Thankful for your friendship

I am overwhelmed by the loving words and emails I have received for our loss of Zoe. You have made my heart full. Mr H is having a hard time right now. They were all day companions and he is lost without her underfoot.  It was strange to come home from work and not have her waiting by the cookie jar for her treat. But we will adjust as we all do when there are drastic changes in our life.
I think I have mentioned Mr H's girlfriend next door 90 something Louise? Well, once again she rewarded him with fresh baked brownies. Why you ask... what did he do... I, yes me... put lights out front on our hedges... the small plot of garden that we share between our condos. She is just too sweet! All he did was to run the extensions... it was me who had scratches and cacti stuck in my hand, me who scraped my leg... but it is he who gets the brownies.
I mentioned the mail delivery from the other day...and the Post Office. Well, I finally made it to the Post Office and here was what the postman dropped off...

Back in November when we celebrated Veteran's Day, I mentioned that I don't see the Red Poppies out here in Arizona as I did back East. Well, Jo of  Serendipitous Stitching send me this Poppy. It is handmade by disabled ex-service members. Here is their website. I shall now have a Remembrance Poppy to wear next November. Have you visited her blog to follow the Advent Calender Blog Hop.... you really should. It is such a great way to meet new friends.
Also in the mail was this adorable critter...

Another Annalee to add to my special tree. It is from my Sidekick Lu back in Rhode Island. It is a 6" Peppermint Santa Mouse! I will have to try to get a picture of all my little Annalee critters. Lu and I sat side by side for 5 years at my last job in RI. We will forever be sidekicks. She and hubby Stan are dear friends.
I am back to the Post Office this morning...really do wish they would open especially for me as I am up and ready... to mail out a couple more packages and my cards.  I know, it is not "all about me"!
I am looking forward to this weekend... some stitching is a must. I have not had a needle in hand for a few days now. And a book is ready for me to pick up at the library and one is on my e-Reader, so some reading will be nice. Maybe I will get to the Glendale Glitters also. Whatever your plans are, I do hope they are fun. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the loving words and emails.....

Hugs from My Lady and a Blue Moon

Well now, tonight is the Blue Moon. Be sure to get out and look up at the sky. In reading about this event, I came across many different opinions of when and why and how. So I will just enjoy the fact that there will be a full moon tonight...  The song Blue Moon was a favorite at many of the dances in my dancing days. Moving along..
My Lady has her arms..

Sending hugs out to all of you! There was a question or two sent to me...I am stitching this as Diane Williams, the designer set it. I am using DMC floss so my shades are a little different... but I am using the suggested colors. I am happy to say, there are no mistakes. One of the changes I plan to make is in the finish.... you will just have to wait and see. I also think I may add a little something. I am sure Diane from Little House Needleworks would not mind.... as she printed in the direction: "The possibilities are endless so you can make this design uniquely your own!"
It is so nice to be appreciated. I have received 2 emails from my Cousin... from the Get Together I organized  at the beginning of this month back in Rhode Island. We did indeed enjoy ourselves...the pictures reflect it. Since I do not have permission to post them you will have to take my word for it. We are nine in our generation and 2 in-laws from our parents generation. My mom and my aunt Esther. Someone took a picture of me with them and when I find out who and then if my cousin will permit, I will post these two ladies.
Well, Ms Zoe is outside for the fourth time in the last hour... so I best check on her...oh wait, she is staring at me through the slider!

I am happy that we could spend some time together...welcome to my new friends...I looked and saw that I have 215 followers...I am amazed! Thank you for the kind words you send to me...have  a wonderful day.

The Hostess

As a Hostess, she has much to learn. Less noisy to start with. Being less apprehensive. The she is Ms Zoe who received visitors yesterday. Yes, that is correct...Zoe played hostess to Sonya and Jacob. I work with Sonya at Jo Ann's and Jacob is her son. Zoe has visited Sonya at work one day but Jacob wanted to meet her. They came with sliced turkey from the deli which was a good move on their part. Food is a good way to get to Zoe. She initially barks like crazy and then calms down. It did help that Jacob sat on the floor and fed her turkey. Zoe does not get to see too many people and she is a very shy pooch, always has been. Jacob has been invited back to visit Zoe and join Mr H for a movie.  Mr H has a movie projector system which makes home movies delightful.I think they decide on Alien. Not my kind of movie!
It has been soooo hot...and with it being Monsoon season, a little humidity. This means totally indoors. I will be at work today.....no stitching. I did get some X's in yesterday but have not taken new pictures. I will do that tomorrow. Right now I need another cup of coffee and granola. So, thanks for stopping by and chatting. Have a great day.

It's Wednesday already?

I can't believe that I have not posted since Sunday. What have I been doing? I know I did stitch a little and went to work on Tuesday. Monday... oh right. I went to my monthly stitch group. Always nice to catch up with the ladies. For the summer we are a very small group as the snowbirds have left until September. Mr H had a doctor appointment in the afternoon.... another injection for his hip. This morning was Zoe off to the vet. The pills for her arthritis seem to be helping, but I will not be giving her any until Monday to see if they really are helping. We are also dealing with the brain mass issue so we are not sure what is what. I do see a slow failing in her. Of course Mr H does not admit to me that he sees this. He tells me "she is not concentrating" after she wakes into the doorway or right past one of us. When she stumbles he might say " she is still sleepy". He loves her so. She is stressing for no apparent reason during the wee hours, say 1 am to 4 or 5 am. I am not a good sleeper as it is, so this really is taking my sleep time. Yet, with this being said, I do not feel she is in any real pain/discomfort. Dr Lori understands and will keep a close eye as wee will also. 
Well folks, that is that. I would like to stitch today...and read a little. I started a book about Helen Beatrix Potter and it is so interesting. Thank you for stopping by and listening to me. Sometimes it really helps to talk about these things. I do hope you have a wonderful day. I am ready for a nap myself!

A day of rest

Ms Zoe started her new arthritis meds today. We will keep a close eye to be sure she can tolerate them. One of the side effects is drowsiness... how would we know? she spends all day napping! We thank you so much for all the care and good wishes for her.
I went to our pain management doctor yesterday. My right hip has been very painful. He gave me 3 injections. I must say, they did hurt. Today I woke with a terrible headache which can be a side effect... so I called out for work and napped. Needless to say there has been no stitching yesterday or today. But.... I did find a new start....

All of this will be the project. I have taken the creative liberty of making floss changes and linen changes.... I think it will all work. The next time I hope to have it started for you to see.

I did go out for a minute.... just a minute because I was barefoot as usual and the ground is very hot.

But I could not resist the Honeysuckle against the blue sky. It seems to grow by leaps and bounds daily. Mr H trims it weekly just to keep it manageable. It is time to return to a comfortable chair with my cuppa and listen to Roy Orbison.... I so miss the Playlist here. But as of yet, I can not re-load it. I will have to contact them to see what is what. Does anyone have a clue about it?

Thank you for sharing part of your day with me. Welcome to new friends and thank you for the kind words and email..... enjoy your day.

A win and 100 more

The post brought me a wonderful package yesterday I had won the drawing over a Terri's blog...Rosy Stitches and what a generous package it is....

Several charts, some floss and a floor stand for stitching! Such an assortment.

Included is this beautiful bracelet that Terri made.....Oh the crystals do shine! I plan to wear it to work today to show it off! Although I do some beading, I have not tried to make these tennis bracelet styles....just may have to now.

I did get in some stitching yesterday on HAED iris....but first there was the trip to the post office to get stamps and then to get some chocolates from See's candy....

Another 100 stitches and 28 colors of 90 now in use. Just a hint of an Iris is showing... I also planned to work on an exchange I am partnered with in December, but never opened the folder....got distracted by who knows what.

I did speak with Ms Zoe's vet, Dr Lori H...about meds to help with Zoe's arthritis. Zoe is having some difficulty when she wakes from her naps.... which are many in the course of a day. She will start on a pill each day for two weeks then blood work if she can tolerate them. Never ending when we get old..... Mr H and I can attest to that!  We will make sure that Zoe has whatever will help her along. This old girl is Mr H's "baby girl".

Have you noticed there is no music playing here anymore? For whatever reason, Playlist is not allowing the use added to blogs... at least I can not get it back. They have a "new improved website" and I can not download. So until I can reload music, just hum.

Time for me to relax a bit before heading off to work. It was so nice to chat with you all today. Thank you for all the kind thoughts for Zoe recently I know they all helped. Welcome to my new friends. If you have  a blog, let me know so I can stop by and say hello. Sometimes I have no way of reaching out to you and I really would like to. Still waiting for one of my drawing winners to send me her address...Nic from Obsessive Cross Stitcher..... take care and have a good day.

Sometimes the post brings other things....

Busy day yesterday. What did I do... now that I think of it, it really was not busy at all. Still waiting for Ms Zoe's test results.... she was exhausted from the prodding and a nap was in order. Actually she naps most of the day!

I did some stitching on HAED Iris.....now up to 27 colors and I am beginning to see the tip of and Iris petal. The new colors are in the lower right corner... the light blue shades. I also sorted a few new pieces to start and one that I will kit and put with my suitcase for my August vacation. You think it is too early to plan? Not so, once done then I can check it off my packing list and it will not be last minute to organize a kit.

Yesterday the doorbell rang and FedEx left a package.
On Sunday we had gone to Macy's and Mr H decided to buy me a pretty wine glass. I normally use a very inexpensive one... one of those sets of 4 kind... anyway, we bought 2 for a set. He does not drink at all so they are mine...all mine!

They are so elegant. Hard to see, but there is a fine silver trim along the rim. They are Lenox and a little pricey. The saleslady did remark "and they are on sale" ! still a bit much but the wine will sure look nice and taste good.

Don't forget I will be drawing the magazine giveaway on Saturday night.... if interested please leave a comment. I am so glad you took some time to visit...thank you for the kind words and emails....I really enjoy hearing from you. Have a wonderful day.

A Review and a giveaway

Oh look what I have created. I was offered the opportunity to receive and review
My Memories Suite digital Scrapbooking and of course I accepted. Now first I will tell you the download is easy and the selections are great. I have not done much scrapbooking at all and I am a little software challenged, but I was able to create a few pages....like this one

this will be a birthday card for my sis Lynowl

The possibilities to create albums and pages are many. There are even free downloads that are available. As I mentioned, I am software challenged and as soon as I sent Liz a question, I received an answer. Great to know there is help when you need it. There areresources.... videos and tutorials to guide you along. I know that I will enjoy using this new program. I am sure you will want to find your creative juices too.

Now not only did I receive the program, but a $10 voucher as well to use in the My Memories Suite  store. Now the good news is that I am able to host a giveaway for this scrapbook software  program!

Here are the rules:

1. Be a follower...if someone new mentions that they saw this posted on your blog you will get another entry.

2.Visit the My Memories website --click here-- and choose your favorite digital pack or layout and comment here telling me the one you liked.

3.To have more chances, follow My Memories Suite on their blog, or on Facebook, or on Twitter and then post another comment here telling me where you are following My Memories Suite.

And don't forget, you also will receive a $10 voucher to purchase a digital scrapbooking software.

The drawing will be June 3rd....don't miss this fun opportunity.

Madame Murial has arrived!

I have arrived in sunny Arizona. It is a warm morning here already the temp is 81 and it is only 11 am.

My last hostess, Jo, sent me with some lovely goodies. She sent a travel book, a nice leather bookmark, a pretty piece of fabric, a very nice charm and a pen that writes so nice. English Breakfast tea which Mr H loves and is eager to taste this kind. Jo made a pretty needle book that gracie says she has wanted to stitch and now has one.

We did not forget Miss Zoe....  Mr H says she can have one later. She just finished eating. I think I will like her. She is very quiet..... has a smushed in face, but cute.

I got a kiss! But then she moved away and asked Mr H to put her up on her chair. Her legs are short and I must say she is quite plump and jumping is not one of her abilites. She is napping so I think after my journey I will too.  Gracie tells me Mr H has a doctor appointment this afternoon and if I want to go along, I should rest for now. Off to the daybed in the guest room.

Well, how wonderful that the Madame has finally arrived. Thank you Jo for the goodies....

I did manage to finish the stitching on my BBD Roses

I am so undecided as how I want to finish this...pillow or frame.... I will think on it.

Jo's Easter Hunt  was fun and we all got to meet some new friends. Welcome to my new followers. We have found that Mrs Gamble Quail and her mate are making a nest on our front porch just behind the glider. Mr H says there are a dozen eggs there. This is going to be difficult...I guess I won't be sitting on the glider for awhile.  The day is starting off warm as Madame Muriel told you. Yesterday we did reach 90. The summer is soon to arrive.  I am off to get a few things organized while Zoe and the Madame are resting.....I hope you will return to follow Madame Muriel's adventures. Have a wonderful day.

An off Friday....

No, there is nothing wrong. It is just that I have today off and that is not usual. Mr H and I have no plans ... yet.
In our garden... Mr H's pride of plants, we have a rose called Mr Lincoln

It has a light lovely fragrance.  Although it does not produce many at one time, when it does give a flower....well...

just look at the size of it! I do like to pick and have them in the house but sometimes just looking out the kitchen window and seeing this is so much nicer. It is  a medium to long stem .

When I showed you my new fabrics, I forgot to show a closeup of this one...

Not a clue as to its use. I could not pass it up... it was in Jo Ann's Red Tag section and then I got one piece at remnant cost... I just had to have it. I am sure it will find itself in one of my projects.

I have been stitching..... a finished leaf.... working on another leaf.... I do see the subtle shading and I think I like it more as I stitch. I started  a new small Christmas themed piece for a private exchange in December. I am hoping to make a few other smalls to send off as just because gifts.

I will be trying a new project. It is something I saw on Pinterest. I bought the supplies yesterday and will get a pot of water to boil when I leave here. Curious?

Welcome to a my new followers .....I do enjoy meeting new friends. I really appreciate the kind comments and emails....thank you for taking the time when you visit.

Zoe tries to stay very close at all times to her best friend... Mr H. In this instance, his sandal.

Have a wonderful day.....

Mail Delivery.....Mail Delivery

Don't you just love getting mail? Okay, not all mail. But the mail that is just for you... just for your pleasure. I signed up for the chance of a travelling pattern over at Lee's place and found that Lee decided to send to Annette....no blog...yet!...and then asked Annette to forward to me!

Yesterday there it was... but not only did the pattern arrive, but a lovely package from
Annette.

Annette is a very card maker. Just look at the envelope and the notes...all made by Annette. But look at what she sent me....a beautiful piece of lavender fabric...shade of purple threads and a fob... yes in shades of purple. She knows my favorite color.

What a beautiful envelope... with wonderful trim....I won't tell you what it started as unless Annette does not mind...but she is creative.

I Love these travelling patterns. We each stitch them but they all look different. Lee of course used the kit threads. She gave a list of recommended DMC and Annette added a few color changes  and now I will be sending this off once again...as soon as I stitch it... with a few changes of my own.   This pattern has come from New Zealand, gone to California and now here to Arizona....where will it travel next???? So watch for the sending off post....hopefully soon.

I guess this means a little less work on the Penny Rug Mat, on the Hawaiian Quilt and with the BBD...I don't think so! I will manage to get time on all of them.... somehow!

I will leave you with the face that keeps Mr H happy...no not mine...but Zoe...

This was yesterday. We were sitting out on the lanai and she could not make up her mind to join us or stay indoors. She finally came outside. Thank you for isting with me today. I love hearing from you all and I visit all of you by days end. Have a wonderful day....

There is a great give awy over at The Victorian Motto Sampler Shopppe...be sure to check it out.

Football~~~sewing~~~~and a Secret Valentine

The sun is shinning brightly...no more clouds today. I just read that Jo is having another fun project...The Secret Stitching Sweetheart...check it out and join in. Maybe you will get my "heart".
I spent the morning ironing and cutting the pieces for my tote...

 My dear Gwendolyn helped me as you can see....

 Everything is ready to sew together. I love  these colors. I think it will be really nice when finished. I plan on  some decorative stitching also. The game...Patriots vs. Ravens is later today...so... but we shall see. I can always watch it on my TV and listen to Mr H yell just as clearly!

Zoe just got out of bed.....she is a late riser. What a face! She really is not a svelte as she looks here. Her weight is 26.8 lbs....and that is good for her. She had been 29 at one time. I think that age and the fact that she has issues is the cause. Whatever, we will continue to spoil her for her time with us.
I am always so pleased with your kind thoughts and emails. It was really nice having you visit with me this day. Whatever your plans, have a great day.

Moving on......

Well, I finished my embroidery for the tote bag....But first I want to say thank you to Vicky who gets a prize for telling me she was no help at all!
And to Lelia for explaining just what I needed to know. I will be going to the Post Office really soon for these gals.
Oh, the  embroidery...

I think it took me as much time to select buttons from my button jar as it did to stitch. This is
Flowers and Me tote pattern that I received from my Secret Santa... Tracey. Now to cut the pieces and sew. It will wait until this weekend as I will be at work Friday and Saturday.
A few have ask about Zoe...

She is Mr H's "baby girl" or as I call her..."Chunky Monkey". A typical Pug who is over weight, but recently lost a few pounds due to the new diet food. She will be 12 in July and still has a strong heart but Dr Lori feels she has a Brain mass. She also has a lump in her ear but that is not the worry. We obviously will just keep her as happy as we can and for as long as we can. We will watch for seizures and other behavior. Those of you with furbabies of your own understand.  We have had her since she was 5 months old and she is for sure his pooch.
Well, we are still looking into the water heater project. Mr H had an estimate for over $500.00 just to install it! That is why we are still looking. We are off to the dentist...such togetherness... we both have appointments today! Glad you could spend some time with me. I do hope you have a great day.

It must be chilly~~~

I am always barefoot...so if I have socks on, it must be chilly. As long as the sun is out it will be warm.
Thinking of taking down the Christmas stuff from the garage... maybe not to put out/up, but get them ready so when the  urge strikes I will ready. I have been up and moving about since 4 am. I was hungry and Mr H who was also awake.... not out of bed however, suggested a mushroom omelet. Good idea it was too...tasted great with the fresh bread I baked yesterday.

I have not started my Christmas shopping... I do know what I am getting for the few on my list so it should not be difficult. Just have to get out and do it. Cards are ready to be addressed.... just need the stamps. Ornaments for my exchange are ready to post on Dec 1st.

I will leave you with this....

Aw... do I have to get up? This is the look. First I want to pull on her tongue... then her cheeks.....
She does not really get up and leave our bed until around 10 am...... life of leisure!

Thanks for visiting with me today. Have a wonderful day. I plan to stitch on Lavender's Blue......maybe take it out to the lanai to stitch.

My Designer Exchange arrived

After a busy morning out I found this waiting for me...

It is my Designer Exchange from Kathy and Rory.... I love the Prairie Schooler design she chose and the hand towels too.

I am off to work today and tomorrow...so not much stitching can be done. I do have most of next week off with only 2 doctor appointments with Mr H so I plan to stitch and finish up a few pieces.
I leave you with this picture I took just as we were getting ready to go to the doctor's appointment yesterday....

Zoe decided to rest on Mr H's slipper....what a face.

What a difference a day makes~~~~~

Or in this case ... 10 days. Mr H is making good progress. His sleep habits are all off, but he is eating and drinking better.  Color is good. Tomorrow we see both surgeons and I do hope the news is good. We certainly could use it. Thank you all for being there for me ... so many good wishes and messages. i have missed my posting and visiting with all of you. By the time I had some time, I was just too tired. I treasure  you my friends!

Yesterday was Zoe's day to the Vet...

Our sweet girl has been having a few problems. Dr Lori thinks it may be Neurological. If that is the case time will tell.....The girl is 11 and still has a strong heart and good blood pressure. We will deal with it as it comes.
I had some wonderful mail... even though it took me a few days to check for mail!

There was a note card from my Secret Pen Pal (upper left corner) ...and more post cards .... and some stitching. I really did manage to get some stitching done sitting with Mr H in the hospital. Both of the pieces hidden in the mail are gifts.... so this is all you can see for now.
Well, that is it for now..... glad to be back in blog land.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you kind thoughts and messages. Have a wonderful day.

News to share........

It's going to be a boy! I am so excited. I will have to start planning for my first grand baby in October/November. I did post about this before but wanted to share that it will be a boy. My son Eric wanted it to be so...my daughter in law Andrea never told me either way...me, I am selfish as I wanted both! I do not know what the name will be....

As you can see....Zoe does not seem impressed with the news. Sorry to say, she may never get to meet the baby as they live in NW PA. I look at this picture and am amazed to see how old Zoe looks. Her once jet black face is now with grey hair...just like me! I know I have not posted in a few days but time gets in the way. Yesterday my visit with the Dermatologist resulted in a cyst being removed from my back...small, but nevertheless....I have had Basal cell removed before so I will wait to hear the results in a week. A sore back today but back to my stitching.
My other news? Well don't get too excited, okay...you can clap if you want....but the La D Da stitching is finished. You heard it correctly. I finally managed to accept satisfy my self with the blended threads....now just the fob to do. Meet me at my other place so you can see for yourself. Thank you for stopping by...hope your day is terrific.

Here I am...late

I know, you thought maybe I would not be posting today...wrong...just it was Zoe's pedicure day....and it is always a big to do thing!

Yeah, right...you're thinking what ? This is the look you get when it is time to go...and this is the same one and only who caused helped me fall...this sweet face. The Vet Tech Brenda just thinks she is so cute and I will admit, she does behave very well for them. Now we are back home and she is walking around huffing and puffing...we were only out 1/2 hour! ...total...there, ears cleaned and nails clipped and home!
Speaking of being back home, now if you follow me to my other place you will see Bell...a very near completed Bella!

Where does the time go...

It seems like I loose time...as though I misplace it....
Yesterday was a lovely day...we sat outside....Dennis made a batch of delicious scones...we had them with tea....I did not stitch! I planned to stitch...had my basket outside with us...but I never held the needle in hand.
Stopped by the Vet's office to get some meds for the furbaby...I did mention that Zoe has not been feeling quite herself...not even sure that she knows what herself is! It takes a lot to get meds into her. Oh I know, you will say put it in peanut butter...no....in cheese...not...she does like ham. So, it took forever once she got a little taste of the pill, but soon the want of that ham slice won her over. She is a trip....but, we are very smitten with this face...

Everything is a big deal with her...should I come in...are you coming back out...what to do.
I can show you the Winter Exchange that I sent to my partner Angela.

It was fun to stitch...it was a freebie from gazette 94. I coffee dyed the 28 ct linen and stitched with suggested DMC floss. Hubby liked it and thinks I should make one for us....probably will...after the challenge!

I finished the stitching on Milady's pendant...come over with me to my other place and see what you think.....

It's Tuesday!!!!

For Today

Outside my window

It is bright and sunny..not the usual dark and early!

I am thinking

How did I forget it is Tuesday!

From the kitchen

nothing is happening...yet....

I am wearing

still in my pj's

Around the house

Mr H and Zoe are awake and out of bed

I am remembering

I need to post my needlework finish! finally!

I am hearing

The Weather Channel...keeping track of the storms in NE and PA

From my camera's eye

what a face! Zoe likes sitting in the sun

I am hoping

to have a relaxing day, and I hope you do too.