Pigs do fly!!!

 Here we are in November. There are 53 days until Christmas and I find myself almost ready. My packages for  mailing  should go out by the first week in December. 

My last post I mentioned how little things pop up to distract  me. Well, truth be told, they are not so little. I am sure in this house there are Pixies living here. Yes, I do believe in all those things. Why do I know this, well here is a list of things that are missing....a kitchen paring knife--one of Lisa's white flip flops--my black feathered crow--Alan's I watch--my resin sculpture of a horse and rider (The End of the Trail)--and now my small book of my passwords. Oh we have look high and low and near and far. These items are someplace in the house....but where? there are other things that go on that disrupt living here; but that is for another post.

Look at my flying pig! Isn't she cute. I think the pink/white check suits her perfectly. Maybe a friend will join her....never know.  I enjoy creating this and that for my room. My room is my special place.

Recently made The Green Man using felt and twigs. I wanted to make one for a long time. When I saw this pattern it was perfect for how I wanted to stitch it. What my eyes see keeps my hands busy for sure. I am lucky to have the time to spend on these projects. 

Our weather here in Arizona is finally changing. the triple digit temperatures have gone away. The bedroom slider is open most days and Murphy loves going in and out. Sometimes he just lays by the slider sniffing the air. For no this is what is happening around here. There is more to share....

Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

The heat has started

 Temperatures are on the rise! It has been 100+ days and today is no exception, it is 102 heading to 106. I just am happy to stay indoors and keep busy. Here is what I have been up to:

Reindeer pals made from flannel

 

went fishing...

 

a pixie bag...maybe now they will not be misplacing my things!

 

look who moved in with me....with a story to tell!  I saw THE pattern on Facebook. The frog advertised was like but different. The frog pattern I thought I was buying had a hat on his head where you could lift and keep a thimble, his mouth opened and there you put scissors. The pattern arrived (Chinese) and what you see is what the pattern was and one of the template pieces was missing, #C, the belly. Of course I contacted the customer service email  twice.... no response. I reached out to PayPal to see if they could help. Very little help, actually none at all. PayPal and I are not on good terms right now for another issue. Well as you can see, I made the frog and made my own belly pattern. All in all, I am really happy with him . He sits at 3 1/5 inches and nose to butt is 4 inches. The hind legs spread out. 

That was how May ended....June has some new things already. That will be another day. Thank you for the lovely comments and emails regarding my grandchildren, The Horton Kids. I m glad to have you stop by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

77 Sunset Strip

 Hello my friends... who remembers is old enough to remember  77 Sunset Strip TV series...okay, I do and I just celebrated my 77th birthday. My celebration started on the day...the 3rd with breakfast out with Dianna, lunch out with Lisa on the 4th and ended last night with dinner out with The Brother Alan and Lisa.  Guess I will stop humming the theme song now. Thank you for all the birthday wishes. Cousin Maria send a videocard of Donny Osmand signing to me! Lovely gifts received and cards..... totally feel special. 

I wanted a Fairy setting...for Christmas, The Brother Alan and Lisa gave me the house with the blue arrow and it had a couple of fairies with it,,,for my birthday they gave me the yellow arrow set up that had 14 items,,,I made the back round from collected twigs. I love it. At night it has fairy lights which looks magical.

My sis Lyn sent me this lovely scented candle with Happy Birthday charms that revolve when the candle is lit. A nice soft fragrance.

Dianna brought me these

mushrooms...One glass and the other with a tufted top.... love mushrooms. She also bought a birthday cake and a candle!

Dear Debbie and hubby sent me this beautiful anklet.  The meaning is so lovely. I have not taken it off since it arrived, I have the words posted at my sewing table so I can read them often. All in all, I had a very nice birthday...

The Tiny Dog Adoption went well. One pup is going to Germany, one to Texas, one to Wisconsin. Two are off to Rhode Island and 2 are staying here in Arizona with one going to Lynda Ruth in Canada. These are the last if anyone is interested.

We are expecting a rain storm for the next 3 or 4 days. Happily I can remain indoors and work at my sewing table. It is always nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

December Sue

 Here we are December 1st. We have all our Christmas decoration finished. This year, Alan and Lisa did the living room tree and the kitchen tree. The Brother really got into the spirit. Once again, Murphy did not get into anything. 

Sue is decorating her tree with the help of two gnomes.My  Lisa gnome this year was joined by The Brother Alan gnome!

Lots of sequins and beads.....
This is the last Sun Bonnet Sue monthly banner. It has been fun to create a special scene each month. What shall I do next year? Alan started Christmas wish lists for each of us.... he may be sorry! Lisa and I do shopping together for him so there will be no duplicates. A new family tradition.

I finally did mention to Alan that I fell. He had very stern words for me. I am totally forbidden to climb any step ladder except the one he gave me. He will be removing said items from my reach!.  It can be difficult to admit that I should not do this or that. That I need help. Oh and Lisa is in complete agreement with Alan..... no sympathy from her!

Our Arizona weather has finally changed. We even had rain last night. Not much, but every bit helps. Still in shorts however. Today I got out my winter slippers. Soon Lisa will be moving from her suede slippers to the Alaskan Bear slippers! 

I am still not feeling well...I keep thinking it is just a cold; maybe time for a doctor visit.Anyway, I am happy to have you visit with me today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Ocober Sue has arrived

 Another month  has gone. Before I know it, it will be a new year! The monsoon season is over here in Arizona. It should mean lower temps...out of 100+ days. Sure will be nice to sit outside.

Sue is collecting pumpkins and squash from the farm. She has a few friends following her! Yes, there is  bat out during the day. Lisa said it was National Bat Day! Soon I will gather all the pieces to plan November. In the meantime, Id will continue to create my Miniature Bedroom Box. It certainly has been fun. I never had a doll house but I would have loved to. The price on them can be quite $$$$. The Room Box is okay. Maybe I will create a sewing room....who knows. Alan has mention he would like me to create a Library room for the bookcase in his office area.

this is  ow I set up for the micro crochet runner...blanket. I use the bowl so the thread unravels neatly and does not end up falling to the floor. the runner is 3 inches so, half done.

Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

ps...can hardly believe another post from me!

How is it already September

Here she is...September Sue. I miss the New England leaves changing colors and falling to the ground....don't miss the raking though. There are some trees here that drop leaves.  

Found a tiny button for her bow and some leaves for her to hold....love making these gals.

Found this twig in the courtyard and it fit perfectly . Dianna suggested some kind of tree.

How about a Lisa update? She is doing great. Recently started Cardiac Rehab 3 times a week. She is getting stronger each day.  Lisa has the all clear to drive.... yes! It means soon we will gallivant. Thank you to all who have sent good wishes and thoughts for her.

I have been busy this past month.... some crocheting, making a Thimble Pip, some embroidery and button stitching...and oh I don't know. I just keep busy all the time. I will post about these adventures soon. We had a doozy of a monsoon storm last night. Today seems iffy for sunshine. Sending thoughts to all those in the path of the recent hurricane. For now, time to sit at the sewing table.....Thank you for visiting and your kind words. thank you for your friendship.

Hot Hot and Hot

 The Arizona heat is on. It's only 97 right now....a cool down! By the weekend the temperature will climb again.

August Sue makes her appearance today. She is catching butterflies.

Just a close up of the details....I like the ribbon trim on her hat...I used a piece of netting for her net...and a twig from the garden...found the perfect trim for the apron and a couple of ladybugs added. Fun creating these gals.

Lisa update: her mom Carol and sister Beth arrived Sunday(Beth has left). Carol will be here for 2 weeks. We thought Lisa would be home by now....Lisa is finally out of ICU and in a room. there have been a few hiccups requiring more monitoring. Fingers and toes crossed she will be home any day now. All in all, Lisa is doing very well.... ambulating with minor assist and all IVs and drains are removed. The temporary pacemaker is all that is left.thank all who keep her in your thoughts.

I am learning button making. Why..just because. So far I have made the Dorset Button and the Death Head Button. The Dorset button dates back to 1622 in Dorset England. They were used for men's waistcoats.The Death Head dates to the 17th and 18th centuries and were mainly used for military uniforms. this type of needlework is sometimes referred to as passementerie.... the art of making elaborate trims and edging trims like buttons and tassels and braiding. Today a book I ordered on this craft arrives! I will be waiting for that Amazon truck!!! I am always eager to learn something new. For the buttons, I think I will attach to a banner..... I will be sure to take pictures as I learn to make these buttons.

Nice to chat with you again. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Happy 4th of July from Sue

 

Sue was going to make her entrance on July 1st...but sometimes other happenings interrupt. I love adding texture to these banners. Living in a 55+ community, we do not have the direct noise of fireworks. There are displays nearby but we do not hear them so Murphy is not bothered. Of course today the landscapers are here and he is not fond of the noise they make or them for that matter.

We are in heat advisory... the temperatures have been in the mid triple digits..... 116 yesterday and the overnights in the 80-90 range. Thank goodness for air conditioning. We do have a misting fan for outside which does cool you a bit.

I made the Pod Bag.... love it...but I did make changes to the pattern to my preference. It hangs on my bed post and is used for my pajamas. I made a tuck in the front and added a yo yo flower. Next I will make the smaller size.

One of my favorite sports has started and will be on all month, Tour de France. Yes, I do wake up early...between 3 and 4am.... to watch. This year I had to add Peacock TV to be able to watch it. It seems that so many programs are now on one of the pay stations. Also now on is Wimbledon...I love that too. They have had pouring rain so a few have been postponed.

Just look at last night's full moon. This is the actual color..no touch ups!

It is called the Buck Moon because this is the time of year that antlers start to appear on male deer/bucks. It will be visible for 3 days. A little blurred...did not use my tripod. As it happens it is also referred to as a super moon.

An update on Lisa. She is still having tests. Surgery is definite but no date yet. Please keep her in your thoughts.

Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you also for your friendship.

Larry is really helpful on my sewing table! Everything right at hand.

Tea, anyone?

 A beautiful day today...sun is shining and Mocking bird and House Wrens are singing, water fountain is a lovely sound too. Slider open so Murphy is in and out yelling at anything. Flowers are blooming here and there

Salvia for the hummingbirds

Lavender smells wonderful 

Yellow rose, one of 3 that are blooming. It is time to get a tomato plant and replace the Basil and see what else we would like to add to the garden.

I am enjoying my Tea Pot table topper project. Of course my mind is already thinking of what project next! I have few in mind.....Dianna started a Sun Bonnet Sue project and it is coming along. Will get permission to show you. We enjoy working on same type if not the same applique project. together. I wanted to make a runner for the top of my sewing table....but....it it always busy with a project! Glad to chat with you today. I think I will take my project out to the lanai to stitch a while. I have a tray that holds all necessities and a quick pick up and off I go. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Go fly a kite!

 March has arrived....cloudy with rain storm expected and no wind...yet. When I was a little girl, my sescond grade teacher ( a sister of Mercy at St. Mary's) taught ways to remember various things. Like the months have a subject. January snow, February hearts, March winds, etc. Here is my March banner for my bedroom door. Another hand stitched project. My plan is to make a Sun Bonnet Sue for each month.

She has shamrocks growing at her feet...also for March, St. Patrick's Day. Did you know that he really was not a saint and that his name was not Patrick? I watched the Curious Traveler and she was talking about it on the trip to Ireland.

 I realized that I had not posted my February Sue. She was part of a blog hop that I joined and it would have possibly tipped off the recipient who made it.

 I enjoy applique projects.  Next is to finish my Shabby Rose quilt with a flange binding. Fabric is sitting in the basket waiting to be cut into strips. then on with the washing and drying to help the fraying.

Lisa and I went to our quilt shop and the mustard print is for the quilt the other for upcoming banners.

Here is another upcoming project, an applique table mat. Tea Pots.... The pictures were taken from my phone....so excuse the quality in the transport to the computer. Better pictures once I start the projects. Seems they do not copy well. Of course it very well could be my tech expertise! I must get back to more frequent blog posting. Glad you still visit with me...thank you for that. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.

Super Bowl Weekend

 Today is starting out with a very cloudy sky and although the temp is around 63 heading toward 73, without the sun it is a little chilly. I know some of you have cold and snow, I should not even comment. there is a chance of rain for tomorrow...Super Bowl  with KC Chiefs  and the Philadelphia Eagles. I will be cheering KC. There will be a Navy fly-over and it will be 5 all women pilots.

Just outside my sewing corner window is a hummer feeder. It is so nice to look out and find one visiting. (the picture is taken through sheer curtain). Sometimes other feathered friends stop by. I have finally started to connect my quilt squares...

and it has already started to fray. Not the flowers yet just the seams. I am still thinking about borders or not...edging.... you know if you quilt that it takes thought and planning to finish projects. Now do not be misled, I am not a quilter really, but I do know how to quilt. I am finding that I am enjoying this change of projects very much. I love hand sewing. The squares are hand sewn but the seams are by machine. Special thanks to all of you who send cards and emails and Facebook wishes for my birthday.  Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you most of all for your friendship.

On February 9th, Alan and Lisa celebrated their 2nd wedding anniversary....how times flies!

Hello Hank

 Goodness we have been having rain here in The Valley.... today the sun is bright and the wind is picking up speed. Glad to be inside sewing.The flowers quilt is progressing. Did I mention that there will be a second quilt from the cut pieces?

Once each petal is sewn the back is trimmed to eliminate bulk that gives a smaller shape of what was just sewn.
Of course it will be smaller and I will need to add a backing to each flower. Fun! Trimming the back has gotten easier since I purchased applique scissors. I am still debating whether to sew each block together by hand as it is how they are sewn now or to machine sew them.

Who is Hank you are wondering. Well he is a goldfish that is now living with me. His home (bowl) sits right behind me in my sewing corner. Murphy lost interest once it went into the bowl. He can not see it or reach it so that may explain it. Hank is quite handsome; orange with a black stripe along his back. I gave him a sea shell to hide behind and grass also. I know, why....just because.

I should report that my hand and knee are healing from recent fall. At this point the hand is still sore and the deep loss of skin is very sensitive. I will be calling the trainer the end of this week to set up sessions. Just need to heal a little more.  It certainly is nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and words of encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

End of month

 Where do the days go? Seems to me that the days fly by... but wait; there are a few days that seem to linger. Part of it is that I am still restricted and when I think of something I have to remind myself if it is okay to do. Soon, soon they should be lifted. I see the surgeon on November 15th for x-rays to make sure the cage and spine are still okay, All in all I am doing okay and feel good. Happily I have sewing that has kept me busy.

Since I reached 100 hexagons it is time to begin to get it together. I started to lay out the hexies.. using my trusty old cardboard mat...if you sew you may still have one. It is making it easy to plan and will make sewing this quilt easier for me. I will just pin in place and rearrange as I think I should. I must start to think of what project will be next.

Friday I planted my herb garden; Italian parsley, oregano, chives, creeping thyme and rosemary. The pot is a large high one so no need to bend or stoop down. There is already a pot with basil although it is beginning to become straggly. Possibly a cut back would help. Our Arizona weather has been wonderful...no more 100s. Having my bedroom slider open is so nice. Of course Murphy likes going in and out as he pleases.

Still have some blooms on the Fairy Duster bush...the hummers love it and soon there will be berries for the Goldfinches and House Wrens.  

Since it is almost Halloween, I will leave this post with a bag of Zapp's Voodoo potato chips...New Orleans style kettle chips. Nice to spend time with you. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. It really means a lot. Thank you for your friendship.

Slow but steady

 One of these days I will be able to say, no more tests...no surgeries.... no injuries. But for now, it is what it is. The incision is healing well although the surrounding area is still achy and sore to touch. Still with restrictions...no bending, stretching, twisting or lifting, and not sitting too long. In case you missed it...I had a fusion of L4 and L5 with a cage placement. A bit more than the fix the disc surgery.  I have been using the walker as needed in the house but using it when I leave the house. I go outside daily for a walk trying to increase my distance little by little. Following doctor orders...and The Brother Alan's too. Tuesday was a Nuclear Stress Test. I had put it off because of surgery but the cardiologist feels it is necessary. I had one in the past but this was different. Of course if something is going to go wrong, I am the one to have a reaction.  Just glad it is over. It really left me very sore both back and shoulder. This has been a tough year for me.... only two months to go.

Thank goodness I keep busy...sewing. I am almost (will be today) at the one hundred hexie count. Then the work really begins...laying them out and trying for the best looking placement of each hexie. It really does not matter. They are a mix of flowery prints and no repeats. I am waiting for one more center...Dianna has a Hawaiian print she is giving me when she returns from vacation.

They are in Hawaii celebrating Dianna's birthday. From the photos being posted they are having a wonderful time. It is Dianna's favorite place.  I miss our weekly sewing sessions. 

Our Arizona weather is finally cooling down...temps under 100. Nice to have my bedroom slider open. Murphy loves going in and out. I am happy to have you visit...thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Hello...still here....

 Goodness, I think I disappeared. But here I am. Truth be told.... my busy doctor and test schedule has put some stress on me. This year has been...well you know if you visit me. Today I finally have a discharge from the Orthopedic. He is very pleased with how my fractured shoulder has been healing. I have fairly good range of motion (doing my own daily PT) and feels I can continue without formal PT.  Monday was another spinal MRI....1 hour lying very still in the machine!!! I was thinking...plenty of time... "how do older people tolerate this".... then I realized I am that older person and stopped myself from laughing. The Epidural injection only lasted 2 days. So, next will be to see what these tests show...just falling apart.

Anyway, 

The baby quilt for McKayla is finished. The roses are the front and green on the back. I made a Shabby Roses for both sides. The rose fabric is called Hugs, Kisses --I sewed the tag to the back side.Need to gift wrap then send off.

 

Still working on my Cathedral, Friendship Quilt...loving every minute of hand stitching. I almost have the length where I like it then just the drop to do. It is so heavy that I now work on it while on the sewing table. Besides, it is too hot to keep on my lap while sewing. We had a real Monsoon storm ...started at 2:30am with lots of lightening then thunder and by 3am pouring rain and strong winds. Lasted for a few hours. Murphy and I went out to lay down tone of the umbrellas (the other one fell) and the sky lit up with lightening and we both got right back inside. All quiet now and sun in and out. 

Murphy still scoots under the sofa.... most of the time we need to lift it so he can get out.

He does a pivoting thing to turn around and as you can see, he is waiting for help! He just turned 3 years old yesterday. At the moment he is napping under the bed. Poor baby was awake early because of the storm! 

Happy Birthday Murphy

Just love this boy.💖I should join him...no, not under the bed. Just a nap atop the bed...lol

Sorry for being absent so long. sorry I worried a few ....thank you for your good wishes. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Catching up

 Last evening we had a lightening show with thunder but sparse rain in my area...some Arizona spots has real rain. The wind was whisking around lots of dried stuff...Alan now cleaning it up so Murphy does not take any of it inside. He collects debris.

This is the width of the friendship quilt ....now I will add to the sides until it fits how I would like it. I love the look. It is just a coverlet....not a bedspread size for my daybed. I smile when I look at it! some of the windows are favorite project memories, and then there are those that some of you have sent. My goodness it is getting quite heavy. I now have it on the sewing table to work on as my shoulder is still not completely healed. Dianna was here this past week. Her wall hanging Cathedral quilt is just about finished. She is deciding on what next. We enjoy our weekly sew and lunch. Dianna found us a couple of Plumeria plants. There is no indication of which color but we do not mind. My plant is currently hiding in the lanai because of the storm and winds. I also read that they can be indoors with some care. For now it will be moved out for sun and back for shade. This afternoon Arizona heat is murder.

Murder did I say.... while getting fabric for a baby quilt...the pink roses and green fabric....

I spotted the crow print. It is fantastic! Had to get a yard for I do not know what...but I love crows and with chandeliers! Also spotted the needles. They are just what I have been looking for. Always fun to come home with goodies. The baby quilt ...as you may have guessed...is for a little girl. Her dad works for Alan. The pregnancy has been labelled high risk with a few scares along the way. Please keep this family in your thoughts for a healthy birth.

Healthy? when it refers to me...well I am healthy just recently having this and that. Tomorrow I will be having an injection with sedation...fun times. The pain in my back is caused from a disc that is pinching a nerve. Not sure how my rest of the day will go, so keep me in the easy time thoughts. Glad to catch up with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Progress

 Our monsoon season has gotten a good start. Last night Lisa and Alan sat out on the porch watching the lightening show. We have had some rain, hopefully more soon to come. When I was living on the East Coast and it would rain, it was oh no. Living here in Arizona and it rains it is yeah...more. Such a difference.

Oh why not another added

"thing" for me...a boot to sleep in! This is to continue to stretch the heel. The surgery itself is almost heeled. I still cannot sleep the entire night in it as it hurts the heel. Imagine if you can, A sling on the right arm....a boot on the right foot.... I am the walking wounded! I am looking forward to the days of no soreness and the ability to do more.

The life of Murphy.... his spot on my our bed. If I can stay long enough from injuries and surgery, I will have Michelle the trainer return to work on a few things. Murphy has taken advantage of my limits.

My quilt is growing fast. Just 2 more rows for the width then it will be adding for length. I am so enjoying this project. I am thankful for the fabric sent to me and so far everyone is represented and it is repeat time for the windows of received and stash pieces. When I look at this quilt I smile and feel the friendship sewn in. Dianna and I continue our weekly sewing session. We sew...have lunch ... then sew again. We have known each other for almost 15 years! 

The House Faerie has not arrived so I guess I will be doing the swishing and fluffing. So nice to chat with you....thank you for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.