Beginning to look like Christmas....

 First I want to thank all of you that sent special thoughts to my great-nephew, Antonio. He is out of hospital and holding his own. Still has a way to go, but keeping good thoughts that he will continue to improve.

Every year I try to make a new ornament... for me and to give away. This year it is a star.... a take-off of Ann Wood's Jingle Star. I have added a tag that has room for a name and says, "My star in heaven"...that is the mine for my tree in the center. There is one with a name already on it that will be traveling to... my aunt Rose Marie for uncle Tony. That leaves 2 that will need a home. I have also started another quilt.... one that will be sewn by hand whenever I pick it up...

Squares and rectangles. I am using whatever scrap fabrics from my bin...no selecting just using. Same will be for when i start sewing them together.  that will be as soon as I decide on the layout.

Our sweet Murphy...2 weeks ago at 5am I noticed that his eyes were completely clouded over! He was not having trouble maneuvering around inside or outside. Did not seem to be hurting. I called the vet and Lisa and I took him in. Blood work drawn.... eyes examined. She ruled out glaucoma...a relief. Medication for his eyes and then wait for results. Valley Fever ruled out and the conclusion is that he has high cholesterol. Do not bother to ask how...the answer is that it is my fault. I give him almost everything. Now he is on a diet...prescribed kibble. No more home cooked food. He still gets veggies. Now, back to the eyes. From day one we saw an immediate improvement and by day 4 the eyes were clear! Back to his handsome self. He will return to the vet in a month. I will be on my best behavior. This past few weeks I have not been feeling well...a cold....my diagnosis. Alan and Lisa completely decorated the living room and kitchen trees. Wreaths are hung outside...thank you Alan. Still deciding on some decorations then the mess I made will get cleaned. Normally I would put away as I empty a bin...not allowed to climb....which is good because on Saturday while home alone, I did use the ladder in the garage and somehow missed the last one or two steps....of course we did not tell Alan. Luckily I did not break anything but have a nasty scrape on my elbow. When will I learn! Glad to chat with you but I must get a move on with the mess around here. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

And the trees came down

The weather here in Arizona is feeling quite nice....temps are expected to reach 70 this weekend.... not bad. I might even get out to work in the garden.  First I will see what the hand surgeon thinks today. Finally get to  see what we will do about this issue. Yesterday was my haircut day...as always April did a nice styling … feels good when you walk out and someone tells you how nice you look.
On Wednesday, three large trees had to be removed form our property...

A large crane arrived as well as the truck for the chipping. It was obvious that these men were ready to work and they took safety well in hand. I will let the pictures tell the story...

This was only two  the tree trunks that were not put into the chipper.

All in all it took about 3 hours total. Unfortunately I went out to "supervise" along with  a few others and only wore a long sleeve cotton shirt. Not a good idea because it was quite chilly. The last 2 days I felt a bit like a cold was happening with me. Took a few cold capsules ad so far all is good.  That about covers my last few days. This afternoon I will be closet cleaning.... that is the plan and I hope I stick to it! Glad to have you stop by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Lemons

I love picking fresh lemons. We have a community lemon tree and it is loaded with bright yellow fragrant lemons. Perfect to squirt on my stuffed quahog last evening along with some zest.
Found a cute Valentine to make from Flamingo Toes Designs. I would like to make a few this weekend. Never enough time to make all the cute patterns I come across. If not the time then the hand giving me problems. No plans for today...well, except that our HOA is having 3 large trees removed this morning and a few of us plan to supervise the ordeal. I am always amazed that the tree will fall just where they want it to. As it will be at the front of our property I am sure other supervisors will stop to watch.  I have rested my hand since doing the window project so I will probably do something today....currently I have 4 "things" in the waiting line. I will be quite happy on Friday when I see the surgeon to see  what the plan will be.
The weather for the next few days is expected to be really nice so maybe some garden work will be I the plans. We had some very windy days recently and there are leaves from everyone's garden in my garden! Also a few plants need attention. the plant Dianna and Bobby brought me back form Hawaii looks like it is ready for some watering meaning it is taking root.
Right now I should get myself together to get out to the tree party. Just a short post today.
Glad you found some time to visit. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Snowflakes

The weekend is past..... a quiet weekend. The boxes were sorted, sort of. I merely moved some to one area and a few others to another. The Village boxes are ready to unpack and will be set up in a new place this year. That is what happens when furniture is rearranged and not available to use the same way. The table in my bedroom is ready for the small tree that will be placed there. The front porch area will need a furniture move for the tree that will be out there. And so it goes...I seem to always be moving things. The living room window has been washed in and out and the sheers are changed.

I now have a silver trimmed snowflake to go with the gold one. I think they look nice together and will hang on my beaded display for the holiday. My felt tree will have all the tatted snowflakes. The trees will need to be unpacked and vacuumed…. yes vacuumed to be sure no hitch hikers moved in during the summer spent in the garage. So this will be a busy week.
Are you ready for Thanksgiving? You do realize that it is this Thursday! This year I even have chestnuts which I really feel are a must. We always had chestnuts for Thanksgiving in our house. Dad would cut and roast them and then peal them for us. I love them fixed all ways even raw.
I really enjoy having you visit with me and now I am off to get those chores done … those house fairies still have not arrived to do the deeds. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

Birthday cards..... if anyone has a card hanging around and would like to send it....Eva P's birthday is coming...December 9th.

Silver and Gold

What a lazy day yesterday. I had absolutely no ambition to do any more than necessary and there was little to be done. The lanai bunny does not appear to be around this morning. The air is hot humid and quite still at the moment. Laundry is swishing and at least one more after this one.

Early last evening I made a silver and gold tree earring. I am not that fond of it but will make the matching half. I think it really needs the red for accent. Maybe even another color as would be on a tree. I can not get to the bead shop today so maybe tomorrow or Thursday.
I hope to begin the next wrap bracelet today...after I finish this pair of earrings. I sent the Bohemian one to sis Lynowl and she was delighted. She always appreciates my creative items. Good for the ego!
As you know I am holding off the purchase of the new refrigerator until The Brother Alan arrives...you remember he will be here September 18th....well yesterday strange noise were emanating from the beast in the kitchen. I truly thought this is it. So far this morning we are quiet. Then my computer kept dinging. The message is that my email account is out of date. Try as I may I can not fix the issue. There is not problem sending and receiving but the message is still calling out to me. I am so computer challenged. I guess if it continues the Geek Squad will be getting a call. If I could do as well with the electronics as with my needle in hand, there would be no problems. I went to True Value to get a piece of plexiglass for my small table top yesterday. The gentleman kept telling me it would be expensive … was I sure I wanted it? I kept saying yes and finally said, "this is not the way to make a sale". He had a blank look but cut it anyway. It is sold by the square inch and was 45 cents per sq. in.... $14.00 later I have what I asked for. Then I almost was run over by one of the many Sun City golf carts that are a menace to the neighborhood. I stopped to get a McDonalds coffee and it was as if I was not in the middle of the driveway. The old fart just kept driving toward me. Rather than stop he almost ran up on the sidewalk.  Oh I know, I am one of those old farts, but I do not drive to kill in one of the golf carts and I yield to anyone crossing in front of me. Thank goodness they are not allowed on the main roads.
I would like to say thank you to a few friends...you know who you are.... who send me lovely encouraging notes just when I need them. Who check in with me just because they care. These past few days I have been having quiet thoughts and tearful moments and you perk my mood. Thank you for being a true friend. Thank you for stopping by and for the kind words and for your caring friendship. 

Santa has been carded

Slow again this morning.... due to lack of sleep. I think it is the weather pushing me into this mode. The temps have fallen a little during the night and I would think it would be better but it seems that no, it is not. The daytime temps have been lower in the mid 100s and of course lack of rain even though it is still Monsoon time. That last storm here in my area was about 2 weeks ago. One more month of this.

Santa has been carded as the trees also. 2 Santa earrings have been already packaged and ready to fly across the states. I had a request for a tree with both silver and gold instead of the red so I will be trying that to see how it looks. I have mastered these trees now. I found beaded feather earrings to try.... just need to get the colors. I do not think Christmas colors or Santa colors are just right. Guess this means a trip to the bead store.

I already have the beads for the next bracelet that I my start today. Of course these are the main colors and then I will add from what I already have.  Just need to find something for the end...the button part.
A laundry to send swishing and an errand is on the agenda today. I managed to take the leaf blower off the high hook in the garage so that will be this week sometime that the lanai gets a cleaning. Whoa! I just saw something moving about on the lanai. My desk is just next to the sliders....oh my goodness. A tiny, and I do mean tiny bunny is scurrying about! There is a large bunny hutch outside my property and I guess this guy came in for shelter or something.  Just what I need a bunny moving in and leaving bunny poop behind! Well, time to move on so things will get accomplished today. Hard to believe that this month is almost over...but that means the days until The Brother Alan arrive are closer....22 days. Just a few tasks for them to do ….new car and new refrigerator….then it will be their time. Good to visit with you today and all the days that you take the time to stop by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

An evening monsoon storm

Well, it came with a fury...the evening storm. First the winds began to whip everything here and there and then thunder followed by lightening. My fear of storms and being alone was high. I decided to go into my bedroom where I could pretty much block out the lightening...but alas, the thunder had me sitting tall. All of a sudden the rain began to pour down and sideways and like a whirlwind we were having a storm. Yes there was damage....

This is one of 2 trees from across the neighborhood which is now blocking the road. So no in or out directly.

This is the 2nd one in front of the other. At first thought...sorry but it is not our expense to clean up...but then look at the front of  our community....

This tree was healthy and gave nice shade to the homes out front...
Amazingly we have a tall dead tree that we are planning to remove and it is still standing.

This is yet another of our trees... a smaller one. There are shingles from someone's home all around...thankfully not from our community. Then this...

our flag pole took a fall...almost to the ground. So we did get damage and now for the clean up. The entire Valley was hit with this storm. Some lost electricity...we were lucky to keep ours. Of course the garden and pond have debris...didn't I just get it all clean? ...in the heat and sun?! with me getting a bit of heat fatigue?!
The air is humid and I will not be going out to clean anything this morning. The temp is around 81 and the humidity is 73% and projected temp will be around 107.... so, indoors is my plan. Aw... guess it will be beading and tatting today.
I visited with my pharmacist yesterday... his recommendation for my incision is to use Mederma Oil. Unlike Vitamin E this will help with scar tissue. I have been awake since ...early ….and need another cup of coffee..... I just heard on the news there may be more storm activity this evening... just what I need. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words.I value my friends and always have time for them whether near or far. Thank you for your friendship.

Accomplishing....not much

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

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

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

Early start today

It has been awhile since I have been up and out of bed at 3 or 4 AM. I woke hungry so I have had toast  ( the Black Olive bread) and tea and now ready to go...actually no where to go at this time especially but ready to do laundry and vacuum.
Yesterday I headed out to get a few items for gifts and then I decided to go to the mall and to Macy's for a special ornament.

I wanted a special ornament in  remembrance of Denny. Isn't this lovely? It is simple yet elegant. When I put it on the tree and the light came through, it was delightful. The back is brushed with silver and that gives it that soft glow. If you shake it, the "snow" falls down over the reindeer. Yes the tree is up but not decorated ...

well except for a few ornaments that are special this time. It looks so pretty from outside...and indoors also. Not sure about putting the usual lights out front this year. I did put the tree from the kitchen, a thin style tree out there

The addition of a few boxes and red poinsettias brighten up the porch. I have the wreaths to hang on the house and that may be all.  Getting all the boxes from the top garage storage was always the both of us. Oh I can do it by myself but I had a little fall in the yard this past week. My fault for using a chair to stand on instead of getting the step ladder, so I am being extra cautious.
Speaking of the step ladder, last evening when I put the overhead lights on in the kitchen,

one of the them is not working. So, I guess the step ladder will be used soon to check on the light. I have the replacement fluorescent lights so let's hope this is easy. Did I ever tell you that I hate ladders?
I began some tatting yesterday but just could not get it going. I was sitting outside enjoying the mild temps when it began to get cooler and very overcast. I actually thought it would rain a few drops but of course not. We have not had any measurable rain her in The Valley since October. A couple of drops did fall one day last week.
Since I am awake I should get the laundry in and because it is only 4:30 AM I will wait to vacuum...it seems a bit early to clean house don't you think? I could try the tatting again or maybe read for awhile. Big decisions! I am glad to have you to chat with. Thank you for visiting with me and for your kind words and most of all your friendship. Maybe I could hold off on the laundry and reading and just take a short nap.....

Feeling lazy today

I woke very early but then dozed back to sleep for a short time then just did not feel like want to get out of bed...lazy. Finally here I am up and having toast with the bread I made yesterday...

it is Olive Bread. I used regular black olives and Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil. the recipe tells you that the olive oils used as well as the olives will change the taste. The texture of this bread is nice and not dry. The only thing I would do differently is add the sliced olives a bit later to the mix than I did which will result in larger pieces. Just had it toasted with butter and not bad. I think this would also make good rolls.
I began to tat, well actually on/off tatting. I paid partial attention to the Patriots football game and then a Christmas movie on Hallmark. I did skim the pond. So much easier caring for the pond. Oh I know, Denny never minded all the work when the fish lived here. For me it was torture trying to keep it clean. I am feeling happy about the plants...

If you remember this plant, it is the one that I have killed 3 times and now it is nice and green and blooming. It the plant that Denny planted just before going to hospital and the one he asked me to really take care of....I have named it Denny's Lantana. I did move it from where it was and it is now on the irrigation line so I do not forget to give it water or I should say enough water. It is so nice to have blooms around the garden and out front in November.
I did put up the tree late yesterday and one outside on the porch area. I will take pictures when I finish them.
I need to get out for a few things  for this or that but need to get the ambition first. It may be better now that the big sales weekend is over. Need the Post Office too. I really think I should do some of this today. So, I think then that I should say thank you for stopping by and thank you for the kind words and for your friendship and then get going!

The Hummer moving in?

For nearly 3 hours this cutie moved into the Lanai. We have a bunch of twigs on a shelf and I guess it was a good place to rest. There are also some of these twigs in a vase closer to the middle of the room, these are quite to the back of the room. Last year frequently the Hummer would stop in to rest on the other twigs. It was another hot day so although the area is warm it is not as hot as being outside completely. Dennis loved when they stopped in to visit. Still have not hung the new feeder higher....everyday I say, "I should get out there and hang the feeder" and everyday I don't. I had a teary day yesterday...nothing seemed okay. I did clean off the shelving unit in the garage and put together donation items. My friend Al stopped by to pick them up. Amazing the things I find....oh, and...another drill, a sander and some other tool. I really think opening a tool rental shop will be something to think about! I did work on the Words banner...want another peek...

a tatted butterfly. I have one last word to tack down and then a few more embellishments before adding the backing. Today is trim the trees day here in our community. Three of them right here in my courtyard. A bit noisy right now. My coffee is ready and so my friends, I will say thank you for all the kind words and for caring about me. Thank you especially for your friendship. Let's have a good day where ever you are.

The trees are decorated

All 3 trees are looking pretty...

This pencil style tree is in the kitchen and has a Southwest theme. This year the beaded Santa and the crocheted dream catcher were added. Each year I try to add something homemade. There is usually a wreath at the bottom but it is someplace else this year....so I will be looking to add there. I finally got my bedroom tree settled in...

this is my Kurczap tree of Ana Lee....My dear friends Lucille
( Lu )and Stan back in Rhode Island started to send me Ana Lee ornaments each year and this is where they are. Some stand on the table while others hang in the tree. Oh I love my fancy ornaments and it is a constant reminder of our long and continued friendship. Lu manages to find a new one each year. I in turn send a Southwest ornament and so far I manage to find different ones.  Of course the main tree in the living room ....

front view...can't seem to get it without a bit of blur! This is a new tree this year. The other was fine and lights still all working, but after 10 years it was time to replace. Placed in front of the floor windows, is looks so nice from outside...will have to get a picture of that.

this is from the right side of the tree....and then from the left...

I am pleased with the tree this year. During the week I will post some close-up of ornaments. Some I have had a long time. I will admit that when we moved from RI to here in AZ and lived in a small apartment, this was also a place where I downsized. We went from a very large 8 foot real tree each year to a 3 1/2 foot  table top! No room for all that I had. The left behind ornaments went to good homes. In a way it was nice starting new as we were starting a new life 3,000 miles away. I feel the need for a cup of coffee...so with that I will say thank you visiting with me today. Thank you for your kind words and friendship, have a wonderful day.

A rag doll

This April 26th was my niece Natalia Rose's 2nd birthday...

she belongs to The Brother Alan's daughter Elyssa. Although I have not met this little angel, I feel as if I know her by the pictures Elyssa posts. I decided to make her  this

a rag doll that I first made many years ago (still with me). This is a fun doll who can be handled roughly and survive. I chose lavender floral print (Natalia wears lots of purples) for her jumpsuit, and dark brown cotton for her hair. I embroidered down the front and around the sleeves and ankle with pink. If one day the doll is undressed, they will find that I signed the doll's butt with our names and drew a heart on the doll's chest. I hope Natalia enjoys playing with her. My shawl is almost to the length I want....I have enjoyed working on it daily.  Oh, yesterday while Mrs Dove was out and about we took a peek at the twins...

They did not seem to like us looking into the nest! Every so often they pop their heads up. The parents seem to leave them for a time now, but not for too long. They still take shifts sitting in the nest. Yesterday Mr H finished painting the orange tree trunks...a special paint;

this is done every Spring to prevent the trunks from getting to much heat in the summer. This year all the trees were topped and look strange, but it won't take too long before there are full again. Unfortunately, these are ornamental orange trees so they are not good for eating. Today is already starting off warmer than yesterday with expectations of reaching in the 90's today. Now that the temps will begin to rise earlier, Mr H had given me the task of going out and watering the garden pots early. It is almost 9 am and I have not done so....guess I best get out there. So nice to chat with you as always thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.

Palm Tree trimming

Every year around this date, our palm trees get their trim. In our courtyard there are 9...and the tallest is around 50 feet and is about 30 years old.

These 4 are right in front of my house.....you can see the seeded frons--they are the white branches

Can you find Miguel? He is 44 years old and has been doing this sometimes dangerous job since he was aboout 20. According to the man who I talked with, Miguel has been known to trim 100 tress in a day. Unheard of and he is considered the best around. I would say so.

It is not an easy job scaling the tall bending trees. Men have died doing this job. Miguel is very safety conscience and makes it look so easy.

Four done and 5 to go-----
His son says he will not climb the trees......just clean up after dad.
Off today with dear Ziz to Mesa to The Attic for needed desired supplies. I do not have a stitch update...maybe later as we will be back early. But I will leave you with this picture....can you guess what it is and how it was done?
As always I wish you a wonderful day. Thank you for visiting and to those who have entered my give away. Drawing on June 26th.