire it in all it's glory. Glad you stopped by to chat. Time for a second cup of coffee. 

Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Be kind to all today and share a smile. some of us have off days and need this.

A finished project~

 Finally sat at the sewing/craft table. What should have taken maybe an hour took much longer. My hand is still not flexible..... dexterity is limited still. 

It is looking so good but the scab/dry skin around the incision is sore and causing stiffness. the good news is that I started therapy Wednesday. I will have 4 weeks and home exercises....6 of them to do daily. When out and about I will wear a cotton hand sleeve to protect it. 

So what about the project? 

A Continuous needle and thread holder..... design by Carolyn Foley.

The pouch area (where the needle threader is) holds a spool of thread and on the felt are 5 threaded needles. When you want to use one, simply take out the needle and just pull the thread through and cut off where you ned it leaving the other 4 needles threaded. Now, when needing more thread, instead of threading the needle repeat by pulling out the next needle and continue sewing. Put the first needle back on the felt. the only time to re-thread is when all needles are empty. Nifty....right.

A Yo-yo is sewn to each side as the piece is rolled and secured. I definitely will be making some to send off here and there. Maybe now with the therapy and stretching the hand I will be able to be creative again sooner than not.

A few weeks ago Lisa and I were talking about rings. Specifically that we each wanted a thumb ring. Alan chimed in with ...."okay, go and get them". Well you did not have to tell us twice! 

We bought them and they needed to be sized. Mine came in but we are still waiting for Lisa's. I will show hers as soon as it is on her finger. Meantime, I love wearing mine. Alan spoils us. 

The rose garden is doing well. One day they will all bloom at the same time. This is Chicago Peace Rose. Hard to see but it has a tinge of yellow with the pink. Glad you visited and chatted today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

And...that's a re-wrap

 

The original surgical wrap has been falling apart. Partly due to the swelling gone down and it becoming loose and then that fall. When I fell I scraped the tape and gauge which tore the tape. Yesterday Doctor Alan took it apart and look at what a great job he did. The tape around the wrist was so tight that my wrist swelled a little. The blood dried gauge covering the stitches rubbed and that hurt. Now it feels good. 

This is a modified Zig Zag cut. My thumb is still very sore and a bit black and blue and of course the stitched area is very sore. Still on schedule to remove stitches on Tuesday. I have been trying to use the hand and keep the fingers loose. I cannot wait to put it into nice warm water and properly wash my hand! 

Yesterday Alan worked in the garden. We now have the start of a wonderful Rose Garden....4 roses.

Alan pans to put annuals around the area. Mr Lincoln is red and the lighter green leaves, behind it is a deep yellow, next to it in the back is a coral and front right is the Peace Rose. Hard to believe but Murphy has not bothered with the garden  now that there is no fence. 

 

This climbing rose is the Lady Banks and is a creamy white small rose.  this trellis is over by the fountain. Yet to see any blooms but it is looking healthy. 

Do you see it? There is a bloom...on the Snail  Vine! The plan is to train it on  a trellis. Alan removed the arbor which was over by the rose garden. He is redesigning the garden.  He is doing a great job and has learned a lot. 

I will leave you with a picture of our little boy..

This a favorite activity...pushing his nose through the gate sniffing the air. Always on the lookout for a passing Quail....who seem to stay clear of the area since Murphy moved in. Glad you visited today. thank you for the kind words and emails. thank you for your friendship.

More art and a rose

 Goodness..... I just went out to the garden to take these pictures and what a windy mess. the clouds have rolled in too. Alan hung the other sculptures we bought....

Alan chose the cactus with its bright colors and I fell in love with the lizard also bright and they add cheer to the side of the house. 

While nearby Mr Lincoln has opened its first rose of the season. I never pick the first one but I am anxiously waiting for the next one. I mentioned before that this was Dennis' favorite rose. The bush is full of buds!

 Alan and I just had to  have this once we spotted it. ... and we knew just where she would go. Is it not just.... wonderful. She and her 4 birds are rust treated metal. 

the cut out areas bring dimension to a flat piece. Sprinkles are starting to fall. The wind is starting to whip things around. Leaves and tree droppings from everywhere. Music from the chimes sounds wonderful.

Alan and I have a quick errand then it will be back home with my foot elevated. Yes, the pain in my right heel/ankle is going to be checked tomorrow morning.  I was glad to find a podiatrist close by and get an appointment so quickly. 

There might be some activity around the craft/sewing table later. So nice to have a visit with you. thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

I don't like John Wayne

Another hot day today expected -- low 100s. Murphy and I try to walk before 10am and although still very warm it is better than later when it is hot. We generally walk around 7pm when the sun has begun to set enough to give us shade along the walk. Right now he was trying to be with Alan and Lisa as both are getting ready to go to work but are in different areas... so he is under the desk while I am here.
Went for the CT Scan yesterday. I was in and out in 15 minutes. The doctor will have results by Tuesday. When we finished there, Lisa and I went to the quilt store where of course we found just the right fabric for her to make her last 2 pillowcase gifts and I found

I love the yellow print and as I said I never liked John Wayne but Alan does so I made this one for him. The cuff is really nicely printed with him. It is hard to see but the trim is a "wood" grain print. I also found just the right prints for my apron. Hope to work on that today.
You would think with all this heat the garden would have issues.... only a few plants are not happy. Just look at the Mr Lincoln Rose..

It keeps sending out roses and now is taller than Alan who reaches around 5"8" ! There are buds here and there waiting to show-off. I chose this rose in memory of Denny..it will be 3 years tomorrow that he is gone. So happy to have roses for that day.
Chores await me. That House Fairy  did not come today so I better get to the tasks at hand. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Into the garden

It  is a lovely day outside. Just finished walking the shark around my bedroom, bed made and ready for the day. There are morning dishes in the sink so that is next. Murphy is napping across the room from me but watching me as he does.
Alan released the critters into the garden when he came in from work...

into the Mr. Lincoln Roses

into one of the coleus plants

Of course he put them in many plants but these were the ones I could find at the moment I took the pictures. Now to hope they stay around and grow and munch on mites and aphids. 

Yesterday I baked a chocolate Bundt cake and that was desert last night after Turkey soup. Tonight's meal is still in the thought file. Well, that is about my report today.
Another headache (light thank goodness) day so Advil and relaxing is in order. I have been remaining home except for walking Murphy or as Monday to the doctor. Stay home, wash your hands frequently and be safe. Good chatting with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Murphy's close encounter

What fantastic weather we are having. Sitting outside and enjoying the garden.

We have almost finished this corner of the garden...remember, this is where the pond was. Alan has done a fantastic job and much of what he had to do he had not done before. We have more to plant but this is what we just bought

This lavender rose is a Barbra Streisand rose. The fragrance is soft and lovely. Lisa and I will be getting a few more roses to plant in this area along the wall.

Lisa also helped with the demolition one morning while still in pajamas! Yes, she used the electric hammer!!! In our own way each of us is accomplishing this garden make over. We will not mention Murphy!
Speaking of Murphy, the other day at 3pm we decided to go for a walk. We no sooner started when coming out of the next driveway was a young coyote. What was Murphy doing? Barking at it of course. The coyote stopped to look then began to walk away and Murphy kept calling him. I spotted Alan just coming around the corner up ahead. I was struggling with Murphy who wanted to follow the coyote and I was pointing to the coyote. Alan knew I wanted something so as he stopped to back up in order to pull over he spotted the coyote in the rearview mirror. Quickly got out of the car and put Murphy and me into the car. By now Murphy was so excited to see Alan that the other issue was forgotten. Never a dull moment around here.
Hope everyone is coping okay with all that is happening. I must admit to feeling a little anxious along with not feeling quite myself. Alan and Lisa are still working and Murphy and I, well, you can use your imagination to how our days are. He is napping in the middle of the living room.
At the moment, there is bread baking and filling the kitchen with wonderful aroma. On the stove/counter are the preparations for Escarole and beans for dinner tonight. Murphy helped attacked the mop while I washed the floors and every so often goes to the kitchen to check on the smells. No ambition to be creative recently but that is okay. Sitting outside each day relaxing is what I must need. So glad you stopped by to chat. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the concern for me with emails...I am okay. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. Please take care of yourself and remain home as much as possible. 

Fire Stick in bloom

Fiore Stick or Sticks on Fire plant is a succulent and when in bloom it is bright orange. I just found out it can be toxic.... the specimen I have is quite large and to contain it, it is in  large pot. I guess watching Murphy while outside to make sure he does not prune it is going to be a challenge.
Speaking of the little devil…. he has finally learned how to vocalize that he wants to go out and do some gardening.

He removed this hand shovel from the garden and thought he would take it inside...right! I did find one never used for him to garden with and he is delighted that he has it inside.

Put it in the basket...take it out. He keeps himself busy. There shall be toys strewn about forever. Like any little person he does prefer to play with a box of any size and any paper that he can shred.

I finally caught him on camera drinking out of the fountain. What a character Murphy is! He is just what I needed.
I just received a call from the quilt shop....the pattern I ordered is in and tomorrow I will run out to get it. I cannot wait to start this project. Obviously I will not be able to sit on the floor as I would to sort the fabric out.
The last of the Mr. Lincoln Roses has bloomed...

The color was deep and the fragrance wonderful.... and it opened fully. Does anyone else hate to toss out a rose when it is finished? I did save the first few... the petals. Dennis would love this.
I have baking to do this weekend. Lisa is feeling better.... but, Dianna's sister Debbie still needs your caring thoughts as does Dianna. It has been very stressful for her. Our blog friend Vickie could really use your special thoughts. Her furbaby Henry is not well. Hopefully the vet will be able to help. This is a hard time of year for many of us and when things go off kilter it becomes so difficult. I am wishing that all of you have a less stressful holiday. Let us keep one another in our thoughts. Since my mornings can be busy now, evening posts will do.
Glad you had some time to visit. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

A chicken and a spider

The weather has been absolutely wonderful...sit outside with morning coffee and sliders open all day. I know…. in other parts of the country it is cold and dreary.... but this is why I moved here.

Do you see her? A patchwork chicken in the kitchen garden! Of course the show stopper is the Mr Lincoln rose bush...just look at all the blooms. The fragrance is wonderful. In the top picture is the chive and basil pot, the bottom is the tomato that is growing very strong and soon will need a support. There are flowers already. All in all it is growing well and we have been able to use the herbs in cooking.

Look carefully....I did not see it when I took the picture but there is an ugly spider in the rose! He can remain as long as he keeps the bugs away!
Not anything to show for being creative... just not happening right now.  It is not for a lack of things to create, it is just me myself and I not interested at the moment. Soon.....
How about an update on dear friends Don and Glenda... Don is doing well at the moment as is Glenda but please continue to keep them in your thoughts. Okay, time to get back out to the lanai and listen to Sarah Brightman.... Alan hooked up Dennis' electronics so we have music out there...next will be the TV. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words.... thank you for your friendship.

A Rose for Dennis

A beautiful morning....enjoyed a coffee outside on the front porch with The Brother Alan... he just left for work. Once a few chores are complete then I will be ready to return to the outdoors myself. We have been enjoying watching the football games out on the lanai on Sundays. Alan will be home in  time for the evening game.

The roses are opening...a few at a time. The fragrance is wonderful.

I picked this one to bring inside to enjoy. The living room filled with the delightful fragrance. This was Denny's favorite rose and he would absolutely love this.

This has fully opened this morning. All is well in the garden.
Guess I should say that my crafting fingers have been in hiding... have not been able to find interest. Maybe soon? We all have those times when interest disappears.... waiting for it all to return.  The house has become settled with the addition of Lisa and Alan...some changes made and routines added. All is good. Nice to have you stop by. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Busy is busy

Goodness, it is a very chilly morning. The temp is reading at 50 outside....I have socks on my feet! The sun will hopefully get things warmed up outside. Yesterday the Kitchen Garden was finished... at least for now.

The large planter has a patio tomato and parsley with the mum. The smaller planter has chives and basil with the petunias.

The 2 year old oregano was moved just a bit over to make room. In the Spring I will plant another vine for the archway to the left of the oregano.

There is a small plater of mint...not going to put it into the ground where it will take over the garden!
Right next to it is a special plat...a Mr. Lincoln Rose. It was a favorite rose for me and Denny. So in his memory there is one in the garden that he loved  and took care of daily. For now this completes the Kitchen Garden.

This fuchsia plant is Dragons Breath in the cobalt planter it looks great. As it fill out, if there is room I will add a small plant I the front.

Do you remember the huge rosemary plat that did not make the move to another garden spot? This is a replacement...starting small as the other did because if it takes off it will need the room.
That is what was accomplished yesterday. Today is a new day.... but I will make it a relaxing day. I am sure it will warm up and the sitting outside is the plan.

Looking ahead but looking back

I look at this rose from the flowers Lu and Stan sent...I see such beauty but also deep thought. The lavender of this rose is more beautiful than this picture shows.....A new month today and I am trying to look ahead and move forward. Not yet my mind tells me....looking back is preferred. So many wonderful memories of times long ago and also in the not too past. Forgetting the most recent memories because they are too painful. I know that they are also important but I must file them away for now so that I can move forward because I must move forward. All that I could take care of has been done and now it is a waiting game of sorts for things to fall into place and until they are all in place I remain in this limbo. This morning I looked out to the yard and thought ---- oh my, Denny would have a conniption if he looked out here. The trash barrel is in view, debris not yet swept up and disarray everywhere. then I remind myself that it is just too hot to deal with it.  I could go out at 6 am to clean but not enough ambition yet to do this. No, instead I will lazily putt about the house stopping in between the straightening up and my needlework. I remembered how to use the stereo system so maybe some music for company. I guess I did pay attention when he showed me. Still have one phone receiver not working...someone suggested it may need a battery. I thought we had an extra battery someplace. So many things I still have to figure out or find. A bright note, yesterday a hummingbird came to the new feeder....and he has been there a few times this morning again.

It is just outside the kitchen window so I can easily see it. The other 2 are still in place, one in the Sweet Memory tree in the backyard and the other out the front living room window. I do have to move the new one and hang it higher and out of the mid-day sun. That will require the ladder, a drill and a hook as well as "s'' hook extensions which will be a ride to Ace or Home Depot and that is not today. Time for my coffee and corn muffins just out of the oven. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words, emails and cards. Most of all thank you for the caring friendship that you share with me.

A different needle in hand

I decided that I could not decide on what to stitch next... my dilemma of looking for a project. So I found this yarn in a bag on the top shelf of the craft closet...

It is Interlacements Rick-Rack yarn and the pattern is Fan and Feather Shawl. I bought this yarn years ago and forgot about it. It is a rayon blend. I do enjoy knitting every now and again. The pattern came with the yarn and I am not sure of the name of the color way..... but it is bright and pretty to me. Somewhere on that same shelf is another lace project...might look into that one of these days. My oh my did we have strong winds yesterday and last night.... Mr H was sure to secure the yard things. Today is beginning with lots of clouds and the temp will be cooler today. Mr H has an appointment today with a spine surgeon to check out how much change has occurred in his disc issues. It sometimes seems like a never ending cycle. Sorry, did not mean to sound complaining....maybe it's because the sun is not shinning this morning...maybe another cup of coffee....Let's change the subject, shall we? On Saturday Mr H and I visited a Rose Garden ...

many pretty roses. We have been there many times. We looked, we stole a sniff here and there and found a few that we really liked like this one...

The softness of it's look and gentle color...there were missing name placards so I do not know what this is except very pretty. We also stopped by the garden nearby at the library.....

where we met up with this fellow...I had hoped he would display his magnificent tail feathers, but no, he preferred to stare at me. There were many hens around but this was the only male that I spotted. They were resting under various bushes so I am sure they were there also watching us. Not to be out done with the blooms...

the Prickly Pear Cacti are just so lovely this time of year....I love how they have that waxy look and full of pollen for the bees. This display is at the end of our street...

there is a  bunny hutch beneath this massive planting. The Quail also hide inside and occasionally the Roadrunner can be found there. It is a generally safe haven for the bunnies against the hunting coyotes. Well my friends, and I do thank you for your friendship and kind words, that is about it for today....glad you stopped by. Hope you have a wonderful day.