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. 

A bear, a wreath and a dress

Finally finished the June SAL...

I had a "bear" of a time with it, seriously...I started the bear twice thinking I knew how to count and finally the third time it worked. See the bees...let's not go there. Then I worked up the crocheted with beads trim into a wreath...

This is the trim I made in the white with pearl beads. I thought since it is so flexible why not a wreath.... voila! I plan to make a few to send out... my first Christmas ornament. I really like the pattern for this trim and it is simple to do even on the go or in my case while waiting at the hospital on Friday for Mr H. This trim really has many possibilities. My books that I ordered have arrived, except for one of them...I bought one for Penny Rugs and Smocking and both are very good. In the meantime while waiting for the third one which is still in the PA facility... I decided to make this..

Using one of my vintage handkerchiefs and origami folds I have a lovely dress. I mounted it in a "floating" frame and this way the back can also be seen...

I added a bit of netting and covered that with lace so the back is as pretty as the front and besides, it covers the folds. I think pattern on the hanky was so perfect for the design. I tried a couple of others and they just did not look so pretty. Today I will gather some threads and kit up the Bee Happy project and get ready to start another crocheted wreath. The weather is expected to be even hotter this weekend..."excessive heat watch" is what they are saying...above 115. Soon we will be back into the Monsoon season with rains thunder and lightening storms. So, I will be staying indoors with the air on and my stitching on my lap. So nice to have you visit with me today. Thank you for you friendship and kind words...have a wonderful day.

I think or not....

On Sunday I turned on my computer to find that it automatically updated to Windows 10. So, I thought well okay. Well so far, it took me some time to find my pictures, and now it is suggesting that my browser for the blog is unsupported and may result in unexpected behavior?!? I just tried to download pictures (first time since Sunday) and it did not perform and I had stupidly erased them from the computer.... so if you should find my pictures floating around please send them back to me. Luckily they were only progress stitching pictures and some back yard flowers so nothing really important lost. I am not even sure this will post! I have worked on the June SAL calendar piece, and more on the  Needle Punch fish. I am really feeling confidant with the Needle Punch now. I will start one of the patterns while sitting in the hospital with Mr...surgery is June 3rd. It seemed like we had weeks to go for this and now it is right here! I guess I will try the picture download again...and maybe again...I will get this and not let W10 win. Thank you for your friendship and kind words and for visiting with me today....enjoy your day.
This is a test...

It worked...my Southwest wall! I think I am winning with W10...maybe I should not be so bold

Valley of the Sun...not today

Storm warnings fro last evening that did not happen but this is today...and a bit cooler at 71 degrees. I do not mind...it has been hot so a nice break. Mr H and I had our PCP visit yesterday....his BP is a bit low and mine is a bit high...so I will be having lab work. HIs pre-surgical labs came back okay so that is good. I would make this a pajama day except I need to pick up a few prescriptions.

Even without the sunshine this quartet of pots brightens up the spot. Marigolds and Zinnias....there are lovely blooms inside as well...

The Cyclamen is so velvety pretty this morning. I have made a start on June....

It seems to be going slow...but it is me going slow with my mind causing distractions....it is all over the place! I have yet to get into the sewing room and do some finishes. And now that I am here at the computer, I am reminded of so many notes here on the desk...some for crafting some for appointments and some I have no clue. I need to write a note following what I write to explain what I wrote.....neverthemind. Well, I guess it is time to remove the towels from the dryer and get back to my stitching chair and ... oh I hear the sweet sound of the hummingbird in the yard.....yet another distraction! So happy to have you visit today. Thank you for your friendship and kind words, have a great day without too many distractions!

A little crocheting

I had seen this on Facebook and thought to give it a try...

It is from the site http://design-peak.com/crochet-mini-flower-string/ posted by Patricia Mae Anthony in English as the original is not. The sample on the left is using Aunt Lydia Classic 10 and hook size 6 and the right is DMC Cebelia 30 and hook size 12. These Boye hooks I have had since childhood when I learned to crochet around hankies and the cost (stamped on the back of the hook) was 10 cents! There are so many possibilities for using this trim. By the way, the Doves are finally gone....although we have seen a couple of younger ones in/out of the yard. A friend of mine is going to assist me with my Punch needle attempts next week....yeah! I am determined to learn this. I mean really, it is not like I have nothing else to do. Today I will start the June piece from the Snowflower Diaries SAL....a bear with bees. I know I said that the shawl was going to be finished...just a bit more to go. Mr H still thinks I am making a blanket! I had planned to do some sewing to complete a couple of projects last evening, but when I put out the recycling, a box slipped from my grasp and you guessed it, a nifty cut on my left thumb. Lots of anti-biotic cream and Band-Aids and it is much better today. Just a minute there seems to be lots of chatting in the yard. I can not believe my eyes...there is another Cove moving into the same planter as the last nest! Mr H is not going to like this on bit. I must go and check out what is going on...glad you stopped by. Thank you for your friendship and kind words...have a good day.

Storm, birds and cucumbers and May

April showers ...April certainly went away with a rain storm....and today

we have a very cloudy start to the day. I do think the sun will pop out soon. We had been out yesterday and on our way home when the lightening and rain started and then the thunder....when Arizona has a storm it really goes all out. We certainly need all the rain we can get. Not sure what the skies hold for us today, but it is definitely cooler right now. This seems to be a good day to get some finishing done. How about an update on Mr & Mrs Dove.

It is amazing how birds tend to their nests. Every day the male sits in the nest and as evening approaches the female takes her position and he is off. Briefly yesterday there was no one guarding the nest so Mr H got a chance to check and there are twins! I have not seen the morning switch only the nighttime.

  Recently we have a Raven who has taken to our Ficus tree...

He is very loud and chatty. There were 2 of them in a courtship in the courtyard the other morning so maybe they too want to start a family here! Just what we need....they can lay up to 7 eggs! We seem to be attracting all of them this year.

May SAL is complete and on display. I am enjoying these monthly designs. The spacing of the releases (the 10th day of the month before) are just right. Someone from the group posted her finish in a great frame set up from Ikea...I think I would like to find it. We do have an Ikea  but I may just go on-line instead. It is a flip system and has 12 frames.
Look what I found this morning

I gently lifted the cucumber vine and there are a couple already growing. Okay, I know it is just about there. There are 4 vines so I do hope we find more. Everything in our garden is growing so well this year. Mr H is very pleased. Once the summer heat starts it will be a different story. I think one of the reasons the plants do well is that Mr H draws off some of the pond water when he cleans it and then uses that to water the plants. All that fish stuff is great fertilizer. I guess that about covers it. So glad you could spend some time with me....thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.

Good news....not so good, maybe

Thank you my friends for the nice comments yesterday. After writing the post about the Finch nest, we kept an eye out...distantly of course. Finally I heard the familiar chatter of the Finch! But, I only heard one not the usual two exchanging chatter. From inside the garage looking into the backyard I can see the nest and the rest of the yard. There was the male House Finch calling out to the babies and I could see heads popping up. When he approached them they chattered back to him. No female around and the male came to feed the babies. We felt relieved! They had several visits from the dad but no momma. She stayed with them when she was here but he goes off. They do have feathers and very long legs.... so I guess they are going to be okay. The Dove nest is still being monitored by the momma who hardly leaves. How silly I was to be so concerned. These are not the first nests we have had and they will not be the last so I guess we had better try to remain neutral....I do not think we can. My plans today are to stitch and knit...bet you are surprised. The May SAL.....

has lovely colors. I am glad I decided to join in. If you are not familiar, check out Snowflower Diaries to read about it.
 I think I may start the cross stitch that I kitted up.

I like to have a variety of choices to work on.  I have had the booklet for these little purses for quite a long time but never made any.  Everything is at the ready in my basket so today will be a start day. Have you seen the newest DMC release ? It is called Coloris and there are 24 variegated threads. I have not seen them in the local places but they can be bought on line for $39.00 for the set and some small patterns are included. If anyone orders them let us know how they are. I am going to try not to send for them.  Well as always it is so nice that you stopped by. I thank you for your friendship and kind words. Enjoy your day.

Easter Treasure Hunt Blog Hop

Now that is a long title! but once again Jo has organized us in the blog hop....

This is my post this year. She is the cover for my sewing machine and has been with me for over 20 years. Her apron tends to become a catch all for items and every so often I put them where they belong. She holds a cute little sewing basket that was given to me many many years ago which I thought would be cute for her to hold. I love the Daisy Kingdom fabric that is her dress material. My special letter for this event is ---- E and your next visit should be to visit with http://ramblingsofabiscornuaddict.blogspot.com/  .

I completed my Snowflower Diaries April SAL this morning and here it is

ready for April to start. This will be the frame that I will use to switch out the piece each month. I am enjoying this monthly project and look forward to starting the next design. Mr H and I do not have any plans this weekend... I know he bought a nice roast to cook for Sunday. We really do not follow any of the traditions from years ago...pretty much whatever is our theme. We live a very relaxed lifestyle. I still have not figured out what project I will start next.... that in itself is a project! Me myself and I will certainly have to get down to business and sort this out. Must have needle in hand. Well my friends, and I do thank you for your friendship and kind words, I am so happy to have chatted with you. Have a wonderful Easter celebration and a great day.





 

On Hatch Watch...

As of yesterday there were no new eggs...

so we are officially on hatch watch. If all goes according to the book, this could be around the first week of April. Mrs Finch spends all her time in the nest leaving for only very short times. I am not sure where the Mr is .... can you see her head poking up? I have been stitching...

stitching for both front and back of the pin keep is complete. Now on to finishing and waiting for the next part. The other parts include: skein holder, tape measure cover and waxer bag. Just have to wait.... Now I will concentrate on Snowflower SAL which is coming along with not much left to do. I found a new frame for the series and painted it this weekend so I will curious to see if the color I chose will be okay. Still have not sat at my sewing machine...maybe today as I have no other plans. However, by afternoon me and the tissue box are almost inseparable. When will this nose feel better! So Spring has arrived and so has a snow storm for my family/friends on the East Coast. Hard to brag about the fact that our temps today should be around 90....but I know only too well how the weather back there can be. We have a shrub in our front yard...

and it is starting to bloom lovely white flowers....not sure of the name but is  pretty to look at. This is the first time that it has bloomed since I have been living here. It certainly has been nice to chat with you...thank you for your friendship and kind words....hope you have a great day.

Progress and the number 3

I know this is why you are here...another egg bringing the count to 3. They are a light blue/green with little markings on them. Mr H and I are trying to limit the walking around the area when she is in the nest which is more than before. Once the plants under the shelf are watered we stay clear.  We are lucky there are a few ways to get around the yard and plants. I have been stitching....

I switch off from the SAL to the pin keep and do rest the hand in between. I think they may be stitched by the Monday....and then I can devote more time to the sewing table...

all the pieces are cut and ready for sewing.  The ironing board is up and the iron at ready...just need to fit it in. I seem to be easily distracted lately. A bit of dust in the attic I think.....well my friends, I am so lucky to have your friendship and thank you for the kind words. Have a wonderful day.

Construction update

If they think they are building a mansion, they are sadly off course. The House Finch couple are still adding to the nest....

now if you are thinking that it does not look too different from the last picture, you are correct, but it is the inside they are working on...the exterior is definitely shabby chic. By the time they move in..... in the meantime, I have started 2 construction projects---well, not exactly.

I am working on side 2 of the pin keep and just started April from the Snowflower Diaries SAL. Did not get as much accomplished yesterday due to sinus issues and a cat nap. Today seems promising. Did you remember to set your clocks ahead...

I always hated this practice...always fearful of not remembering and being late...of course now that I have no place to be early in the morning, I do not have to perform this task...So, if you are on the East Coast, we are now 3 hours apart.....note to family and friends in Rhode Island! Oh dear...I think I spoke too soon about the declining sinus issue.....if you will excuse me, thank you for your friendship and kind words, but I must sit with the tissue box...hope you have a good day.

Peacock and Snails in my garden

With all the wildlife we have, we do not have real snails, but we do have a Snail Vine

and after a winter's rest is beginning to send blooms.....and my favorite color too. They are so unique....It did get a bit of cold damage but after a trim it seems to be anxious to pop out all over. Hopefully it will once again cover the arbor. As for the peacock...

side A is complete and I have started on side B. The colors are off from the original design due to using DMC instead of Weeks threads but I do like how it looks. I just did not want to purchase the 10 different thread colors. This could be called a Mystery Project as I do not know what the next 3 parts are. Speaking of surprise stitching, I am waiting for April of the Snow Flower Diaries SAL to be released today. Fabric at the ready! I am also using DMC instead of Gentle Arts threads; and it is nice that many of the colors are carried into the next design adding a couple of new ones each time. Are you ready for the time change? Of course we in Arizona do not change the clocks forward or back, but my family and friends back in New England do....we will be 3 hours earlier here starting this weekend. Since I am always on my own time clock metally...it is good that I do not have to "Spring forward/Fall back" don't you think! I have already done 2 laundries and checked on the House Finch nest and fed the Hummingbirds...time to return to stitching and another cup of coffee. Great having you stop by. Thank you for your friendship and kind words....enjoy your day.

 

The Un Birthday Celebration

Okay...someone said everyday is an Un-Birthday...well, for me it is my birthday not yours, so then it is an Un-Birthday for you

What better way than with Alice's Tea Party. Here is how it works... on this post only (so I can keep track) leave me a note why you would like to "attend my party". From this I will choose a name and that person will get a gift from me. Now my party is February 3rd so you must leave your comment no later than the 3rd. Simple as that. This is the last year I can say I am in my 60's...brrrr, chills to think that.  Moving on.....

I have finished February SAL...this is a pop in out frame (that is what I have decided because of the simple back construction) You may be asking what about January? I can explain.... by the time I got everything organized and my hand cooperated, the February chart was almost getting released. So I had completest the outline border and put it aside and now I will work on it .... I just did not want to rush to get February ready for the month to display. And besides, The Brother Alan is coming...have I mentioned that? I may not get mush stitching accomplished.  I have managed to get the guest room/sewing room in order....moved things out, clear some closet hanging space left some space for charging the phone etc.....freshly changed the bed..... now to add some supplies. I always make up a bag of personal supplies (tooth paste and floss and disposable brushes) of course some chocolate for him (runs in the family---the love of chocolate) and the a few other things.... less for him to pack. Not that I am keeping a count but it is only 10 days to arrival. the temps this week are to be around 68-70 and I hope that continues to the next week also. I have been out of bed since 2 AM and I think I need to nap....it is still dark out after all. So, I will be off to find a pillow. Thank you for your friendship and kind words....have a great day.

And it is still raining

We are in the 3rd day of rains....most of the time it stops mid day. I do not mind the rain except it can cause havoc on the roadways. It so seldom really rains that people forget how to drive and forget that because we hardly have rain the roads are slippery. Oh well, I do not have to leave the house (that  I know of) so I will sit and stitch and drink hot tea today. I snapped this picture the other day....

this bee just had a grand ole time in the marigold...he will not be around for the next few days. I am sure he is hiding and keeping dry. I managed to complete Singing Pin Bird...

Keep a green tree in your heart....
and perhaps a singing bird will come. I am pleased with the stitching...the finishing was a bit finicky, but it did turn out okay. I wish I had more of this linen and I do not know name or color but it suits this bird. Yesterday I picked up linen to start my January calendar piece from the Snowflower  Diaries SAL. I am missing one DMC thread as I forgot to get it while at Jo Ann's...I think I will substitute for another green. I chose a darker linen and hope to be able to use it for all 12 months. Nothing fancy or expensive.

I bought a Hyacinth and it will have to be content this morning with light from the lamp...I think it will be purple...anyway, I will enjoy waiting for it to open. Twenty days and The Brother Alan will be here....but who is counting! Right now I need a cup of coffee and something to keep my stomach from yelling. I am so glad to have you visit. Thank you for your friendship and kind words....have a wonderful day.
PS: It is almost time for my Un Birthday! So be sure to watch for it.

Red sunrise

A shock of red sky

starts an overcast Sunday

Waiting for the sun

 

I just love the morning and evening skies...they can change in a blink of an eye. I have joined a new SAL...from The Snowflower Diaries. I am deciding on the fabric...I am hoping to get more stitching on Singing Bird today.

 



One side finished except for the heart which I will stitch on later. I really like this piece of linen...from who knows where and what. It is a fairly quick stitch so today should be the day for the next piece. This has been in my pattern collection for about a year or so...why did I wait to do it? I love the colors and of course it has beads......

and lavender threads. I am using DMC threads. I need to get a piece of Buckram for my bell pull, I will get that tomorrow after I drop Mr H off at PT. I am still deciding on what to do about a hanger. Gee, my New Year has started off pretty busy. I am now in count down until The Brother Alan arrives on the 27th. I look forward to his yearly visits. This is the first time he will be coming in the "winter", however, it is still nothing like his New England winters. Our weather has been a little cool. We have some tentative plans but we go with the day kind of plans. My stomach is telling me I need to provide it with food, so I guess I will say thank you for visiting with me. I am so lucky to count you as my friend...have a great day. 

Yesterday's Secret Valentine was lots of fun. My Valentine was from Wagapapa Creations...all the way from Spain. Cucki received this one from me....

Jo hosted this fun project and is already planning our next adventure. It was nice to meet some new friends.

I finished my SAL hosted by Lee but did not want to push into yesterday's fun...so here it is. I dyed the linen...32ct with beet juice. The stitching was done with DMC 603.




I added a few flowers and used the Honeycomb stitch....but I could not pull the stitches tightly because it left holes. But I like the way the pearl beads look on it.

I edged it with narrow grograin ribbon in a matching pink that I found in my ribbon box. Holding the habger in place is a pearl topped pin. I really like how it turned out.

I hope everyone had a nice day yesterday. Mr H bought me some candy and a beautiful card. It doesn't take much to please either of us after all these years. I think it is time to call the doctor as my back is still hurting me to the point of feeling very distracted. Ialso must get my haircut. I am so used to keeping it short, that a little over do is too much. So, it may be a busy day today. Hope you are having a great day. Thank you for visiting with me and welcome to my new friends.