Glue in my veins

 Yes, you read the title correctly

The original appointment was for VenaSeal on my right leg...veins are healing so they checked the left leg....and there was the  vein that needed to be glued. Did you know that was even possible? Well it is. After a time the glue...medical glue... is absorbed and the vein is sealed. The open vein causes the blood to flow incorrectly. Now my blood is going in the right direction! This wrap will come off today and a compression sock will be my fashion statement for the next 2 weeks. Yesterday was a 10 minute walk every hour until bedtime. Friday we will see if the glue did it's job. Murphy was not happy with this activity!

Up next on my medical escapade is surgery to remove a disc in my back and fuse a bone.... that will be October 3rd. I am hoping for an outpatient visit, not an overnight stay. With that done I should be all fixed.... key word is should. In the meantime, I am happily working on my quilt...

all 286 squares with 273 windows are complete. Now are the triangles...66 of them... that frame the entire quilt edge. One long side is almost complete. As much work as this hand sewn quilt has been, it is so relaxing and to say that I am very pleased with the outcome is an understatement. A dream from 1991 finally being accomplished!

The templates for my next quilt are still in China....but USPS is awaiting pickup....

Last week one of the potatoes on the counter began to sprout eyes. What to do? Well plant them of course and they are growing in my bedroom garden. Soon I will have a nice vine or 2 or 3. Then there was the tomato.... we were having BLTs and when I cut the tomato the seeds had sprouts! So, of course I planted that also.

I marked the shouts that are growing...I just plopped the seeds and their gel into this pot and covered it not bothering to clean the debris out. I was not sure if they would sprout and they did. 
Alan is re-organizing the garden. Everything had to be removed from the walls and some portable plants/decorations were removed so the painters could complete there job. It has been so hot and humid that he will be taking his time. We are back into triple digits. Monsoon will soon be gone and the humidity with it. 

I am on limited duty for now so chores will be put aside...oh gee wiz, I am so disappointed!...not. Always happy to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts, and of course thank you for your friendship.

Another month

A beautiful afternoon...I do not seem to get to post in the mornings anymore. It is thanks to Murphy...yes, we wake and then we doze back off. For me it is getting needed sleep which has escaped me for so long. He is just what I needed. We love him dearly...but there are days...

Alan and I enclosed the kitchen garden to keep him out. As you can see, he discovered he could get flat on his belly and stick his head right up to the shoulders to get a broken pot! That did not last long. Alan simply hammered it down more. Murphy was not amused.

I harvested these the last 2 days and though there are a few more on the plant, we are coming to the end of this plant so we will get a summer tomato next. Lisa and I will enjoy a couple of these tonight with melted cheese and a salad.

I know, this looks weird. It is my heel... still very sore but slowly healing. today I plan to keep closed shoes off....wearing just my slides. The plan is to do a few chores but to stay off it as much as I can. I must say, Murphy is being exceptionally good today. His barking at people while walking is still an issue and so I decided to try one of the remotes that emits a sound when behavior is not desired. It arrives today....wonder if he knows changes are coming!?
Alan had planned to take the day off as he has a miserable cold but was needed at work so off he went. He and Lisa each have one of Dennis' favorite hang around shirts. Today Alan took his and is feeling comfort wearing it. Mind you, he wears a suit and tie to work... off came the jacket on went the shirt and he plans to hang out in his office.
Speaking of Dennis....💔 not a day goes by that my Denny is not on my mind. Today, the 21st marks another month without him. Maybe Murphy can sense my mood and wants to be a good by. If only he could get the towels out of the dryer and the wash out of the washer.... where are those fairies? Glad to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

What a week!

Today I hope is the last day injury to me myself and I! There was the fall tripping over the carpet edge in the lanai while dodging Murphy.

Then while slicing radishes on the mandolin... a small chunk of my finger went and so did the radish! Lisa was quick to wrap it for me...good nurse.
Then  while walking Murphy he crossed in front of me and in a tangle...let's just say matching scraped knees. This morning as I was attempting to rescue Lisa's belt to her robe I now have matching elbows. There is a pattern here.... but I won't mention any dogs name! Lisa told me to just sit this afternoon while she is working.

I just can not stay angry with this lover boy. This is the view looking down while sitting in my rocking chair.... love him, to pieces ❤Some of the fault is with me not being more attentive. We will have a solution...just spoke with Jolie at PetSmart to enroll Murphy in classes to start in February...goodness, that is just about a week away….He knows "sit, out, walk and treat" now we need stay stop and no barking at the other dog. I told him that is no way to make friends and have play dates!
Since my finger has healed enough to sew....

 Had to take the picture in 2 parts....There are 6  center flowers and then the edge flowers...my own idea to finish the runner. It measures just 14 1/2 x 60 inches. 

Loved making this. I definitely will be making more with this pattern. The back is the same as the sides. Next week on one of Lisa's days off we will make the Burrito Pillowcase from the kit we bought.

In a day or so, we will be enjoying our first tomato from the kitchen garden. Several others are already yellow. Keeping a certain pooch out of this garden has been a challenge. Did I mention we will be putting fencing around the planted areas? He spends time daily pruning anything growing....

Well, I figured while things are quiet around here it would be a good time to post. Mornings seem to get away from me. I am still walking with Murphy 3 times a day and have lost some weight  and my blood pressure is down. It has been so nice to chat with you today. I must try to return to more frequent posting. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

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.

The start of the week

The temp is around 82 but not too bad this morning. The pond needs a cleaning and the garden needs a pick-me-up, but it will wait. I have removed the Dove nest from the Memory Bush. Speaking of bushes

This is the Fire Cracker bush...it is almost 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide. It is a blaze with color. It actually glows in the sunlight.  The rain chain will be moving closer to the pond when the Brother Alan next arrives. I think I will let the Honeysuckle which is now low to the ground try to grow again.
My tomato plant has tripled in size and has a dozen or so tomatoes growing.

I trimmed a few of the lower branches as Dennis used to do and it allows more sunlight and air around the plant. The Snail vine is showing some wear and tear...not sure why. I will just leave it for now. Pruning is usually in the Fall. Yesterday I trimmed the basil and oregano and brought a few sprigs in to dry.
I finished the ornament to send to my Aunt Rose Marie but will wait until she gets it to post it. I try to make one a day and so far have done that. My pleasure is giving them away and when asked I do try to send the color asked for. I am honored when someone asks for one of my creations...no matter if tatting or beading.
Yesterday just as I was going out to the front to fill the birdbath...

Resting on a large rock in the shade was this lizard.... about 10 inches from nose to tail tip. He  waited until I was right up to him to scurry off into the ferns. I know it is not easy to see him, but it was the best I could get at the time.
Laundry is fluffing in the dryer and I will walk the Bissell and hope it behaves today. I really am considering a new vac. I put Swiffer someplace and now need to look for it..... interruptions drive me nuts. No real plans for the day. Maybe the bread machine will be used. So nice to have you stop by for a visit. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. Hope you stop back soon.

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.

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.

A garden walk and tatting

Well it did rain and is still drying out. Since it is still dark outside I can only tell you that the air is nippy. I have been watching the Olympics and did a bit of tatting

 The basic ice drop with a heart border.... but Olympic Curling got in the way....
I baked a basic bread late yesterday to have with my Penne and Shrimp bake dinner.... very good if I say so myself. I have enjoyed trying new recipes. I would like to show you the view out of my kitchen window....

This is what is left of my tomato plant and of course the "alien" Snail Vine.  It truly grows before my eyes!

If you really look closely in the center of the picture you will see that it is now growing toward each side! As soon as I can use the step ladder I will attempt to bundle it up to the top of the arbor....before you can not longer walk beneath it. And such delicate blooms...

They are unique in how they curl around itself and such pretty shades of lavender. Soon I will be showing you my lavender blooms that are getting ready.

this little bundle of cherry tomatoes may be the last that I get. I will just leave the plant which is right next to the "alien" and on the other side of this is

the Red Lips Salvia. The hummer visits it daily and it is a lovely bright spot to see out the kitchen window. It probably would do better in the ground but for now this is where it grows.
Across the garden is

Fairy Duster....which has doubled in size and doing well. These feathery blooms do not last long but are so bright and fluffy. I am enjoying taking care of this garden which my Denny established and loved so much. I know he would approve of my additions.
Thanks to Don for helping me to install all the drip lines, my watering is now self care and makes it much easier for me to enjoy what work I need to do out there.
Today the plan is to attach the doll's head so she can think and help me pick out clothing fabric! I think I will carefully bring the bin into the house so I do not have to stand in the garage choosing it all. My restrictions will probably be lifted once I see the doctor on Tuesday. Hopefully my right leg will start to feel better too. Hope you enjoyed the garden walk. Thank you for your caring emails and encouragement and kind words. You are wonderful friends...thank you for your friendship. You have helped me immensely these last 8 months. 

They really are bagals!

Just poking around today. Yesterday I made bagels....taste okay but let me tell you, they could never make the "nice looking" part of the bake-off.

Entirely my fault as I did not form the dough smoothly. Next time...if I do this again, they will look better. Some with sesame seed and others with poppy seed topping.
I also finally understand and think I can manage Cluny tatting.

The first one on the left is perfect, the one on the right, let's just say it is almost right....by that I will say I did not count the wraps just the process so in that case it is acceptable as a learning piece. Practice will get me there. I also need to practice Josephine Knots. When I learned to make them some years ago they wee good but when I do not do them they now need practice. So in between tatting I will practice both of these.

My latest snowflake is complete and just needs starching. It is the same as the last only doing the first half this time. I like some different looks. The next one I try will have beads. I love tatting. Before you ask, I have not given up on my other needle work, just need to change for a time. For now, it is tatting and sewing. Today is definitely cut out doll morning. Also a trip to the post office to get my package mailed.
The Doves were here earlier, resting on the wall at the gate. Until the nest is complete they will come and go as they please. Dennis loved having the nesting birds here.
Today will be a salad with tomato and beans form my garden along with Romaine and cucumbers from the market for lunch. Think I will add a bit of Provolone cheese. I like to try to plan ahead so I am not hungry and trying to find something to eat. With that said and laundry ready to hang, I think I will plan dinner too. So nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship. 

A Prince in my house

Crazy weather morning. The sky was very dark and clouds every which way, then the sun and now we are back to clouds. The forecast is suppose to be for rain today.....we shall wait and see.
My Shutterfly book which was suppose to arrive yesterday....well, it is finally in Arizona and took 6 days to get from NC by UPS to get to Tolleson AZ. So it is about 13 miles away form me....let's see how long this takes. Speaking of deliveries...the package to Lynda Ruth finally arrived in Canada...one month to the mail date!
Yesterday Dianna and Bobby picked me up and off we travelled to the thrift stores in the area.

This Prince followed me home. Could not beat the cost and he just looked at me and I knew he needed to come home with me. Not sure where he will spend his time but for now he is in the living room guarding the candy on  Glenda's my lavender pedestal plate. We stopped for lunch at a little place in my neighborhood that I have never been too and discovered a great menu and the food we had was quite good. You never know about these little places.
I managed to get just a little more done on my tatted motif and it will definitely get finished this morning. I am waiting for the A/C guy (Brent) to come and replace a part in the unit. This is suppose to stop the noises that we hear. I think they should just replace this "new" 7 month old unit. This is the last time and then I will insist that they replace it.
I picked 4 tomatoes yesterday and will enjoy them with cucumber slices later along with chicken tenders and rice. The yard needs a good sweeping and the pond needs to be skimmed but I would rather tat. So, that is where you will find me today. Nice to have you visit and thank you for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship....special thanks to Dianna for caring....

Just tatting

Today is starting with a very cloudy sky...tomorrow is a forecast of rain but the temps will still be in the 70s. Medical test this morning then maybe out to lunch with Dianna and Bobby. This morning started at 6:30 AM for me....can not believe that I slept until such a time! So, instead of doing laundry I picked up my tatting

which looked like this yesterday and now looks like

The outside edge is half done. It is not perfect by any means, but the pattern is new for me and there are stitches that I have done before but it has been some time and definitely could be better. The next one will be much better.
I looked out the window and what did I see....

Ready to pick they are. So many more on the plant too. The beans are looking good too and I will not even discuss the Alien Snail Vine. Yesterday since it want to join the outside light at the back door, I gave it a garden twine to crawl on instead of hanging out in space. Amazing how this plant is growing. Don came by to attach the wrought iron hook to the wall for me.

Now the Rain Chain has a perfect home. I will get a chance to see it work if we get the rain on Tuesday.  I love having this in my garden.....thank you Dianna and Bobby!
There is a new blog, but not a new blogger in town. Deena AKA Parsley, from http://parsleyandthepack.blogspot.com/ is back in town. Her former blog was Seasons of the Mind. Parsley's life took some turns and she decided to start a new blog to better reflect who she is. I have been a follower since way back when so I am happy she is back. Stop by and say hello.
That is about it for me. If I continue to doddle about I will forget that I have a 10 AM appointment to get to. I think I have a little time to get more tatting done.....
Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Most of all thank you for your friendship. 

Arizona icicles

The mornings start chilly but by afternoon we reach the high 60 to low 70. Love Arizona winters! To be honest, I did love the early morning walk through freshly fallen snow and the glisten of icicles newly formed in the sun when I lived in Rhode Island. But--- and here is the thing...I do not miss the cold. So, if I did want cold and snow I could drive 2 to 3 hours north to the high country for it or just tat my own snowflakes and icicles

this pattern is by Carolyn Craig who designs lovely tatting patterns and I have a couple of her books. This is a fun pattern and quick with many beading possibilities.
Look at this beautiful variegated Poinsettia

I bought it just before Christmas and it is still looking pretty...just a small plant but lovely colors. I love having blooms in the house...we always had fresh flowers on the table. Today I will be tossing out the fresh greens that I bought just before Thanksgiving...they certainly lasted a long time and this will replace them on the table. This morning when I went to do the check the garden thing...

The alien Snail Vine has definitely grown some...the center is hanging almost 2 feet below the center of the arbor! It is everywhere. It does love this cooler weather rather than the 110 temps of the summer. Still waiting for more tomatoes...they seem to be at a halt. Meanwhile I did tie up the beans so they are not trailing across the pathway. Looks like a handful so far.
The little doll pattern has been cut out and now to find the fabric and get it made. My hands are in so many directions! I did find the outside wall hook for the Rain Chain so it will hang from the wall and catch rain...if and when it comes. For that I will need to ask Don for help...not sure about drilling into cement.
It has been so nice visiting with you but the bed needs making and the Bissell and Swiffer are waiting. Thank you for your kind words and your friendship.

I looked at the calendar this morning....there are only 3 days left to this year. So much to put to rest and time to try to move ahead. 

"Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering 'it will be happier.' " - Alfred Lord Tennyson

Chilly days ahead

Bright sun but definitely into the winter temps. Socks on in the morning and barefoot by afternoon. Not complaining mind you, but finally into the normal temperatures for this time of year.
Update;

my neck is no longer feeling the burning and is not sore to touch. Whatever got me or caused this is healing. Everyday it is looking better.  My friend Keith helped me check the entire chair area for signs of a scorpion and we did not find any. He also got the mouse and keyboard finally working.
Yesterday friend Sherry and I went to Scottsdale for the morning...we originally intended to go to Tombstone but with the forecast of rain we changed our plans. Enjoyable company makes for a fun time. This morning I went out to

pick tomatoes...can not wait to enjoy them in a salad. The plant still has many more still in the green stage. With the temps dropping to the low 40s at night I may cover them to help keep them warmer. I am hoping some of the plants can take the cold nights. But there is the Geranium

 Hot pink and bright with a bloom and buds ready to open

Autumn Sage fully in bloom with it's purple flowers

The bright red of Hot Lips

and blooms on the Alien....I mean Snail Vine. So for December it is so nice to see the color and cheerful garden. Today is a few errands kind of day and then some needlework and there still is the closet I have been working to rearrange/organize. Had a fun gift opening time on Skype with sis Lynowl last evening and I will show you my gifts tomorrow.
Thank you for the lovely words for my Denny on his birthday both here and on Facebook. Thank you for your friendship which continues to give me encouragement. Right now I need my coffee......have a good day my friends.