Just muddling along~~~

muddling

[ˈməd(ə)liNG]

NOUN

1. the action or process of bringing something into a disordered or confusing state.

   "the muddling of fact and fiction is a tried-and-true tactic of totalitarian regimes" ·
   

   [more]
2. the action or process of mixing a drink or stirring an ingredient into a drink.

   "the muddling helps ensure that all the flavors are well blended"

ADJECTIVE

1. confusing.

   "the map is a muddling haze, with place names in German, Russian, Polish, and Lithuanian"

Yup, just one of those weeks. However, let's think the second noun definition..... sounds more fun. I do love a Mojito and have a nice muddler..... anyway, my week has been a bit off. Feeling lazy is one description. Do not misunderstand....the Shark swam around the abode, the Swiffer flew about and there was swishing in the laundry area. I enjoyed the Fountain antics of the hummer bathing and how busy the area remains... very distracting but a good distraction. It had been hot so being outdoors was not an option so enjoying the entertainment from my comfy chair was nice. I read a little.... and then picked up my Mill Hill project...

I stitched most of the corner and all of the pink in the sky. Many of the blank areas will be covered with beads...love adding beads to a project. Remember the view? Well that was not the only issue to distract me. I began watching a movie while stitching... not the best idea. When the movie ended I decided to have a second cup of coffee.... as I sat to stitch again I noticed some of the Xs were not where they should be. So, snip and pull out... that is when I noticed I was having another issue.

Notice anything? Let me tell you then.... the tip is broken on one side! So when I tied to use it to pull threads it was not working! Since the floor in my room is carpeted I have not a clue as to how the tip broke. But....

these fine ladies have volunteered to assist me. They are so cute... I have a "blonde" gal too but she must be with a project. I am sure one of these days she will appear as I am clearing my stash. The DM floss is done. Now onto the next area. When it is hot outside the garage is just a bit cooler, even with the large floor fan on. So it is slow going.
I so appreciate the concern when I have not posted. Thank you for your caring emails.... I admit to not having a good month, but as some of you noted, I will be okay. Just need to get through these days.
On a cheery note, how about the colors in my garden...

The orange Firecracker bush, the Purple Ruellia and the Yellow Bells Honeysuckle.... all in one area. Love my garden! Planting anything else right now is on hold with the heat. Still, it is all very pretty out there. The birds love it and the occasionally butterfly visits. Right now the attraction for all is the fountain and the moving water. It is time to wash out the breakfast dish and mug and to get some swishing going. My plan is to sit and stitch today. It has been nice chatting with you. Thank you for your kind and caring words and emails. Thank you for your friendship.

Meet Hazel

Remember I mentioned that Debra brought me a gift......first let's start at the start. When we met, Debra brought a show and tell of tools needed for tatting. Just like with all our other crafts, there are items we need to do the job easily and correctly. Well, one of these tools is an awl. I did not have one. I did go out to buy one. The first place I tried was Ace Hardware. Now if there is one thing I hear everyday is that I have an accent and sometimes often I am asked to repeat myself. Usually I spell things out. Anyway, the clerk did not first know what I was saying and then after spelling it out she did not have one! Back to my "Tool Kit".... I improvised with a few needles and then Debra visited.

Meet Hazel. I must say that this gift brought tears to my eyes. This awl belonged to Debra's mom. She passed away some years ago and Debra thought that her mom, Hazel, would have like me and our friendship so it was fitting that I should have this. Hazel was a beautiful tatter as I have seen a few of her pieces. The beauty of friendship and sharing. Now before I cry again...
I finished the beaded snowflake that was confusing to me. Of course once I had Debra by my side to start me off.....

I was able to complete it last night. I really am proud of my new found ability! Oh I know, we should not be braggers, but I am so happy that I can actually tat. My dear Aunti Angie who tried so many years ago would be so proud of me. I actually found one of the handkerchiefs she made for me.... another photo op, another day. So far I have 4 of my goal for making 12 ornaments for my tree. I would love to make a few as gifts also. Last year I made and sent Christmas Spiders, which I would do again and Reindeer Food to some children and would love to again this year. Now I will add the tatting. I love sharing my work... it is such a compliment when someone asks for something I have made. Remember the bracelet the other post? My Cousin Janice back in RI has asked for one in black... I think it will be very pretty. I must get to the bead shop soon so I can make it for her.
Well my friends, it is already  a hot day and it is still quite early. We have yet another Arizona wild fire up to the North of me...this has cost the lives of 19 firefighters. A sad start to the week. I continue to stay cool indoors with the air conditioner and the ceiling fans running. Hope all of you are well and comfy. Thank you for the kind words and for taking the time to visit with me. Hope you have a nice day.

Too too much...

I had Saturday off, unusual, and Mr H and I took a ride to Wickenburg....had a couple of nice hours walking around. It is just North of us about a 30 minute ride. Sunday.... well, we both seem to be crashing back to that bug we had. Neither of us felt well so it was a very laid back day. Today is another day and things to do. Of course getting up at 2:30 was not my plan, but nevertheless, the Betty Crocker Cinnamon Streusel muffins are just out of the oven and the kitchen smells delicious., laundry on and getting my stitching ready. A few errands to do later and then back to relaxing. I do not want to be sick again!
A few posts back, someone was curious about the frame used in my project....

here they are....They are very inexpensive and I use them for projects that are within the size of the frame. I do still use my scroll frames, but these are perfect tension and unlike regular hoops, the only frame creases are those that do not matter. I use a size that fits the stitch area within the frame with room to spare. I have the 6 inch, 5 x7 and 8 x 10. I also like the octagon shape.

I am also able to store the project for on the go easier as it is quite flat unlike the scrolls.  I especially like to use the 6 inch when doing ornaments and have 2 of them. They are plastic so they are very light weight. I also use the Q-Snap frames. Just thought I would share....

I have been reading about this Google change...what are your thoughts about upgrading to the Google+..... I am always leery about making changes to the blog and loosing what I have, or not knowing what I am doing is really more like it! I must tell you that I am not computer literate.... I hate touching buttons and adding and deleting things. I think I may have to get some expert advice about this....
Once again, the mysterious Snapdragon flower has appeared outside the garage door... now, if the newspaper delivery person does not kill it when he/she throws the paper at the garage door each morning, or the trash guys do not crush it, we will enjoy the only place Mr H can grow them and he did not have anything to do with it! It looks like there will be several others growing in the tiny crack between the driveway and the wall. What a treat!
Well, the smell of those muffins is calling to me...a nice cup of tea and putting my feet up is next for me. Thank you all for the kind words and emails.....
Whatever you do today, enjoy.

NOTE: the frames are available at Jo Ann's....