Pink for Spring....

March has arrived and for us here in The Valley of the Sun the temps are wonderful...in the low 70s. It has been wonderful sitting outside with my coffee and a book. I have attempted to get back to doing something crafty.... but I see now that I will have to take it easy still.

It felt wonderful lathering up my hand with my Dragonfly soap. I love pretty soaps. Finally my hand feels clean again….It is looking good, still swollen and a little stiff, but I am massaging the fingers as well as stretching them. I am also applying the Mederma oil on the scar and soon my hand will feel soft.

Just the day before surgery I made this Spring wreath to hang at the front door. So far a few birds have checked it out and if they know what is good for them they will leave it alone. I also have taken my cotton thread and Hairpin Lace tool

and added an embroidery pattern that I found on Jacquelynne Steve's blog and voilà...I have a couple of projects. I thought I would start with the tatting project... or at least get part of a few ready but my hand began to really ache. Holding the crochet hook (size 2) caused my fingers to cramp up. So, only 2 are made. Do you know what they are for??? The embroidery pattern is adorable. When you print it, it has 2 sides...each gal is facing opposite/reverse.

She will be stitched on this towel for my kitchen. Originally the pattern is for St. Patrick's Day, but as Jaqueline suggested, you can simply make the clovers into flowers ad that is what I plan to do. I will grab my DMC color chart and decide on which colors to use. Usually when I make one of these towels I cut it in half as this is only for display ad I need only one side to show. I just may make one at one end facing one way and the other end facing opposite. I am having second thoughts about the fabric I chose for my March Origami Star so it is on hold just now. I am not a big fan of St. Pat's designs.... but still it is March. For me it is all about March 19th, Fiesta San Giuseppe, the feast of Saint Joseph.  In my Italian family it was to celebrate my dad's saint day...he was baptized Giuseppe but everyone knew him as Joe. We always had Zeppolas... a delicious pastry filled with cooked cream.
An update on the Doves.... there is now a pair but they are not nesting. They appear every morning in the garden and chat then disappear. I am asking for special thoughts for my friend LuLu back in Rhode Island. Her niece is under going a double mastectomy.... please keep her and the family in your thoughts. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for all your kind words and for your friendship.

The plane... the plane....

Remember those lines from Fantasy Island TV show  from the mid 70s-80s? Tattoo would yell them out when the plane arrived...well, I was Tattoo yesterday but I was yelling "the pain...the pain".
My back is giving me such trouble that I am barely able to walk, sit or walk. Can not concentrate on anything. I was able to get an appointment this morning with my pain management doctor and hopefully he will be able to give me injections.  I feel like a truck ran me over but did not drive off.
I tried to gather supplies for another wrap bracelet but my bead cabinet is such that I would need to get down to look thorough the many beads and then for sure I would never get up from the floor. That idea quickly was put out of mind. At one point I decided to tat but that was not a good idea. I did read yesterday as that was about all I could do and even at that my mind recalled Tattoo!

I love to embroider and found this on Jenny's blog....would make an adorable pillow. Love her patterns. I find her blog so relaxing and she has such comforting words …. stop by.
The day is starting very cloudy and humid with low temps. Maybe a storm coming., There was some  thunder last evening but nothing came along with it. As long as it holds off until I return form the doctor appointment. So my friends there is nothing to show you...nothing creative. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. Most of all, thank you for your friendship.
Just about a month to go.... for you know who and what.

Looking forward to some uneventful time

The morning is starting very overcast with the chance of yet another monsoon storm.....oh well. So much for quiet and uneventful. I managed a quick skim of the pond .

Last visit The Brother Alan wanted this pot for the pond and I put a grass in....which as you can see did not make it.... but see the grass in front of it? that is what the plant was to be but decided to root itself at the pond edge and has roots in the water. I guess it did not like the pot.

So nice to see that the Gaura plant is tall and pretty in all this heat and humidity. It was not doing well last Spring so I just cut it down and here it is tall and lovely. I do see a few plants that are not faring well so they will get cut back also.

Just picked 2 tomatoes...enough for my salad today....plenty more on the plant waiting for the sun...which is not shining today. The herbs are doing okay too

the basil and needs another cutting and the oregano and thyme are growing well. Not all is a problem in the garden. This heat is causing issues and then the rain pours down and the wind causes more...nature.
I did make a couple of tatted ornaments...

This is a quick pattern and done on the very small ornaments. They would be cute on a package bow for Christmas as well as on the tree. I must say thank you to Dianna and Bobby. Got a text last evening asking what the problem in the bedroom was...next thing the text said was that Bobby would be here with her on Tuesday to get it fixed....I had wanted to try but I can not lift or pull for the next couple of weeks so that left me out. Two friends who are there without needing to be asked to help. They have been since those days last year.
Off I go to drench my thirst with plenty of iced water.... still making ice in the tray…. hope I can hold off until September when The Brother Alan is here to get another fridge. You did remember that he is arriving in September with Lisa right? Another thing added to The List. As long as it is only ice making that is an issue, then I am okay.
Guess I should get the laundry out and on the line.... glad you came by today. Thank you for your kind words and concern while I was MIA from the blog. Thank you for you friendship.

Another tatted snowflake

The doors are open.... for now. The temp will be hot soon but I cannot resist having the doors open early in the day. The breeze is beginning to ring the Buoy Bell and the chimes a bit more so  the umbrellas will stay closed. Laundry is finished but not the housework. The Faery Cleaners once again skipped my house. So, I plan to meet up with Bissell and Swiffer and get it done myself.
First, meet Lynn.....

again a snowflake from Jennifer Williams book. This may be the last for now as I want to make a beaded bauble and of course want to try a Wire Wrapped Cabochon. Both projects require a few more supplies. I think since I will be out to the doctor on Thursday I will stop at Jo-Anns to see if I can get them there. So glad my hand is cooperating. Now we just need the ankle to behave.
All is well in the garden area. My herb pot is not on the watering system... yet.... so I must remember to get out there daily to give it water. So far so good. I do not mind the various birds who stop by the pond to bath or drink but I really wish they would take the feathers they drop with them when they leave. Tomorrow will be skim the pond day. For the rest of this day I will read and relax. I was not having a very good day yesterday when The Brother Alan gave me a call just at the right time. After a chat and a few tears (my tears) I felt much better. Later we Skyped and that too was a nice way to end my day.

Miss Lady Bug is sitting in the white chair for the season. I miss seeing ladybugs in the garden.... never have I seen them here in Arizona. In a way that is a good thing because they are usually around when plants have mites. I do plan on getting a rose bush when The Brother Alan returns in September and that may bring the mites. Not to think about it yet.
Recently, Lisa sent me a picture of herself at a riding lesson. She takes English riding lessons....

Her instructor took this lovely photo in almost complete silhouette. I won't mention that she recently had a tumble off the horse..... bad Lisa tried to get him to take a jump but he decided it was not to be. Just a few colorful bruises for Lisa and probably snickering form the horse. I would suggest the next time she wants a horse to jump....did I tell you that the jump was only about 12 inches... the horse should be asked first!
Glad to have you visit with me and thank you for your kind words and most of all for your friendship. 

...but I know better!

It is a lovely morning....sun bright, birds chatting and I thought well why not get out to the garden and clean.  The temp is not bad and the sun is still low.Why not start to clean the pond. Why not? To clean the pond; first remove the faux grass, then skim most of the debris out and then add chemical. Leave until tomorrow to finish removing the debris that loosens. Then trim the tall grass and an unwanted plant, sweep fallen leaves and debris that blew in form someplace else and deposit into the trash bag. Well, I almost slipped into the pond climbing around it to throw in the granules. Then while cutting the grass.... and I know better....I said stop! get your garden gloves...the pretty bright pink ones....did I ???

Too lazy to walk into he garage and this is what happens...the Fountain grass is very sharp and it cuts and scratches deeply.
Moving on, I thought the bag was secure in the barrel but why would it be. So, as I pulled it up most of what was in was outside the bag  fell all over the place. Guess what I did? If you guessed that I left it you guessed right. After the last garden cleaning and the bite and infection I decided to leave it until later.
The Gaura is blooming and so pretty.

The Society Garlic is almost doubled in size. All in all the garden is flourishing.

When I was out with Glenda last week I found this metal display. My snowflakes look nice hanging form the hooks. I began to tat another one using a plastic ring...but the ring was too small and the others I have are too big so I ordered the correct size from Amazon and they arrive Tuesday.
On Friday The Brother Alan sent me a text that EvaP ...AKA mom... fell and was on the way to the ER. The end result is that she broke the hip that she had a replacement done a few years back. She is not a candidate for surgery so into rehab she goes today to try to get this to heal on it's own. She is 92 years old. This will be a long haul for her as she is stubborn. I get updates from The Brother Alan and sis Lynowl daily. So.... it is a wait and see.
Time to get a few things done around here.... and not outside! Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for the kind words and thank you for your friendship. 

Has it been that long?

Where are the days going? What have I been doing? Who am I? The days seem to be a blur and I have been dong this and that and I am a lady "La dolce far niente"....pleasantly doing nothing. Not exactly true. I have a sewing project that I can not show and it is an in the works thing. I did try a new tatting motif that did not amount to a motif as I had a bit of a problem but will begin another snowflake today

using rings. I like working around a plastic ring and have made several from a different book. I made a wreath for The Brother Alan and Lisa....

When they are back in September we will see if there need to be additions or changes.
I have been sneaking into the garden for quick adjustments. Too hot to work out there once the sun makes an appearance so if not early then forget it. I am excited that my Plumeria is getting ready to sprout

I did move it so the Doves would not use it as a jump into the nest thing. Speaking of them, they are doing fine. He was watching me as I topped off the pond this morning. Soon he will relieve the Mrs. and she will stop at the waterfall for a drink before leaving for the day.
Also with sprouts is the Palm tree in the garden.

Once the pods open I will trim them off...there are the seeds of the tree. This plant is almost 14 years old. We bought it when we first moved out here. The alien is doing well....I trimmed the growth heading toward the back gate but it is still in bloom.

The growth has been amazing in less than one year. The flowers are less than before because of the triple digit temps but it still has them here and there. Finally the tomato plant is on the way out...I think.

Just when I think it is time to pull it out I find a few red delights for my salad. Maybe one more week....I think I have said this several times. The Sweet Memory is looking so delicate.

I love how the elongated blooms move in the breeze. It may need a trimming this year. Not sure as I like my garden free and loose and a bit wild.
I am on cacti watch as a couple of them look like they may bloom. This hot weather is ideal for them.
The winds are expected to pick up again for the next few days and that means a drop in the temps into the mid to high 90s.... a cool down! No plans today except to tat and watch a movie or two. Glad you came by today. Thank you for your kind words and emails....thank you for missing my posts! Thank you most of all for your friendship.

Blooms in the garden

Some days actually are cloudy here in The Valley of the Sun....but inevitably by afternoon the bright sun and heat arrive. It has been around 97-99 this week and today is expected to be another hot one...above average temps. Of course there is air conditioning everywhere so it is not too bad.
Yesterday I tried to get in touch with my sis as I thought I would get her birthday gift now rather than wait until the end of May...the stores were having great sales.  I never did get in touch so I went shopping for myself...great deals that I could not pass up. Then it was back home to read for the later part of the afternoon. I di however finish

Ruth from Jennifer William's tatted snowflake book. It was finished the other day but ...
Thank you for the kind words regarding my anniversary. Each of these "firsts" is a day to get through. I do know that I am not the only person in the world to go through these days, However, it is me that I have to deal with. Yes, I have been strong but there are times when I fall apart but I try not to show that to anyone.

On Wednesday Dianna called to invite me to lunch with her and Bobby. So we met up and I left my car and off we went to a few thrift shops, then back to Cheesecake Factory for lunch. We had  a nice meal and chatted away and we enjoyed the day. These kind friends just wanted to be sure I had company and laughs...good company and we always laugh. It really did help not to be home alone.
No plans for today...just laundry and maybe a new tatting project.... there is a pattern that was given free with the invitation to make it your own..."make me pretty butterfly" so I may try it. I am still reading a couple of books so that is also on my mind to do. How about the garden?

Sweet Memory in full bloom

pretty pink cactus flowers and more to bloom yet

Nice to have you visit today. Thank you for your kind words and for you friendship. 

I want to be tech savvy

Finally up and having my cup of coffee.....finally thinking about the day ahead and things to do. Need to go to the bank, need to get gas...the dreaded go get gas! I still hate doing this task even though it has been almost 1 year that I have been driving to the gas pump and staring at it for a minute or two before it all kicks in. Maybe part of the issue is that I only need to get gas once a month...this is the same tank of gas that The Brother Alan put it the day he left (March 17th). I can not help it, putting gas in the car and I have a mental block. Gas rant over.
I wish I could be more tech savvy. Using a computer or tablet or cell phone does mean you know what you are  doing. Example....last week as I was thinking ...when did Denny change the batteries in the smoke detectors.... the one in the kitchen began to beep. Great. I was having another "first to do". I climbed on the step ladder, ( holding my breath as this is right next to the tea cup display) after a brief tug and pull, got the battery out inserted a new one and then what? nothing happened. So I tried another battery and I heard a beep but the push to test button did not work. After a half hour I thought I think it is time to check with Son. After a brief conversation all was  well. This morning.... the living room TV remote did not work. Funny as it was working up to bedtime last evening! New batteries inserted and still only the volume worked. A call to Cox and Bridget talked me through the solution. Why am I re-setting the remote after a few months? "It can happen" was the reply. Okay, now I know what to do the next time. Why can't they just give instruction booklets anymore?
Moving along now that I am tech savvy for the day.

I managed to get more tatted and have only 2 more sections to complete. Seems that I had a few too many distractions yesterday. Wish I could remember what pulled me away...oh well. Today is another day.
I did think about this project

not revealing too much about it yet. It is for someone.... so, this is all I will show right now and not any of the fabric yet.
The days are back into the low to mid 90s...and maybe high 90s by the end of the week. Limited outdoor activity in the garden unless I can encourage myself to get up and out there early. Seems very unlikely at this point. I do need to get a few things taken care of out there.
Well, I feel hungry and think hash browns would be good.... and since the Fairy Chef is absent I guess I will make them myself. It is always a pleasure to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Sunday morn

Oh it will be a lazy day as I start it feeling very tired. I have been awake since darkness was outside my bedroom window.... but it was just the start of the London Marathon. Of course that is what I decided to watch and now need a nap. Watching those athletes I am amazed at their stamina. The result of this lack of sleep is now a minor headache.

I have mentioned the crow that stops by every day to visit the small waterfall in my pond....here he is chatting away outside on the rooftop edge. Sometimes he stops by the birdbath out front of the living room window always with much racket. Yesterday I noticed as he flew off there was another one with him....mind you I am not sure of this is a he or she, but there were two of them. Daily entertainment.
I did start another snowflake yesterday.

This one is made using 2 shuttles and is interesting. My hand was an issue so hopefully I will finish it today ... if I can stay awake. I did have other plans and that was to start to cut out a pattern for a horse... but that definitely is going to not happen today. Luckily for me neither of this has a time limit.... at my leisure. I like that word---- leisure. It even sounds relaxing.
I really need to curl up someplace...so, it really is nice to chat but off I must go to nap. Thank you for your kind words and visit and most of all thank you for your friendship.
A special thank you out to dear friend DebbieB for remembering and for her encouragement all these months. 

All my ducks in a row....

The doctor appointment went well...all my lab work was good and just a minor adjustment to my meds. Of course my allergies which have been silent for years are back. These very windy days are the reason so I am limiting my outdoor work for now. I probably can manage early outdoor cleaning up.

This 13 gallon trash bin was filled the other morning and by the next day I could have filled it again with debris from the winds. They have really been strong gusts of around 30 - 40 mph. Forget the pond....the leaves can float! But...

all my ducks are sitting it out! I really should remove the artificial grasses so it would be an easier and quicker clean of the leaves floating. That will be tomorrows or later this afternoons job.
I was surprised to find that the tomato plant is still producing...

4 cherry tomatoes for my salad tonight. I guess I will just let it continue for as long as it will thrive. Very happy that all is well in the garden..... dusty, but all blooming. I do have one plant that has not survived and needs to be replaced. I had hoped it would revive itself but not to be. Next trip to Lowe's I will replace it.
Hannah is completed

I love using buttons in my needlework. This looks delicate with the lacey chains around the edge. It was a quick tatted snowflake and now is on the tatting tree. Have not decided on my next one yet. Very much enjoying this book of patterns. There are only a couple that I most likely not tat.
So, that is about it from here. I need another cup of coffee and since Debbie mentioned poached eggs to me the other day I have had the craving for them....so that is todays breakfast with toast. Debbie shares recipes with me....one for English Toast Bread that I will try to do in my machine and a nice simple roll recipe (by hand) that I am looking forward to trying. For now it is poached eggs and toast with coffee. Glad you had some time to visit  and  I thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship.

Just a quick note

This is a short post...must get moving along here. I did not sleep well and so I am dragging this morning of all mornings. I have a doctor appointment at 11 and here it is 7:30 and I am so far from ready for the day, but here I post! More so that some of you my dear friends do not wonder where or what.

This is how far I have gotten with my newest tatting....almost finished. The last ring to complete around a button. Having fun with this one.
The coffee smells divine and I am hungry so I must say ciao... adios and so long for now.

I am feeling chilly....

When the temps fall after many days of high 80s and even the high 90s I find there is a chill in my air. It is only 55 right now and that is chilly. The sun is still very low so there is no warmth coming from it yet and the high today should be around 87. Hopefully the winds have quieted down. I have thought about getting the leaf blower out.... that really is  task better left to the pros, believe me.
Last week Glenda found me another footstool....

I could not believe my eyes! It is exactly like the first one we found! I have added a thick foam top with new fabric. See, it opens up....now I do not have to take the one from the bedroom out to the living room when I sit in the rocker.
I was asked if I am okay....I know, I have not posted since Wednesday. I am doing fine. I am just on the roller coaster as Glenda refers to it. I have kept busy with this and that. Last Wednesday I was visiting with Dianna and Bobby and he made us hamburgers on the grill... and yesterday Glenda and I went for lunch after we bought my area rug...

this is in front of my bed. I love the soft colors. The room rug is a beige so this gives me a pop of color. I was lucky to have a 15% off coupon so I saved a bit too. The walls will be repainted when I find a color and the temps are not hot so that means this winter.
I did manage to tat.....

this is Gillian form Jennifer Williams snowflake book. I thought this time I would use blue for the beads. It is one of the small ones measuring only 1 3/4 inches at the widest point. My hand felt rested enough.  I am accepting that the hand will be more of an issue than before....why? I have no idea, but I will adjust and if this is just one of the few limitations I am experiencing, then I am luckier than some. The hand embroidery using sewing needles is a little more difficult at times. I am not complaining just stating a fact for me. For so many years my over all health has been just fine so with these little problems I need to learn to make adjustments. Do what I can when I can.
I made Pizzelles the other day and today I will be making what we Italians from Rhode Island call Spinach Pies...which are very much like a calzone and not at all like a pie. Always wonder how foods get their names.
So, that is what I have been up to. It is time for that second cup of coffee and some breakfast. A few chores then time to read and maybe work on a project. I once again want to thank you my dear friends for the caring words you send to me and advice too. Thank you so much for your friendship.

Accomplishing....not much

Yesterday arrived and left.... other than laundry and housework I did nothing...zip.... except the bread.
I thought I would make a Cinnamon Bread.  The option was to complete it in the machine or in the oven. Either way after the dough was made and first rise it had to be taken out of the machine and then the cinnamon and melted butter added then put bake in the machine to bake, so I decided to just keep it out and bake it in the oven. First of all it was easy but I will not be making it again. It is just okay. I think it had far too much cinnamon and does not hold the roll well. Not bad in the toaster oven. Much better to just buy it in the market. Later I will make a White Country loaf.
I picked up the tatting a few times then for what ever reason it was laid down and nothing done with it. Right now laundry is swishing and I forgot where I laid down the phone! I will try using the tablet to call myself. The weather is going to be in the low 90s again today so outside early to sit but actually I have errands to run so no time to do that.
The Bottle Brush tree in front of my window is in full bloom

 It is a large tree that is lovely when blooming. Once the flowers fall it can be messy but I still love it.

I am hoping to post this weekend a few books/patterns that must leave my house....right now I should make the bed and put a brush to my hair so I can leave the house for quick errands. The sooner I get things done the sooner I can sit outside and tat and read. Thank you for stopping by and for the kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship.

A cloudy Sunday

Happy Easter to all and yesterday was Passover so Happy Pesach.
The sky is cloudy and the forecast for today is low 90s and I do see a hint of the sun. There are so many pretty blooms and colors in my garden so with or without the sun it is a pleasant place to sit as I plan to do shortly.

Today is International Tatting Day and I have finished Helen but not yet starched and blocked. I enjoyed working with beads for this one. I used soft teal beads. I am eager to start another of Janet's patterns. I was asked if I have given up cross stitch...no not really but I do enjoy other needlework and tatting is easy on my hand. I am still de-stashing also so soon I will be posting my Spring Clean out.
Something I ate yesterday ... although delicious...caused me lots of grief last evening so today I am quite tired and plan on having a lazy day. I will start a bread soon and this week I guess I will need to start to look for a new washing machine. I really do not want to get caught with a wash that cannot finish. Yesterday it sounded like it was going to definitely give out. A visit to Lowes and Home Depot is on the Monday agenda. I am sure one of them has the right deal.
Whatever your plans are for today I hope you have a wonderful day. Thank you for visiting with me and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship.

The moon, Helen and a horse

What a spectacular moon last evening. I watched it on/off for several hours. Full moons captivate me especially when they are so gigantic.

Early in the evening around 7PM it began to rise with a still light blue back round. It looked like a picture. Then later as I went back out to the garden.

Against the darkness it seemed to just hang there. The evening temperature was still in the 80s and I could have just sat out there all evening.
Thursday afternoon I started to tat Helen, also from Janet Williams snowflake book

 

I am using a soft teal color bead with this one. Would have had more done on it except I went out with Glenda and Don to an art festival where Glenda and I found some special items. I came home with this

Just had to have this neck piece and filigree horse pendant. We had a nice day walking around the Cave  Creek and Carefree area then had lunch before returning home to their house for Lemon Meringue pie and coffee. Wonderful day spent with these special people.
Today will be a little garden work and then return to my tatting and reading. The temps for the week are expected to be in the low 90s. Some plant protection and checking the irrigation  flow so all will be well out there. The pond needs some attention too. Right now however, the coffee has finished brewing and the aroma is calling me. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and thank you for your kind words and your friendship.

Spring cleaning started

Well, just my bedroom but it is a start. We really had hardly any winter at all.Window and slider open just a bit more to organize but one room down. The air is cool but perfect for airing out the house. Seems I can not zip through the house like I used to..... it is the age thing. The pond water is babbling and the birds are chatting. I hope to sit outside today for a bit.
Sunday I visited and had lunch with my friend JeanneG and yesterday I was out with Dianna and of course lunch....Friday will be with Glenda and Don....gee, it sounds like a big social calendar. In the meantime I did finish my tatted snowflake......

I really like this book by Janet Williams...all the patterns appeal to me. It is all starched and hanging on my tree branch. Yesterday I finally picked my strawberries...

Five petite but oh so delicious gems. There are several more on the plant. I am sure it would do better if it were in the ground, but I have more of a chance loosing them that way. I actually bought it for looks more than as food but I will take whatever it gives.  I have been enjoying my chives and basil too. I need a few annuals to add to the garden. I need to freshen up the 2 pots out front but will wait until the landscapers finish the new rock addition.
I really need another cup of coffee.....and a bite to eat so I will leave you now. Glad you had some time to spend with me. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.