Chasing the turkey!

 Hello again...I know, another month has past. I just seem to be on that path. I do keep busy with many things. For so long I felt that I had to always be doing something. Now, I find myself taking time to relax and sometimes do nothing...feels good. Anyway, meet November Sue

She grabbed the turkey and only has feathers in her hand! Poor Tom Turkey running for his life.

All he wanted was some corn.....

I have also been working on the bedroom box.... now it belongs to Rebecca.

With a mini Murphy to keep her company and a teddy bear on the bed...

It has been fun working with this project. Next will be a sewing/craft room box. Rebecca needs to get busy with that. Always so nice having a chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Meet Angela~~~~

 A beautiful day in the neighborhood.... it is Arizona so everyday is just about perfect. May reach 80s today then they say may a day of 90?! Alan and I added a new "plant" to the garden

Fits perfectly in the corner. Bright raspberry color really adds to the area. A hummer actually checked it out. We really like these metal sculpture plants. Soon Alan will be on the look out for some annuals to pot up which will bring more color to the garden.

Here is Angela. She is a Tilda doll from the Toy Box Book...love the Tila collections. Said to Lisa, now for a name...she responded Angela so it is so.

The pattern calls for a headband...not fond of it, but I made it anyway. Tone, who is Tilda  creations, wear her hair with side buns, so off course her dolls have them also. Instead of a stuffed piece, I tore stirpes of cotton and stitched them in place to form buns. Just love making dolls and critters. Speaking of critters, just was speaking with sis Lyn and she love Honey Bear...so he will be moving to Rhode Island very soon. 

Happy you took time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Lazy days

These last few days have found me in a lazy mood. I  think the most that happened was going to Fry's and Safeway food groceries. Other than bread, milk and eggs I should have all that I need for the month of meals. I am so far successful with my quasi planning of meals. This morning has been laundry and coffee so far. Plan for the day is making Pizzelles and some Almond shortbread cookies. I think I will leave the yard until tomorrow morning. See what I mean about the lazy part? Oh and the pond needs some attention. Tomorrow for that too.

this is what I found when I went out to open the umbrellas yesterday morning...one of the supports has disconnected itself from he fabric. Guess this week it will join the blue one and meet the trash guys. I now have one semi-functioning umbrella and that is not long for this yard. I was hoping to get through the rest of this monsoon season before getting replacements.

This teddy that I made from Denny's jeans is now living with sis Lynowl. She called to say it arrived safely and as she did not know she would be getting him she was very excited. The other special package will arrive on Tuesday in Rhode Island and I hope it will be accepted with as much joy. I will be mailing out the Denny's Angels soon.
I was asked what size my footstool is. It measures 15x11x9 high. I think I will add some padding and for now keep the original cover. I found a staple gun and staples in the garage and have some batting so this should be a quick task.
The hummer is busy this morning chasing away any other hummer who comes into the yard. I need to make more nectar for the feeders. I did try a different feeder at the window and again some bees started to drop by so this is it, there will be no feeder at the window. I had it there for a couple of weeks originally with no problems and now it is like a magnet.
Have I mentioned that in 2 weeks The Brother Alan will be here? I have saved a few tasks for him. there will still be time for relaxing and enjoying the weather before he returns to the New England Autumn weather.
Time to unload the dryer and make the bed and do some chores. So happy to have you visit with me. Thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship. I am a very lucky gal to know you all.

The bear has a chair

Yesterday was spent with friends Glenda and Don....shopping, or not. We set out for a few specific items but had different results. We did enjoy a nice lunch in Scottsdale at The Gelato Spot and Pizza. I had hoped to find that antique footstool but instead...

my Denny Teddy got a chair! He fits perfectly. What is twice as nice is...

The chair on the left, a people size chair is almost an exact match! It is a chair that was given to me by Tommy, a friend of my sister,  back around 1975....he got it from an antique store in New Hampshire. Sadly, Tommy passed away some years ago. I love my matching chairs! Behind the chairs is my sewing table and my bunny cover for the sewing machine.  She also is an old time gal around 25 years old from a Mc Calls pattern.
I am requesting a standing ovation...so please get ready ...yesterday I put gas in the car. That is what you are reading, my 3rd time. Not bad seeing that a full tank is lasting a month! I do need practice getting the gas cap off...a bit tricky and also not to drip gas on my toes. Luckily both the toes and the sandals are washable.
I need to go to Staples to pick up my keyboard slide this morning then get it attached to the desk. I will need a drill and screw driver bit...sounds like I know what I am doing right? We all know I have several drills to choose from but to find the bits things is another story as there are a few of them out there in the garage. The bookcase is scheduled to arrive today....an assemble yourself project!  I always find the allen wrenches they include a challenge. I am already tired just thinking of the tasks ahead. Best get some extra rest...glad you stopped by to chat. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship. Let's have a good day!

Glenda's Teddy

The pond waterfall is finally all set and if only the weather would cool so I can sit outside and enjoy it! I have not gone to Home Depot yet for the paint but that is the plan for this afternoon. I will be meeting AZ blogger Vicki-K for lunch today and will pass right by HD.  Baked a fresh apple cake yesterday .. yum with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. My morning and part of the afternoon was spent rearranging the kitchen. My kitchen area is an L shape...galley area for cooking then a good size rectangular end. In one corner is my computer and the other my Bakers rack with the tea cups and pots. I got tired of the corner computer desk ... I also have a nice desk against the back wall. So, out with the corner desk and moved the regular desk on the side wall and the baker's rack along the back wall and the Kachinas across from the desk....I ordered a keyboard slide as this desk does not have one. The task then became where to put this and that and what-have-you.  I really need to clean out the files in the file cabinet drawers. So far so good. The walls got cleaned, all the Southwest pictures had to be moved to the other wall and the floor was washed. To say that my back and hip are killing me is an understatement. Just a bit too much work. I really should take pictures since it all sounds so jumbled.
I guess you would like to meet Glenda's Teddy ~~~~~

this will be a gift for her great-grandson. Made from a pair of her jeans with a special message on the left hand. Glenda was pleased with the bear....makes me happy. I really enjoy creating these bears and dolls. Knowing that someone is going to love them is best.
The morning air is a little cool and a light drizzle is falling. I love a misty rain. The temp is a cool 79 with temps expected to reach 106. Really need the cool weather so I can clean the yard thoroughly and the lanai. Most of all so I can be outside more. This monsoon season has been very active with lots of winds and with that talcum powder like dust that gets in everywhere! That about covers my last couple of days.  It is always a pleasure to have you stop by. Thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship. Let's have a good day.

Waterfall

I was going through one of the garage cupboards... again ...and came across a calendar with beautiful roses...as I flipped the months I came across this......

Denny the artist tracking his haircut on the 4th and recycle on the 11th....it brought a smile to my mind this morning. Just another moment and memory to cherish.
Ta-Da...the waterfall is working

With much thanks to Don and Glenda for all the help. However, I think there is just one more spot to secure. Oh, maybe I am being paranoid...but I would rather take care of it now. So the water is not falling today to allow the area to dry out. This  feature was put in when the home was built so there is expected to be weak spots in the cement after all these years.

I have cleaned the area best as I can and will now think about the landscaping around the pond. The turtle planter is back and the wall pieces will remain. I need to take the frog in to repaint.....Denny did that every year. I will need to reposition the spot light also. Not sure what I will do about the Yucca plant which has gotten spindly. It has been there since the late 70s I was told. I may cut it back and hopefully let it regrow stronger. A few pots of annuals soon will add some color. I just need the weather to cool down before trying to work out there.

Yesterday this rag doll got a shampoo and laundered clothes....now back in the rocker. I will be off today to get a few supplies for a special teddy bear that I was asked to make and I am still looking for a foot stool for my chair. My list of ~~~To Do~~~Must Do has a new addition...my cell phone. Seems for everything I  can cross off, there is a new item added! The cell phone does not seem to keep it's charge as long as it once did. Just a simple AT&T phone that Denny got in 2012. Guess it is upgrade time. Since I do have a land line it is not an immediate need. Then again, I think it may also be time to look at new land line phones...just another item for the list. Well, I have had my coffee while we visited and some toast to start the day. Need to vacuum and Swiffer here and there before heading out later. I do appreciate the kind words and emails. Thank you for your friendship....let's have a good day.

A new Teddy Bear

Another morning starting out with heavy cloud cover...and although I know how important it is that we have rain here in the desert, right now I do not want rain...I am trying to get the pond working and the rains have put me two steps back fro every step forward. Today I will go to get the supplies to get the waterfall in the pond ready before any more rain. Next week rain may be okay...
Yesterday Home Depot came out to quote me a price to replace the rain gutters in the back and add them to the front. More than I anticipated, but then less than another quote. I have to make a decision soon. I was surprise to learn that they will only do the job if it is over $750.00. Something to think on this week. In the meantime

this teddy moved into my bedroom. This is for me to keep. It is made from 3 different Denny jeans and a some special embellishments. It is a medium size; sitting at about 15" and 20" standing.

First his heart...made from red velvet and tattered and broken. His right hand has the Levi tag which were Denny's favorite jeans--505 to be exact. Then his left hand...it was the hand that I held when we walked so it has hearts for our love. The back pocket will hold a special note and a trinket or two. A black velvet nose just because and the simple embroidery on the arms and legs. Denny loved when I made teddies for gifts.  The last one was for my great niece Natalia back in 2014 when she was born.  There is always something special about a teddy!
I have a special gift to make so I may make an attempt later or then again tomorrow. This morning is research a few garden plant that we have to find out how to care for them. This was my Denny's domain and I never paid too much attention, I just enjoyed. This bush is doing well....

It is Firecracker and currently is about 6 feet high. So nice to have this summer bloomer. Bright red/orange and full of them. It is actually considered a shrub but we always trimmed the base to train it to grow more like a small tree allowing space to plant below it. The hummer loves it. This year the heat and humidity is taking a toll on the garden. I am really looking forward to some cooler temps.
I was asked the other day about the size of the pictures....if you click on any picture it will open in a preview of the pictures and then clicking on them will enlarge them.  I just usually add them in the smaller format for space purposes. Well my friends it is time to do some vacuuming and maybe a laundry and of course dusting. Always a pleasure to have you visit. Thank you for the kind words and of course thank you for your friendship. Let's have a good day.

Teddy and a rocker

When I woke this morning the temp was 90 at 4 AM...well, not I knew that I was not going to be working on the pond. So, I thought well I can get an earlier start on sewing my teddy bear....all was going well until I broke the needle. Of course it was the only one that I could use for the denim and then I could not even find my other sewing machine needles! When 9 AM rolled around I drove to the quilt shop and bought the required  needles. Home I arrived to find the other needles...now we have plenty of machine needles.

Here is a peek so far. Needed to take a break so that I could cry and not on the teddy. I am listening to music and one of these songs just set me off. Typing through tears is a little easier. Almost every CD in this house will do this to me at one time or another...it was all the music we loved to listen to. Okay...enough of that.
Glenda and Don advised me on how to properly clean my little  rocker.

It looks so nice. I used Murphy's Oil Soap first and let it thoroughly dry. Then I used Howard Feed -N-Wax...Beeswax and Orange Oil. I put 2 coats on it. Buffing it out seems to be a problem as it still feels a little oily. I guess a bit more elbow grease before anyone can sit it. Yesterday I washed my many tea cups   and tea pots.

There are on my baker's rack...for now. I am thinking of getting another curio for them. For now, they look fine here...

Memories for each of them. Across the room are a few more

Some of these date back to 1964 and forward. the last 2 are the Dragonfly that Denny bought me and the bright red poppy on the top shelf that has my name and was given to me by LisaW.

I guess it is time to think about lunch.  A few days last week I skipped lunch and I am trying to keep to at least 3 meals a day. I think a simple sandwich will do with a glass of fruity iced water. 

Can not believe this month has already ended...where has the time gone? I am happy that you had time to visit with me today. Thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship. Let's have a good day.

A Teddy Bear

Well now.....

Isn't this just right. Finished the teddy yesterday and it is sitting pretty. I love this pattern. It is a Simplicity pattern 

dated 1986 and I have made countless bears from it. This time the bear is special. It is from a pair of Denny's jeans and pieces cut rom one of my old blouses. 

I embroidered the Sorbello stitch along each arm top and on the top of the legs. My new favorite stitch.

I whip stitched the small inside pocket from the jeans to the back where it can hold a message or.....whatever. Fits nicely here. This is the smaller bear of three sizes.

Simple black buttons for the face. I really like how the back pocket looks for the face. I am not really happy with the ears of this pattern and have done them many ways in the past. The next teddy I will make a change. And how about the heart of this bear...

Indeed this teddy bear was made with love.....
I started the day with a problem. I took down the bathroom mini blind to wash and now I can not get it to snap into the bracket....Denny always put it back. So, tomorrow when Dianna and Sherry arrive to help with the pond, one of them I hope can get this back in place. I think I am needing a handy man. I suppose some of the things can wait until The Brother Alan arrives each year, but I really do not want his vacation time as work time. Just another loose screw for me to deal with. It was nice to have you visit with me. Thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship. Let's have a good day.

Plan B Thursday

So, this is all that I could accomplish with the pond cover. Of course with friends like Dianna and offers from Sherry to help, it will be Plan B Thursday. We will I am sure get the task finished. Of course the guy I called to come and drain and clean the pond never called me back yesterday evening as he said he would, so I will move ahead with that on Thursday also. I am being careful to continue to run the pump and fountain head to help keep the mosquitos at bay. The fish helped with that. Pond donuts will have to do now.

Teddy has his stuffing but the seams have to be sewn. Today I will sort through the buttons to find the right ones. Oh yes, his ears have to be attached too. I will do some hand sewing here and there also. I also made four hairpin lace dresses for Denny's Angels. Today is starting very overcast. This monsoon weather messes up my sinuses and gives me light headaches. In a way it is a help...crazy to say I know, but it slows me down and recently I am moving with little rest. I keep finding this or that to do and have not been my usual organized self.   So today will be maybe the teddy, or maybe the angels or could be Alice. Definitely not yard or pond work! Maybe I will read a bit with some music for company. Glad that you stopped by today. I hear the timer telling me to remove the laundry form the dryer so off I go. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. Let's have a good day.

A rainy Monday

The day is starting with light rain....and clouds. Finally the temp will not be in the triple digits today. The yard work I planned will be on hold which is fine with me. I did sew yesterday on and off

The ears are sewn after it is stuffed so it is ready for the stuffing. I remembered that I am not fond of sewing denim.  Probably using a serger for the seams would be good...I do not have a serger. I do have a few overcast stitches on the machine so before the next one I will try on crap denim. So today I will start to fluff him out and find buttons for his eyes.  If you click on the picture to enlarge it you will see that I used one of the pockets with the stitching on it for his face.
I just went out to check the pond as I do every morning and evening, and the fish have died. So I will have to dispose of them and call the guy and let him know that I only have the one. These fish are at least 8 years old...pretty old for common gold fish that endure the outdoors. I noticed the other day that the 3 silver and black fish that moved in are now turning orange.

That is correct, when Keith was here he noticed it too. Got to be something with me and aquariums. Or just fish in general. The idea was to have silver to reflect and not add more orange to the tank.
I also starched my Denny's Angels yesterday and now to start a few more. I am hoping to work on Alice too this week. I have ambition but only in my mind! We shall see, but I am at least planning. Well friends guess I best get the fish removed and call the guy. Never a dull moment for me. Glad you stopped by and thank you for the many kind words and hugs too. Most of all thank you for your wonderful friendship. Let's have a good day.
UPDATE: When I finished this post I went out to remove the fish and they were all dead. Already found someone to come and drain and clean the pond so I can have it simple. No more fish however. Simple and easy to maintain.

I am still here...

Hello friends, thank you for missing me. I took a few days off. First because the 21st was my first month without Denny and then to gather myself. Besides the blog I keep a diary separate from here and those thoughts , well it was best to take a break. I am here and over the next week I want to share some more of the embellishments on the banner. I had a love y day with Dianna and we did cut out the teddy...

and today I start to sew. We also went to a thrift store and  I found just the right book for my teddy bears

I will remind myself not to return there on a Saturday...so chaotic. Dianna found some good stuff too. Early last evening my friend Keith stopped by to bring me an embroidered something....

well, I can not show it as it will be a gift but he has a wonderful embroidery machine and I asked if he would stitch this for me. Then he helped me to send a couple of videos to The Brother Alan. Keith is a computer wiz....really what he does, sort of. Anyway, it was a productive day. Right now it is cloudy with chance of rain and very humid. I did get out earlier to vacuum out  18 gallons of water, then add fresh water back in. I also remembered to add the algaecide chemical. Cleaned the pump too. I think they will be going to a new home next week. I called an organization and the man said email me your address and I will come out to get them next week...so lets keep those toes crossed (the fingers will most likely be doing needlework) that he does come for them. I sent pictures to him. I actually added a few more stitches to Alice, but not enough to even notice. So I have been busy.  I hope to sew on the teddy bear. I have some yard work to do, but I will get out early each morning to rake, sweep, pond vac and such....too hot after 7 AM. I also need to get a new filter for the fridge ice maker next week and hope I remember how to do install. I watched Denny do it hundreds of times. How hard can it be? You will soon find out.
By the way...remember

I  decided to call him Harry.... just popped in my head and did not leave, so Harry it is.
Guess that about covers what I have been up to and what plans I have. Glad to have you visit with me and thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship. I am trying to get back into visiting all of you...Let's have a good day.