My Easter Bunny

 Hello out there. The temps here in Arizona have been hot... reaching 98! The next few days will be cooler. Temps around the 80s.  It is almost 8pm and it is 86. Hope everyone had a great Easter. the  bunny visited and brought candy and other things for Lisa and Alan. Murphy got a Butcher bone and he  was delighted. 

The Logo is upside down but I know you can read it... Yes, I got a laptop. Alan took me to Best Buy today and out we came with this. Alan got it all set up in no time. I however will still be getting used to this and that.  I needed the camera cable to upload this picture and of course I have no clue where I put it. How have I been uploading pictures to the desk top? Easy I use the camera card which does not fit here. thankfully Alan to the rescue. He gave me an adapter and voilà, done. Still have to clear  out files from the desk top. 

We will not speak of Murphy's diet.... we had a vet visit and he gained almost 2 pounds on the diet! Further cuts now in place. Murphy seemed to develop an allergy is  why the vet visit. He is getting Benadryl 2x a day. Already seeing an improvement. Always something around here. I know, an evening post from me. It sure has been nice chatting with you. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Puppy dog stars

Today is suppose to be cooler...only in the low 100s. Still hot to me. I had planned to return to the garden to finish cleaning but that will not happen today. Instead I will remain inside and stitch on Santa.... he is really looking good. I am glad I decided to add the beads as I go along. I also did some stars yesterday...

Off white/cream with gold. It really looks pretty. I may make one with white/silver. I did not like or find white with gold that I liked so instead I chose cream, it looks softer. Then I thought...what about those puppy dogs?

This print is so cute...bones and dishes and paw prints. Next ornaments to make are the beaded baubles in Christmas colors. Did you know that Christmas is 4 months from today? Of course when the temp is reaching 110 to 115 almost every day it is hard to think about that.

Since the email issue is continuing….you may think that I am not replying to your comments...but I am trying.... I will be calling the Geek Squad as soon as I post this. It may be that I need to change the way I send them.... could it be that simple?

Happy having you visit with me today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Hope you will hear from me soon!

Mystery solved?

Just stepped outside to check things and I will tell you that I feel like I stepped into a sauna and it is under 100 out there! Thank goodness August is almost a thought as this Monsoon heat/humidity ends in September. Here in The Valley we have not had the storms that were all around us. Definitely we could use the rain. While strolling the garden, a thought came to me. I think I found the "leak" around the fountain.... thee was a plant that has since died and the irrigation line was still in the open position. The water has been running into the pond garden area causing lots of wet ground! There is no leak in the water line or the fountain! Of course I will need to wait a few days to be sure. I am getting quite more accomplished around the abode.

Santa has his friend....well the start of a burro. I am enjoying this project. I always do when it is a Mill Hill kit. Combining both cross stitch and beads and I am a happy gal. There is an town  here in Arizona where donkeys roam freely through the town.... Oatman AZ. One day I will visit the former mining town. I the meantime, I will work on Santa and his burro.
Best Buy is having a sale... maybe time to visit and check out a new computer. Even my tablet is acting up. Today I will have the Geeks check out my computer remotely. Remember, if you are not getting an email response from me... sometimes my computer tells me they cannot be sent. I am trying to send from my tablet and maybe that will work.
Swishing is happening in the laundry area and that will be it for household duties. Still looking for the Fairies. First cup of coffee finished.... yesterday was a Gatorade day and so it will be today with iced water added in. Maybe a glass of iced coffee? Thank you for your visit and your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

A snow globe, a squirrel and a dove

A late day post! The day is very cloudy. We may have some raindrops for Christmas. Having computer issues, well keyboard issues again. Next up for me is a laptop!
Today I went to the bank...and noticed that their decorations have been disappearing! They have a large tree of course and a simple wreath behind the counter and they originally had lots of white doves around the lobby...

I thought how nice they looked, simple yet festive. Then I began to notice each time I went to the bank that they were slowly disappearing! Yes, people were taking them.... now before you think I took this one, the gal who I usually see gave it to me. They started with about 40 of these doves and since they have "flown away", they now numbered 10, well now that I have this one 9 are left. Made from heavy pure white poster board, they measure about 6 1/2 inches from beak to tail and the wing span is almost 12 inches. I remarked that these people took them while on cameras mounted at the counter....guess it is the only withdrawal that will not get you jailed.
Then I made my last trip to the post office for the season....hard to believe but they said it would arrive on Monday. Speaking of deliveries, the package to Debbie in Canada already arrived! I came home and to keep my mind calm I finished the beaded snowglobe snowman...

He is so cute, measuring 2 inches square. My tension could be better. Working with clear Delicas was a bit straining....the next one will be looser.  I changed the red bird on his arm to a blue bird, the next one will be a red bird.
The mail brought me a new critter...

The note is from Aunt Rose Marie... she said she saw it on a shelf and it said it wanted to come to visit it's cousin in Arizona! I think it is a he... and here in the Valley I do not see squirrels. They were all over my yard back in Rhode Island and I kind of miss seeing them and their antics. Thank you aunti…. it will be a reminder of RI and you!
I am feeling my age today...back aching, hand swollen.... and all the other arthritic spots are awake. Time to sit back, find a movie to watch and relax. Glad you had some time to visit with me. Thank you for the kind words and thoughts and for your friendship.

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. 

Finally ..Date Nut Bars

Ran an errand yesterday  and while in the car the phone rang. Pushed the accept button on the dash, and nothing. Of course I let it hang up as I do not use the handheld phone In the car. When I got to my stop It would not let me reconnect with the handsfree...telling me it did not find the device. So, on the way home I stopped at the dealership and they could not re-set the phone. I went to Best Buy where The Brother Alan got  my phone and they reset and now all is right. Oh and Alan's phone is still connected! Go figure. As I was leaving BB I spotted this....

had to throw out the one we had for years. Doesn't that meal look great. Go in for a phone/car issue and out with a Grille.

When I got home I decided "enuff is enuff" and began to bake...

Best Date Nut Bars ever and easy too. First time making them from scratch. Melt in your mouth and the aroma in the kitchen was divine. I made an 8x8 instead of 13x9. The cup or so left of the crust/topping I will use to make an individual peach cobbler. Guess what is waiting for me with my fresh brewed coffee this morning?

You all know how tech challenged I can be. Thank goodness for Honey---Keith who rescued me so many times. Yesterday in my desk I came across this----

And decided to plug it in to the computer. Does it work...no, does not open, the computer does not recognize it...so, all my knitting and other stuff is lost in this little fob! Frustrating! Might be something simple like a reset (who knows where that would be as I did not even know the phone had one) just as it was for my phone but I have no clue. Since I woke with a headache today will not be my day to putter with it. Look at my Polski earrings...

just need to attach the ear wires and voila...they are finished. The second one was easier and I figured her diagrams much better. Less confused so the next pair should be easier. I will change out the gold beads for silver for a different sparkle. I used 2 shades of green for a shadow look and a bit of sparkle as one is dull and the other shiny. I may use different colors for the accents....not sure as the red really say Christmas. 

Well, must dash to munch and drink....thank you for taking the time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and most of all for your friendship.

Bobby~~~Keith~~~ the Geeks to the rescue

Well, first Bobby tried to help

with Dianna hiding behind him making hand signals.... of course when he sat at the computer to fix things

Dianna went looking for a snack and found potato chips to munch ! Try as he did the problem was not solved so we went thrift shopping instead and then to lunch...thank you for lunch Bobby. I found nothing to buy but of course Dianna always finds something(s). Good laughs and good friends make for a nice time.
Next up was Honey...AKA Keith.....solved it enough that I could upload pictures again and access my files with error messages but thought I better have the Geeks check it out. So, Robert with the Geeks did just that. Problem is that the program I was using Windows Live Gallery is not supported anymore by Windows 10. However, I can once again upload photos to the computer with 3 clicks and access my files..... that is making me a happy gal.
Doctor (PCP) appointment went well as it was a 3 month follow up but I did get a tetanus shot.... of course the wimp that I am, my shoulder is a little swollen and sore. I keep telling everyone that I am delicate...I am delicate.

This big guy decided to relax on his rock for a short time....then scooted off to hunt bugs.

He blends so well with the light rocks and even the rock where he usually sits. Sometimes I do not notice him until he sees me and moves. He better hope the Roadrunners stay away.
I finally settled to a little tatting and then got distracted again by who knows what. Lately I scatter my brain here and there. Today I hope to organize a few things around the hacienda and a few times have the laundry swishing and drying. I may even take Bissell for a walk around the place. When the refrigerator heard I might be replacing it (still plan to) it once again began to make proper ice. Finny how things happen. So, off I go to be useful around here. Glad to chat with and I just know that you are happy that my computer issues are okay now! Thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship.

What is going on.....

Sometimes I wonder what who when and where and how....and not for English class. I should explain...
What happened in just a few days with my computer (desk top not lap top)
Who sabotaged it
When am I going to learn how to fix or better yet understand how to fix it
Where will I get help for it (Geek Squad?)
How is this going to end (kicking the damn thing might work)
There are times that I amaze myself with how I know what to do or understand things with the computer then like now, totally confused and must admit angry that I do not know what to do. Most likely it will be the Geek Squad that will be where I turn to. It is just annoying. Yesterday I could not upload photos from the camera that I have had for 2 years... I did perform this task on the 14th! Today I cannot access files! Today I cannot access any pictures from any file! Do I have time for this today? Well, maybe after the 11 am doctor appointment....maybe I can get the Geeks to work on this without taking the whole set up in to them. Frustrated when you are not  feeling your best is …. let's not go there. So this is my post for today. Clearly an unhappy gal who is not feeling great and …. of I go to get myself and the abode ready for the day. Hope you have a good.

So go figure, I was just able to upload this here.... this is why I am going crazy!

Some accomplishments this weekend

Yesterday was like a weather day from a movie. The morning was cloudy and extremely windy

This is just a peak into the Lanai. Leaves and dust from the winds and then it drizzled and then the sun and then it started all over again...a weird pattern of  craziness. the rain never amounted to much but the winds were like a hurricane. Of course with the winds came more dust...so the Lanai and the garden really need a good cleaning....but not today.
Considering the leg issues I did accomplish a few things this weekend.

I finished the Heart edged Ice Drop...not my best tatting but it passes. It is a lesson that when I have pain I should not tat.
Finally Dolly has her head and limbs!

She is resting while I decide on the fabric for her clothes. I also will be altering the pattern directions as I think it will be a waste of fabric to follow them. I at one time sewed most of my clothes so I know I can handle this. I am not changing the pattern just the cutting and sewing.
I think I have mentioned the keyboard issues and then the other evening the tablet after 2 years of use decided That I could not sign in for email. So Honey came by and after some messing around got it to work and then we had to change the password but the issue is no longer.

The new keyboard is really the same except a newer model of what I had and liked from 3 years ago. A very productive afternoon yesterday.
Remember the key issue? Well that is totally taken care of. While waiting for the keys to be cut I found.....

this magnetic Goldfinch for my screen on the sliding door from the kitchen to the Lanai. I bought a butterfly for the one coming from my bedroom. Now I have never walked into the screen door but you never know who might. A pretty reminder that it is there. If I should ever get locked out I have a way to rescue myself or I can call Glenda and Don to come to my rescue...like they do for so many things.
This afternoon I will have the Ultra sound on my legs and speak with the surgeon. How lucky I am to have you for a friend...and  that you have sent me encouragement and good wishes and concern for me.
"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have and one of the nicest things that you can be"...according to Pooh and me! So off now to do some chores. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words and of course you wonderful friendship.

*******13 days until you know who arrives!*******

Off to see The Wizard

Oh what a gloomy morning. The sky is grey and the air has a chill. They say it may rain and it certainly does feel like it will.
Yesterday Honey, AKA Keith, came by and I got a few computer lessons. He makes it all so simple! He also moved my fabric bin for me. So the doll will get some clothes....still in the stuff her stages. Then we watched some of the Olympics before he headed home. The chicken and escarole soup did get made but not the Pizzelles and we know I will be a bit loopy this afternoon so not today either. I will be off to see The Wizard doctor later this morning for the right leg procedure then I will have matching set.  The steri-strip from the incision came off and of course there was a little bleeding. I remembered all the medical supplies I had to get when Denny was ill and sure enough, I had steri-strips so I am all patched up.
I guess I should talk about the Dove couple.

Doves mate for life....which is good but also sad if something happens to one of them. They have a great system for raising their 2 younglings. One is with the nest at all times. He sits on the nest during the day and then they switch off and she remains for the evening. Once the babies feather out then they can be left for periods during the day. I do not know when they decide that their mate is gone and it is time to move on, and how long they remain by themselves. It seems that is what happened here with my Dove pair. One returns everyday and sits before flying off. The one egg will never be nurtured. I will remove it so that maybe another pair may come along and stay. As sad as it is, it is what nature is all about. When you open your garden to all you must accept that.
Glenda will be taking me again today and it will be the last of her escorting. I so appreciate her as my friend. Glad you stopped by and I thank you for your kind words and for caring about me. Thank you for your friendship.

****22 days but who's counting!**** 

A nip in the air

A bit chilly today......temp is 56! Not to worry it will be in the 80s later today. The temp inside the house is 72 and comfortable. The doors were open last evening until 10 PM. Loving this weather.
Today our blogging friend Lynda Ruth from Purple Pixie Dust is in for shoulder surgery. This has been a task getting this far as it had been cancelled before. Let's wish her well that all goes according to plans. I know her hubby Dave will be taking good care of her.
I got as far as the Swaddled Baby #2 face yesterday

and her cap. She stands about 11 inches tall. Now to embellish her so she can travel to her new home. I decided to give her brown eyes and a plain white hat. I love sitting outside working on her.




Speaking of outside, my Hot Lips Salvia has almost tripled in size and this morning I found

This is just outside my kitchen window and the first thing I se when I open the verticals each day. The Hummer loves it and was upset just now when I took the picture. Look at that sweet blooms. I think I will need to get it a small trellis to support it. I am so pleased with how the garden is growing. It means a lot to me that it does.
I have to meet a friend this morning then back home to bake. The biscotti did not get made but yesterday Honey---aka Keith--- came by to help me with a printer issue. He love my shortbread cookies so that is what I will be making for him. Talking about the computer....Best Buy Geek Squad sent an email that they will not longer be servicing Kaspersky security software. So I need to go in to purchase another product today. Then I can come home to bake.
I will be joining a groups of ladies from here in Arizona for a stitch retreat to be held in Tucson in January. Hopefully enough will attend so it can go as planned. The designer for the workshop will be Linda Vinson with a special project for us. If you are here or nearby and are interested in the details let me know and I will email you an invite.  So glad you took time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you 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.

Plans sidelined

Today I was going to paint the pond wall...I stopped yesterday at Home Depot and picked up a few items...paint

to paint 2 stripes on the wall behind the pond matching the colors in this pottery jar that is on the wall. All the supplies were made ready last night

yes, in the laundry basket which is not being used right now. But...earlier this morning there was thunder and lightening and very grey skies along with about 5 minutes of drizzle. So, by the time this cleared up it is too hot and too muggy to be out there preparing to paint. Maybe tomorrow. The nozzle broke for the backyard hose so that made it's way into the cart. I also remembered to pick up a new skimmer

Denny was 5'8" and long arms...me at 5' short arms had trouble using the skimmer he had with no handle! This will telescope to 8 feet! It is a guarantee that I will not be leaning into the pond to collect leaves and not falling in! This morning I attached a timer so that if I want to shut the waterfall off I can do so from the house. I am feeling quite accomplished.
Enjoyed my lunch meeting with Vicki-K.

Vicki and Dan

Be sure to stop by and visit her Christmas blog  and also her other blog Being Grammy.  We had wonderful conversation as well as lunch. Her interests are varied and I am sure you will enjoy meeting her and her sweet grandchildren as well as get some organizational ideas for Christmas.
Remember my rearranging the computer? I had to disconnect several things so I could move it and in putting it all back together I messed up. No speakers! Of course what to do...after spending an hour this morning trying to figure it out, I sent an email to Keith and ....did you know that if you have a green connection it plugs into the green spot on the back of the computer? All fixed. Poor Keith I just about drive him crazy. The sun is shining brightly now and it is hot and humid so no outdoor activities for me. Soon, real soon, I must get gas...I am at the 3 line. It has been a month since my last gas adventure so I hope I remember what does what. Today will be a relax day and just maybe some needle in hand. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Most of all, thank you or your friendship.
❤Special note: Today is the funeral back in Rhode Island for my dear gentle cousin Rocco.