不在中国....Bùzài zhōngguó

 Can you read Chinese? No...well the title says Not in China......

These are my new tools/gadgets. Malltoon Quilted Hexagons Templates. I ordered from this Chinese company because they sold different sizes. (Missouri Quilting offers only one size.) Anyway, I had been checking the tracking number and as of yesterday it said it is awaiting USPS partner for pickup! As you can see they have arrived. They range from 3 1/2", 5 1/2 " and the largest is 7" ..the finished sizes.

The sure make hexagons easy. This will be my next quilt...all centers will be floral only with occasional solid colors scattered around. The size will be a small throw... maybe crib size. I think I will be using the middle size which finishes at 5 1/2 inches. As with the Cathedral Quilt there will be no batting. You should feel how heavy that quilt is! This will be a throw for the living room.

So, you are asking what about the Cathedral Quilt...

Today I will be finished with the edging triangles. Then on to the binding. Yes, I could have used finished edge triangles, but I wanted the edge to be sturdy. This is going on my bed. And it also will be hand sewn on....I know it would be quicker and easier to use the Singe, but I want it to be completely hand sewn. I am so happy with the outcome with this project. Dianna's is almost finished then we will take a picture. 

On Friday I saw the Cardiologist...the glue is working so no further treatment at this time. Now onto the disc surgery...October 3rd. I will be starting the pre-op testing soon..... again. I did this all in May for the heel surgery.  With luck, and if I can stay out of harms way, this will be all for me. Thankful for Alan and Lisa helping me through all this.  Time to get back to my sewing.... well first I have a banana bread to make. Alan and Lisa's friend is visiting later today...Patrick loves my banana bread. Good chatting with you. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship. I am so lucky!

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.

Love gadgets

 I know...I have been MIA (missing in action) again. I am still dealing with medical issues that weigh on my mind. Tests...doctor appointments...procedures....just has been getting to me mentally. Anyhoo....I said I love gadgets. Whether cooking or baking and especially when crafting, I can not resist a tool that will make a task easier and more enjoyable.

Have you heard of or seen Applipops? It makes perfect circles for applique. I bought the set and they came in this ice cloth pouch for storing. You can see the 3 sizes that I made...there is a smaller one but too fiddly for me to try right now. Fun! One of these days I will need to make these....practice makes perfect.

I can not resist adorable scissors...most any scissor

Just look at these cuties. I also have tweezers by the same company. Let me just say, they are very...very sharp. Can not help but smile when I look at them. Had to order on line (Annie's catalog) as the quilt shop did not have them. I am excited...waiting for my next tool to arrive for my next project. Stay tuned.

For a short time, Murphy and I will be confined to my room...the HOA painters are here. They finished the front now they will be in our patio to paint. Havoc for Murphy. They are painting across from us in the front. Once they start the back Murphy will be allowed out of the room. Happy that they will be finished today.

Nice to chat with you...thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Mid-week

It is always so nice to wake to sun and warmth....it seems Arizona will be returning to warmer days this week in the 90s. So, ideally I will get up and out into the garden early and errands and chores finished early. Time was when that was my mornings....awake and out of bed early... not so much now. Times do change. Still waking early but more inclined to slow down until at least 6am! It is not a bad thing.
Returning home after having dinner out on Monday night, there it was... a coyote at the beginning of my street. Looked up and then returned to business... no need to explain. Have not seen any during the day recently...but they are always around. Alan took a picture with his phone but being dark it did not translate to a clear picture for the computer.

This Rubbermaid tool storage was how Dennis had our garden equipment for 12 years…. hopefully the trash will lake it as is... if not I will be taking it apart today for the next trash pick up.

this is how it is now. I saw this in Lowes so it was ideal. Instead of lifting out and over my head, it is simple to remove from the open front brackets. Next will be shelves above this area. Much better for my back.
Lisa was keeping busy with her iPad and then showed me what she was doing. Then Alan downloaded the app to my Tablet...

an electronic Adult Coloring book. Very relaxing. No colored pencils dropping or trying to decide on colors...just tap your finger.
I did find in my WIPs (which I have few) a Mill Hill kit that I will be working on. It is a SW design that I started a while ago.
An update on the Dove nest...have no idea what these 2 birds are doing. They leave the nest for long periods and I am sure that the 2 eggs are not viable anymore. I will give them one more week then I will remove the eggs. Maybe first timers? All part of accepting nature whatever way it shows itself.
Time to enjoy this first cup of coffee before going to the garden and out for errands. Feeling tired so I will keep it easy today. Happy to have you visit today and all days. thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

I either have too many studs or not enough!

Oh the weather outside is frightful is getting hot already. They say up to the low 90s this weekend. I really think I am having weather related headaches and sinus issues..... or whatever. I give up. Yesterday morning the fragrance from the Daffodils was really bothering me so they are now out on the table in the Lanai. They are visible each time I walk into the kitchen. The back is just okay. I have been doing nothing and there is the possibility that I will call the doctor Monday.

My April Origami Star is finished. I like the colors and how it feels like Spring. These are easy and enjoyable to make. I like that I have all the months prepared so that I can just sit and make in just a few minutes.
I  decided to replace the garden tool storage rack in the garage. I want to have a storage on the garage wall. So of course first I need to find the studs. Were you thinking another kind of stud from the title????? ... anyway, I found the stud finder (of course Denny had one...only one in the cupboard) and read the directions. Read them and read them again. I was doing what it said but could not successfully locate studs then all of a sudden there was one almost on another. Something obviously was really wrong. I texted both Bobby and Don for advice. Bobby got back to me with directions but I still could not find my studs. Don call and said he would stop by and he did and showed me how to use the tool but even he had to admit they were not lining up right. Glad it was not my inability to follow directions. After we chatted and he gave me advice on how to mount the rack  he kindly added the last 2 bags of soil into the pond. Ta Da…. just going to let it settle then plant. I have also decided to remove 2 Yucca plants that cause me serious cuts from the sharp leaves. Things are progressing nicely.
Wednesday lunch with Vicki was delightful. We chatted and munched on Fettuccini and salad at Olive Garden. I forgot to link up her 2 blogs....one here and the other is here. Be sure to check them out.
Okay, time to move on..... glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

There was rain in The Valley of the Sun

The sun is shining and there is a nip in the air...okay it is down right chilly out there. We had rain yesterday on and off but it was raining and I can prove it

The tomato has a drop still clinging....

the Snail vine has bubbles on the flowers

the Fire Cracker bush is holding on to a last drop
Everywhere I look there are rain drops still holding on and soon the sun will dry them all up. I love being in the garden after a rain. Everything looks bright and fresh and there are water diamonds everywhere you look. Soon it will be time to prune a few of the plants to get ready for summer. Now all my tools for the garden are sharp and ready. Later today...maybe...the pond will get some attention. I have the pump and will drain it so I can get it working again.
I did finish my snowflake yesterday...

This is Alison form Janet Williams book. I will wash it and then starch it and tuck in the threads and it will be ready to hang. I really enjoy the patterns in this book. Right now I prefer to tat than to stitch.
I know this is the shortest month but has it really come to the last day?! It seems like it just arrived and now it is time to write in March and start a new countdown. The winds of March ...
Well, enough of that. I need to get a move on and get the house in order. The House Faeries are on strike so it is up to me. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship too.

*****I think there are only 5...oh my...yes, 5 days left*****

Friends care...

"What were you thinking?

I can't believe you even thought about using the saw!!!!!   That is not a piece of equipment made for a woman to handle.  Stan has all he can do to hold onto his when working for a long period of time with it.  It is extremely heavy and I can see you trying to add the Gasoline to it and even the additive.   Knowing you, you would probably wear it before getting most of it into the cutter.".......this is how the email started. My dear side-kick from Rhode Island, Lulu sent this to me. We worked together side by side for some years before my leaving RI. Thank you Lu I will not try to use said equipment. Always a warm feeling when long time friends still lecture you because they care.

I once again have been awake early today. Yesterday I dozed on and off but not today. Lots on my mind...I will try again to get in touch with the landscapers this morning before going to writing class and finally got my appointment for tests for Monday, and whatever else is floating around my head that keeps me thinking. The sun rises around 6:30am now so it is still quite dark outside. Change in seasons....
Yesterday was another not up to snuff day so I did not plan to do anything. Sue dropped by for a quick lesson in 3 needle bind-off for a cute sweater she has knit. Never had much to eat because I was absolutely not hungry all day....unusual for me. Today I seem to be feeling okay. Maybe the changing weather is my issue. Denny used to blame it all on barometric pressure! Sometime this afternoon I must gather up items for the garage sale; empty the electronic cupboard in the garage and box up odds and ends of things. I found a waffle iron (which I will never use) and some glasses and baking things that are not needed. It will be good to send these things off to someone else.

The Snail Vine is growing and growing. Finally reaching the top of the arbor. I find myself trying to convince it to travel in right direction everyday. Once it fills in the top more it will be easier for it to find its way. I found flowers already on the tomato plant. Wish I could remember if I am suppose to remove these early ones or not. This was something I did not pay particular attention to when Denny planted them. I will try to take a picture of the Fairy Duster plant which has seed pods already as well as blooms. All in all the garden is doing well.
Still having issues with Cox and sending emails. They called to follow up yesterday. I am still "between platforms"...that is what Sarah said! Well dear friends, time for the cup of coffee and something to eat....I am starving! Glad to chat with you today and thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Having an off day

Starting my day not feeling myself. Who ever this is best get a move on cause I hate not feeling well especially without specifics. Started yesterday and seems to be continuing today. The weather is starting out fairly cool and a bit breezy, perfect for sitting out but with the way I feel I am not sure if I should.
I managed some tatting yesterday and sat outside for a couple of hours. Friend JeanneG stopped by and we sat outside visiting. The irrigation still has two areas that I think are leaking but at this pint I am not going to worry about it. My concern is the two bushes that need some expert help. I did think of pulling out the

big gas powered thing...first I can barely lift it and secondly not sure about adding fuel and thirdly it is a weapon of mass destruction....to me. Yu do know the outcome of my using this would not be good. The blade is 24 inches and I can barely hand a little jig-saw. I have been invited to join in with Glenda and Don for a garage sale this Thursday/Friday. Maybe this should go!
I have most of the supplies for the on-line art class

just need to add a few things. Hopefully I am feeling better for the writing class on Tuesday and I must set up a couple of medical tests this week. All in all I am busy. No time for feeling blah. Today will definitely be a slow day...well, I do have to gather stuff for the garage sale. It will require climbing the step ladder and organizing stuff...we'll see. My email is still messed up on the computer, thank you Cox for not getting it fixed. I have been relying on my tablet.
The doors are open and air is breezing through the house....so nice. I will finish my coffee and see what the day brings. Thank you for chatting with me and for your kind words and most of all your friendship.

Up and ready waiting....

Today is the day the Rain Gutters will be installed. As a matter of fact, I am up, ready and waiting for them to arrive at any minute so I may have to stop chatting any minute. Just because I am always awake so early does not mean I want to be dressed and ready to go nowhere. I have moved a few yard pieces as requested but there are some plants that can not be moved so I will be anxiously watching that they are not damaged.
Okay the truck is arriving...gotta go.....
I am back. That was not too bad. Arrived at 8:30 and truck is pilling away at 9 AM.  I swept the yard and rearranged a few things. I enjoy moving this and that as the mood strikes. I like things scattered and not even and row by row. I have favorite places for little additions and love the free flow of some of my plants. Denny (and I did help) work hard to accomplish the type of yard we enjoy. All the plants and bits of this or that are part of what we created. It is getting a little warm already so sitting outside is not going to happen today.  The House finches and the hummers are happy Ray has left. The temp is 73 but should rise to 99 by afternoon. I think sitting and reading is on my schedule.
Sorry for the visit interruption. I will have some pictures tomorrow for sure. Thank you for the kind words and of course your caring friendship. For those of you who follow my Facebook page, thank you for the caring response to my recent post. It certainly helped the hurt feel better.

I think I need Ray's tool belt. It has plenty of pockets and the holster toward the front is for the drill!

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.

Busy weekend

I thought I was going to sit back, but there was still shelves to move

First they had to be painted, then a lesson from Don on drilling, how to put in a molley and then attaching to the wall. Glenda directed from the chair with coffee in hand. Poor Don a wife, a friend and tools. The people on the shelves are not exactly where they will be but it was time to get them out of the basket in the closet. I needed to stop as my hand is once again swollen and sore. So besides the right leg not the right hand! Did I mention the needle in the foot?

As I strolled through the living room a sharp pain in you guessed it , my right foot. This needle is what I pulled out. The problem with carpets is that sometimes when you drop something you do not know you did until... Not to worry, it did not require any tools to pull out. It will be added to my Festival of Needles.
A surprise package arrived on Friday and a new mailperson.

Cousin Janice in Rhode Island sent me these delicious cookies...oh my goodness.

Each cookie is individually wrapped and just perfect; not sweet but flavored just right. These are Sweet Olive Oil Tortas with anise. Their name is Ines Rosales. Thank you sweet Janice for thinking of me with this treat.

 I have been slowly stitching on Alice. I am not fond of this motif so it is taking forever. Not much more to finish it so I will push on today with it as much as my hand will allow. This represents the tea party.
I think I may have found the fabric to redo the footstool. Just deciding between two that I had in my stash.  Oh before I forget, did I mention The Brother will be here next week?
On Saturday morning around 10 am I thought I saw someone looking at me through the large living room window...I did ...it was a young coyote! I could not grab my camera quickly. The window is to the floor so he had an easy view in. The lanai hummer is busy already this morning patrolling the back yard. I had a restless night so I did not get out there early enough to sweep so it will wait until tomorrow. In the meantime, I will make the bed wash my coffee cup and cereal bowl then settle to stitch. Thank you for visiting today. Than you for the kind words and friendship.
Happy to report the friends I have in Florida are all safe. 

Another week gone by

Sometimes it seems that time really passes so quickly and then the other when it just hangs around. This past week was here for such a short time for me. The other day I began to move a shelf from one room to another and of course there were little holes in the wall. I ask Glenda and Don what I needed

to fix this issue and Don came and gave me a lesson in how to fill in the screw holes, how to lock in the drill bit and then drill the new holes for the shelf. Seeing Denny do this in the past does not mean I knew how to do it, now I
The Ladies now have moved and seem quite happy.

Now I have 2 other shelves to be hung and new holes to patch. You would think with all the screws that are in the garage I would have the 4 that I need...no, of course not. Off to Ace Hardware I will go for supplies.
Yesterday was the day to remove Denny form a few accounts and then to reestablish in my name. One of the places required that I go to the mall. Perfect I thought and I will go to Macy's to replace my Top Siders. Little did I know that Macy's no longer sell them in store only on line. But, I did find

Keds in a style like the Top Siders and so comfy and on sale which was a nice surprise. Off I ventured to see what else I could find and to my delight I actually got 2 shirts for free. I had to go through Sears to get to the car and there I saw a denim shirt that was on sale and when the gal rang it up there were "store points" that amounted to the sale price so = free. I was leaving but saw another top and the same thing happened. A good shopping trip indeed. Have I mentioned that The Brother Alan is arriving in 10 days?
We are in a cool down with the temps expected to be only 95 today and a 40% chance of rain. I am sure this comes at a price .... humidity. Today I hope to sit with Alice and make more progress. It is moving slowly with the current motif so if I can pass this one I know it will move on. Nice to chat with you today. Thank you for visiting and for the kind words. Most of all thank you for your friendship. The count down is 10 days.
So sorry for those in the path of the hurricanes and the other terrible weather related storms. No matter where we are there are weather issues that we must deal with. Keeping you all in my thoughts...stay safe.

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!

Making friends

The sunset last evening was beautiful...it usually is. Stormy looking but beautiful. It certainly has been a busy week around here. So much has gotten done and it feels good. I am one of those people who sees or knows something needs to be taken care f and does not rest until it is. I am so lucky to have the friends that I do. Yesterday was a trash pick-up day. They do not come the same time each pick-up so I got organized early. I moved the car out of the garage and found the jig-saw. Hooked it up to a long extension cord and then turned over 2 of the Home Depot buckets to put the length of wood on to cut. Then I went to the pile of wood and thought I got this. Well, never having used a jig-saw or any electric saw before, it was not that easy. I seemed to have trouble keeping the blade in contact with the wood. I managed to cut 2 of these in half so it would be in the 4 foot length that is required. Along came one of the guys with his rolling barrel...let me explain. There are "runners" as I call them that come along with these large barrels on wheels and empty your trash into hem and then meet up with the truck and empty into the truck. Anyway, along comes this guy who stopped in his tracks and gave me such a look. "hello" he said and then reminded me to take my grip off the handle to stop the blade from running. I explained that I was trying to get as much cut for the pick-up and that they were early this time. He looked into the yard and saw the pile. "I will leave your barrel right here in the drive and when the truck comes they will come over and you can tell them what you are doing". So, the truck did stop and he returned with the 2 guys who came over and explained what I was doing. "We will take it as is for you"...oh my thank heavens because I was not accomplishing a lot. I said "thank you so very much because I really do not know how to properly use this saw". The one in charge replied , "yes..." with that look when you do know this person is dangerous with an electric saw, even if it is a small one. So all my wood is gone. I offered them a tip and at first they refused but then I insisted. I must have been quite the sight to them. I kept forgetting to let go of the handle so the saw was almost always in motion. I so the same with the electric drill ! I think I will stick to the needles and pins and non electric tools. On the pond update...it is now drained and dried and I need to clean out the top portion then I can see if the waterfall feature still works....that is next weeks project. Yesterday I cut out another teddy bear and have it ready to sew. This morning I plan to make Pizzelle and organize my things for the curio. Never a dull moment here...glad you visited and we could have this chat. Thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship...friends, I am so lucky to have good friends. Let's have a good day.
Tomorrow it is all about my new curio....

Something new in my tool box

I love using any tool that will make my crafting easier and more accurate. When I saw this I had to have it

The Stitch Starter Ruler comes with a lovely Pocket Sleeve to keep it in, both are well made. It is from Blue Ribbon Designs and you can find it here and read about it here. The delivery was so quick. I spent yesterday with needle in hand and watching Poirot videos with Mr H...very relaxing. No plans for today...hopefully more stitching. My pin keep is coming along. Soon to start on the second side design. I also decided to put a little into the EGA project.... not enough done to show you yet. The House Finch nest building  is continuing. I tucked some orts into the bark of the palm for her to find.

As much as we like to help with nature real estate, Mr H is not too pleased that the plant may suffer. Hopefully it has enough stored water to make it through this ordeal. We continually persuade the Quails not to build a home in the yard on a daily basis. The other day I brought home

lovely red tulips.....and set them in a pretty cobalt blue and white vase which is sitting on...

this lovely hand embroidered table topper. No, I can not take credit for it, but I have had it since the early 90's. It was given to me by a sweet elderly lady. The seem to go together. I have several very old table linens and try to use them often...saving them is not an option. I want to enjoy them not tuck them away. I am hearing my stomach requesting food, so off I must go and also the laundry needs the dryer....glad we chatted. Thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a marvelous day.

On the sewing table...

I have been busy this morning. Laundry #2 in the washer, pattern pinned and cut....

Making a surprise for a special little girl. If you guessed Natalia you are correct. I just love the butterflies on the yellow background. Reminds me of Spring. While at the sewing shop ( a small fabric shop in the neighborhood) I spotted these gals...

Tweezers...they are so cute. (sorry the picture is not better, but using indoor lighting) Do you use them in your needlework/crafting projects? I do and have several "regular" types but these just called my name. One will be for me and the other will be leaving. Where do you ask? That depends on a few things....if you would like the "Blonde Gal" leave me a comment telling me if you do use tweezers and if you do not why you would like her to move in with you.  I will draw from the comments next week.  Our weather has been delightful...yesterday it was in the mid 80's as it will be today and all week. Spring is in my back yard. In my kitchen...

this lovely lady is all in bloom....I do not know the name of this African Violet but her iridescent petals glisten in the light. Several of my violets are blooming. I have a couple who remain stubborn and do nothing. They are all in the same window box and receive the same watering and light.... who knows. I am off to get back to the sewing project and am really happy you had some time to stop by. Thank you for your valued friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.

True Friendship ~~~

It's the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter. Marlene Dietrich


Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_friendship2.html#ixzz1mBW88js3



          Well, I did not call at 4am, but if I had the result would have been the same.

Yes, Dear Ziz..... to the rescue. When I found this treasure of a friend I was given such a gift. Both she and Mr Ziz....Tony... are two of the dearest people I have the pleasure of having in my life. When Mr H was ill and then with several surgeries and tests..... they were always there at the ready.

The under the house leak was finished on Tuesday. All the new pipes in and ready. BUT the plaster work was not. On Friday they sent someone out. When he arrived at 9 am and announced he could not get the job completed before 1pm...I wanted to just scream. It has been having the house in disarray for a week with furniture and holes in the walls scream. The problem was that the company knew we had to go for a medical test for Mr H at 1 and yet here was this quiet pleasant guy trying his best. I planned to have him leave and schedule another time...like Monday...but wait. Monday is the day the hot water heater is being replaced. What to do. It is getting to be 11 am....I know call the Ziz's. Tony assured me there was no problem in their helping out. Promptly at one Dear Ziz appear with a craft to do and a book. Always with a smile...I do hope you have a Dear Ziz in your life.....because I am not sharing mine!!

.

Happy to say the house is back in tact...no holes and painted. No sign of the mess. Finally I get to work in my room again.Some where along this week I managed to stress my right side of my back. Probably with moving the daybed and trundle. So today is a quiet stitch day for me. I had taken my Hearts SAL project with me but I did not get very far. MrH's procedure was quick and then it was just to wait with him while the anesthesia wore off. Bu I have managed to get the outline finished...

I choose to do the outline and stitching using DMC. I am still thinking of how to stitch the design....but that is for today.

Do you see the yellow tape around the pattern...

It is really a great idea. I thought it would help me keep somewhat of an even stitch around the design outline. A new addition to my stitching box.

If you have made it this far, then I hope you were not bored with my tale. Thank you for stopping by to listen to me and thank you for the kind words you send.....have a wonderful day.