Oh, Hello there!

Has it really been a week since.... according to the blog date it has. Here's what has been going on around the hacienda.
Swishing and fluffing daily. Cooking and baking. This week it was shortbread cookies. Nice that I have Alan and Lisa to bake for. Walks with Murphy early or late day because it is hot...100+ hot. Lisa is still sewing on her days off.

I know the picture is not the best, but Murphy is quick with the magic screen doors! He flies in and out and yes a few times ran smack into the closed slider! He will go under and through and in one door and out the other. The kitchen slider (this one) and my bedroom are off set by the corner of the lanai.  The best thing since sliced bread! He loves being outside and now we are not up and down to open the door. 

This past week a friend that I had for 60+ years passed away. Donna and I met when I lived in her grandma's house back in 1958. Although we have not seen each other  for some time, a friend is a friend and with social media we were in touch. Sad feelings. This is a sad month for me anyway. Just this morning I commented to Lisa that I am feeling much less stress. They certainly have helped and have spoiled me and of course Murphy is a big part of keeping me on track.

Murphy.... well, he does not like big birds in the yard or on the wall...only finches and hummingbirds. Now he has discovered geckos and lizards. This past week Alan got out of bed to remove a large lizard from the lanai before Murphy got it. The other day he was inches from catching a baby bunny who likes to visit our flowers. Never a quiet moment around here. 

I have an issue with my neck (right side) and shoulder and collarbone. Tomorrow I will have a CT Scan to see what is going on.... most likely a pulled muscle but better to check it and correct whatever behavior caused it. Off I must go to tend to the swishing in the laundry area and do a few chores. It is always nice to chat with you. I will try to appear more often as before. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Hot days are here

☀It would seem the triple digits are here to stay. Heat advisories daily...Murphy ignored them yesterday. He insisted on laying out in the lanai all morning. Today he is napping by my side.  It is 106 at the moment...so indoors we will stay. Alan and Lisa are at work so it is just the two of us. Me?, I am watching a movie. Lisa took me to Safeway this morning for a few things and I could not wait to get back home and remove the mask...

I made each of us 2 masks...one of Alan's was with him at work when I took this photo. So many are not wearing them in the market.
Our tomato plants are getting ready in the Kitchen Garden....

These are on the "old" plant and there are several. Glad I did not remove it when we picked the last tomato. We bought a new one

This is the new one which is Husky cherry  and already has several bunches. Since none are ready I had to buy some today.

This pepper plant is called Candy Cane...do you see the light creamy color stripe? The peppers will be stripped and sweet. The Poblano plant does not have anything yet. I need to replace the Italian flat leaf parsley when next I can get to a nursery. Lisa is tending to the Basil plant in a pot on the shelf.
Well, I am needing a good sit down. My injection area is sore today...an ache that will not quit. Swishing and fluffing in the laundry area is finished. The galley area of the kitchen floor needs a wash, but it can wait. So nice to chat with you all. I hope you are taking care and being as careful as possible. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

And the beads go on......

A lovely morning. The  sliders as well as the front door are for now. The temp is expected to be around 106-ish as it was yesterday. The weekend may reach 110, so definitely indoor activity only for me.
Tea and Pizzelles with Glenda yesterday.... good catching up conversation too. Isn't it nice that when friends have not shared company for a bit that when you are together it is as if you visited just yesterday. Glenda and husband Don have been good friends..... she and I shop or have tea and Don teaches and helps me. Great combination.

 

Today starts the beading for On The Range. I love Mill Hill kits and have been stitching them for years. Usually when you get kits, all threads and beads and even needles are provided. This kit did not have the beading needle, no problem as I have many. The threads for this kit were in some colors just enough. You would think that because the threads which are not specialty threads and inexpensive, would have a bit more than needed... remember, if you must take out then you are running very close or out of thread. Luckily for me on a few of the colors I had my own stash. This is merely a statement not a complaint.... not really. Anyway, onward to the beading today. I love the honey color for the hat outline.
Can you believe that this month is almost over? This week has been like a fast moving train…. the weekend is just about here! As a reminder, Vicki posted on her blog that we have only 26 weeks until Christmas! I have only 2 gifts ready. I really do not have a big gift list so I still have time. Nevertheless, I will buckle down to accomplishing filling my sleigh.
Time for my second cup of coffee... as soon as I get my chores done. Whoever has my House Fairies, I would appreciate you return them so I can just sit and bead. It has been nice chatting with you. Thank you for your kind and caring words. Thank you for your friendship.

Two steps back....again

Another humid day with fairly decent morning temps. The expected temp will be around 103.... The sun is not so bright with the clouds overhead and that is fine with me. I just went out to open my back gate...and what do I find? First sign of trouble was not hearing the waterfall....as small as it is you can hear the water. The pump has disconnected from the waterfall connection...you do know what this means...yes, I will need to let the pond evaporate again or drain to re-connect.
Honestly it is easier to use the sump pump and drain it and then just do the job. Unfortunately for me with the humidity I am not sure that today is the day. Have no clue as to why this happened...maybe I did not connect it as well as I thought.

Sorry I am not too cheerful....just frustrated.

Yesterday Glenda and Don stopped by to check on the irrigation system and that at least I did do correctly and the blinking is not an issue. Don did change the length of time that it will run for me. Good friends and good neighbors. They will be moving in the near future...in the same neighborhood just not that Glenda and I will be walking to visit! Not sure what my day will hold now..... do I cave in and work on the pond since the temp will not be too hot? or do I wait until early tomorrow morning. I spent time going through cross stitch patterns and have removed a lot. If I have not stitched them by now …. so feeling good about that but I have so much to go through yet. Waiting for Dianna to stop by so off I go.

Thanks for listening...thank you too for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

One down one to go.....

So, almost 6 am and when I went out to check the pond to see if the screening was still in place....

Yes indeed it is and working! I was able to get it in place yesterday evening and found 4 rocks to keep it from floating. It is 2 foot by 2 foot and did I mention it has sharp edges...not to worry I was careful and did not get cut. I did not even fall in....I allowed the pond to evaporate for a couple of days so I did not have to drain it. Around 3 am the winds were furious and the leaves were floating this morning. Easy to skim out. This means only monthly (maybe) I would have to wet vac the pump! I am pleased with this.
But...you knew there was a but.... the irrigation system is working but evidently I do not know how to program the start time correctly. Time to hire someone to do it and this time I will try to pay better attention with the how to part. I did what the instructions said but somehow it is not right. Yesterday the temps were around 115 and the same is expected for today. Just the few minutes I was outside "doing something" I could feel the heat ( temp is already 92) with my breathing. I keep telling everyone that I am delicate. While the leaves and such were blowing in the wind....makes me think of Bob Dylan... I also thought about the rain gutters....I probably need to check them for debris. I have yet to try to replace the smoke detectors...got my work cut out for me. In the meantime, glad we had a visit and thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Your friendship means so very much to me. 

A collection of ornaments

I love the very early morning when the sun has not yet made a break through the sky....Twilight,  the time before dawn. It is very still and the only movement this morning is my resident hummingbird dashing around the Fire Cracker bush. The coffee is just  brewing so the kitchen has that wonderful aroma. Yes, it is 5 AM and it is a warm 82 out in the garden. We may reach 108 today.  Few plans for my day. Shortly I will stat the bread machine to make some pizza dough.
Yesterday morning I finished another of the beaded ornament baubles...

Multi colored seed beads and amber drops...I like it. It has a festive look. I needed to make some adjustments with this one. I am using the same bauble and the same seed beads yet the size and shape is ever so slightly different. Part of the process.

My ornaments all gathered up except for 2, a turquoise and a pink which are ready to send out to dangle someplace else. I really enjoy this beading process.
Eva P the mom has already received some cards from you my friends and she was surprised and happy. Thank you for helping to cheer her on. This is a big adjustment for her.
For The Brother Alan and sis Lynowl and I it is a relief to know she is being cared for.
Out of the nowhere my ankle began to pain me yesterday afternoon...right in time to see the  doctor tomorrow. I have been having no problems until now. Not sure if another injection will be the way to go. Always something....the age factor and the arthritis. So, I will load it will medication today and hope for the best. I am watching the Dove kids and they are growing quickly. Still amazed that the skimpy nest balanced on the twig branches is holding them!
Time for the coffee and a piece of 7 grain bread. It has been so nice to chat with you today. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Most of all, thank you for your friendship.

I did it all by myself

Let's talk about yesterday. I thought this past week that the irrigation in the back yard was not working correctly. I was right. Somehow the timer got itself messed up and so the bottom line is it needs to be replaced. The landscaper showed me how to use the system manually so that is what I will be doing until I get the new box. Today he will return to plant the Snail Vine at the arbor because it would be difficult for me, I think in this heat. I painted the last of my shelves ( for now) and

the third shelf is mounted. You are reading correctly, and I did it all by myself. I measured, leveled, marked and drilled. I used the molleys and the electric screw driver all without injury to myself! Scissors and thread at hand for sewing. Of course all the credit for my ability to do this goes to my friends Don and Glenda who taught me how.  Now with the amount of nails and screws in the garage I can build something with confidence! Let's not forget the drills....
Less than a week for the arrival of The Brother Alan.
A few more stitches on Alice and another Denny's Angel yesterday. The temps hit 110 and it was a record for the date and very hot. Prediction for today is 107. I am so looking forward to some cooler weather so that I can sit outside. I still have not returned the hummingbird feeder to the window area for fear of the bee invasion. Once the temps cool down I will try it again. Plans for today? Well the pond needs a little cleaning before the heat of the day, Robert arrives around 8 am to plant the vine, and Alice and I will sit together for a bit. Not too much but just enough. Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. I read this someplace but do not remember where or who wrote it but I like it....

Sit tall in the saddle. Make sure it's cinched up tight.

Is it too early????

Just sitting here at the computer desk with my cup of tea and a bottle of wine....no, I will not be drinking the wine...yet. I received the wine as a Christmas hostess thank you gift and have been saving it for The Brother Alan's visit.  ( I lightly power dusted the bottle to omit the glare...thought I should mention that!)  The mouse is watching to be sure that I do not open the bottle! Did I mention he will be here soon? I am so glad this week has finally ended. I have not been crafty productive at all. There have been better weeks around The Horton House. Anyway, not to complain or wine whine...I could drink a glass about now. I am trying to learn to take it one day at a time and make adjustments. I am teaching this old gal to relax and go with the flow or lack of it. Yesterday I took the car in for service....the 6 month check up. Tires rotated, oil changed, fluids checked and it is ready to go for The Brother Alan's visit. He and Lisa will be taking the car for a 2 hour ride up to Prescott for a horseback ride. It was due anyway but now I am comfortable that it is in time for their visit.  No, Mr H and I will not be going. We would like them to enjoy their visit without our tagging along. Not sure that Mr H would be able to do long ride and never the horseback ride. The temperatures here have been in the triple digits already. Yesterday it was 108 and today back to around 95. Right now it is 74. By the time Alan arrives it will be back to normal, in the 70s and 80s. I have not done much of any stitching of any kind....to be truthful, not in the mood. Besides, I have been getting the guest room ready and such. Takes a bit of rearranging from sewing to guest. One thing I have been putting off is the garage...it needs the yearly get straight and clean up but I think it may have to wait...I am running out of time. There still are a few things to remove form the guest room, so I better finish my tea and get to it. Glad to chat with you. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship. Have a great day.

Grover is patiently waiting------

counting down...3 days to arrival!

Is it May 9th yet?

Is it Tuesday yet?

Sparklies

I thought I was at the end of my shawl knitting, but not so. I think it needs to be longer. I really like my shawl to wrap me. So onward with that at the moment. Woke yesterday with a headache and upset stomach so I did nothing....absolutely nothing and today I am fine. On Wednesday I visited a bead shop which just opened on our side of town. I signed up for a class (on the 19th) but purchased my supplies...

oh so pretty...I will keep it mum for now. It will be my first attempt at this type of beading project and I only hope I can do it. Stay tuned for the finish! I also pulled out my project for punch needle and as before have left it again. I do not feel confident to try this...and I really do not know why. I know that I can do it, but keep hesitating. Our temps reached the first triple digit for the season at 101 Wednesday...and today we may have a rain storm...and the temps will be cooler. Winds are already kicking up. No wonder I had a headache! I feel bad for the Doves in the nest...trying to stay cool one day and the need to warm up the next. They are growing quickly and probably will soon be off. It seems like we have had a bunny explosion around here...so many young ones hopping about.

they are so darn cute. Everyday they gather in the courtyard to find munchies. Unfortunately the coyotes also know they are plentiful, so the circle is set. For now, they seem safe. Today is a special birthday...my sweet friend JeanneG is 90 years old. An independent lady who still lives on her own and still drives and volunteers at our library. She is always pleasant and smiling and so delightful to be with. Jeanne works on quilting and cross stitch and even has done some needlepoint. We try to get together at least once a week to stitch which usually becomes a chat session. I am so very lucky to have her for a friend. I will have to get an updated picture of her.  My laundry is already done, but I have not yet watered the garden and checked in with the Dove nest. I guess I should do that now....so glad we chatted today. Thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a great day.

Maybe it is Autumn

What a lovely start to this morning. The temperature is around 72 and a lovely cool air. Of course the sun is not shining yet and then it will be around 95, but it is still a nice morning. There were a few triple digit days last week so it really is not Autumn....yet. I started a new project from Niky Creations Christmas Contest.  I thought it would be fun. Each entry will receive a number and then there will be a drawing on November 30th. How about an update on mom EvaP....no results no idea what is the problem. You would think with all the tests and technology they could come up with a reason. EvaP tells me she is feeling fine but do to becoming dizzy often she has been advised to use her walker all the time. Gee, I thought that was decided long ago which is why I bought her one of those fancy models  so she would be more apt to use it. She had told me it is so nice that it does not make her feel old, this from someone who will be 89 in December! I had mentioned my Burger King Doll....

How about a Ronald McDonald Doll. Haven't located the Burger King guy yet....maybe one of the other boxes. Anyway, he was $1.00 purchased from McDonald's in the late 70s. I was always picking up specials. When I was a child we never got the cereal with the freebies in them...mostly had hot cereals or toast for breakfast. I am a Cheerios gal so now if there is a special it's mine. Mr H likes the Kellogg cereals so what they add in is also mine....still a kid sometimes. Why do we collect these things? Anyway....thought I would share McD doll.I need my second cup of coffee, second laundry in the washer and the newspaper is waiting to be read. So nice to have you stop by today. Thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship. I hope you have a wonderful day.

And the heat is on~~~~~~~

This entire week will be hot....temps in the triple digit teens.....I will be staying indoors most of the time.

This was yesterday on our return trip home from the doctor. Yes, you re reading it correctly; time 4:13 PM temp 116. Speaking of the doctor--- he did not give me any injections. I went for lab work and will be going for an MRI. It was thought by now my hand would be better. Since I have had no injury to it, there may be another issue so we will look deeper. It is frustrating. Not only the constant ache/pain, but the dropping of things drives me nuts. Of course not being able to stitch more is also a downer. I have tried to do a bit each day on Red...

she is finished and the wolf now has legs to pursue her...but I am holding off on his tail.... maybe to slow him down until the forest is complete! I am not sure if I will be stitching the bottom as charted. I obviously have plenty of time with the slow stitching to decide. To prevent total creative melt down, I am returning to the sewing machine....

this is the material and pattern I got last week. Cute Butterfly potholder. I think the Lady bug might be next.... or the Bee.... eventually all of them. Too cute to use!
That's about it today...but I do want to remind you of the July Card Exchange and The thimble Exchange...Thank you for all the kind words and most of all for your friendship. Enjoy your day!