How the time flies and other things!

 Hello....where have I been and what am I doing? Well, good news is that I have been discharged by the surgeon. I am still healing but everything is looking but more importantly feeling good. I will continue therapy on my own. 

The scares are fading nicely. The one on the finger almost completely and the palm needs continued massaging. 

The middle finger where the Dupuytren's Contracture was had more damage than the doctor anticipated. One of the tendons was very mangled and had to be removed. The finger will not bend any further nor straighten completely at this time. The important thing....no pain as before.

I have been back to the craft table working on gifts. Howeever, the past days it has become 

wrapping and packing to ship center! Murphy is checking it daily to see if he can have a box! He raids the scraps proudly. Our gifts will once again not be under the tree for obvious reasons....

We started to put them on the fireplace mantel with my Melting Snowman. At the moment Murphy is resting...

We had a coyote encounter...almost yesterday. It was 10:45am and we were taking a walk. I try to notice all around me when I am out and so it was that there was a big black pickup up the street on the wrong side of the road and not parked. All of a sudden the truck began to move at an angle straight for us but stopped along side. I had my hand on my pepper spray just in case when he warned me of a coyote coming our way. 

Sure enough the large coyote crossed to our side of the street a little way ahead of us. Murphy of course began to call him
bark so as the coyote began to walk our way I picked up Murphy dropping the leash to drag behind us....and tried to hurry home... not too far to go.... finally put him down and lo and behold, the poop bag container had opened and all the poop bags were trailing out following us! I must say, if it had not been for the truck driver things might have gone differently. He remained rolling along the sidewalk until we got home. Murphy was a bit confused about this quick walk but a cookie settled him down. Never a dull moment.That about catches us up. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Alan's new friend

 Another beautiful day. the sliders are open until the heat arrives later. Yesterday was the podiatrist visit. the decision at this time is to treat an Achilles tendon issue. Steroids for the week, 4% Lidocaine patch during the day and a brace to stretch the tendons at night. Not sure how I will be able to sleep with the contraption on. Also...no walking barefoot! what will I do? I need to wear backless with a bit of lift heel shoe so not to be flat to the ground. Sis Lynowl said she is going to order a bubble to put me in!!!  it will be interesting to see what Murphy will have to say about the brace.

Alan waited outside while I was in the doctor office. That is where he met this fellow. A young coyote who remained about 10 feet away while they chatted. The time of morning was 11:15...they are out at anytime at anyplace. 

Today will be a lazy day except for swishing and fluffing in the laundry area this morning. I may make a new travel pillow size pillowcase for my pillow on my rocking chair. Those pillows fit so nice for the lower back. the faeries still have not arrived to do the chores so off I must go. So nice to chat with you today. thank your for your kind words and for your friendship.

Murphy's close encounter

What fantastic weather we are having. Sitting outside and enjoying the garden.

We have almost finished this corner of the garden...remember, this is where the pond was. Alan has done a fantastic job and much of what he had to do he had not done before. We have more to plant but this is what we just bought

This lavender rose is a Barbra Streisand rose. The fragrance is soft and lovely. Lisa and I will be getting a few more roses to plant in this area along the wall.

Lisa also helped with the demolition one morning while still in pajamas! Yes, she used the electric hammer!!! In our own way each of us is accomplishing this garden make over. We will not mention Murphy!
Speaking of Murphy, the other day at 3pm we decided to go for a walk. We no sooner started when coming out of the next driveway was a young coyote. What was Murphy doing? Barking at it of course. The coyote stopped to look then began to walk away and Murphy kept calling him. I spotted Alan just coming around the corner up ahead. I was struggling with Murphy who wanted to follow the coyote and I was pointing to the coyote. Alan knew I wanted something so as he stopped to back up in order to pull over he spotted the coyote in the rearview mirror. Quickly got out of the car and put Murphy and me into the car. By now Murphy was so excited to see Alan that the other issue was forgotten. Never a dull moment around here.
Hope everyone is coping okay with all that is happening. I must admit to feeling a little anxious along with not feeling quite myself. Alan and Lisa are still working and Murphy and I, well, you can use your imagination to how our days are. He is napping in the middle of the living room.
At the moment, there is bread baking and filling the kitchen with wonderful aroma. On the stove/counter are the preparations for Escarole and beans for dinner tonight. Murphy helped attacked the mop while I washed the floors and every so often goes to the kitchen to check on the smells. No ambition to be creative recently but that is okay. Sitting outside each day relaxing is what I must need. So glad you stopped by to chat. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the concern for me with emails...I am okay. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. Please take care of yourself and remain home as much as possible. 

Mars and the coyote

I have always been fascinated with the night skies...full moons especially but then there is Venus and Jupiter and of course Mars...

When I look up into the Eastern sky and see this bright planet...I just stare in amazement. This is taken without out use of a telescope...just my camera and a zoom. How spectacular is that. If you click on the picture you will see how almost perfect it is! Round and red and like a spotlight in the sky...Wow!!
Earlier last evening around 7PM I decided to fill the birdbath out front so it would be ready for the morning crowd. It has been around 90 at the start of the day and those Doves and Quail are thirsty. As I click open the lock and look out a coyote runs out of the courtyard and the bunnies scatter. I would like to think I may have inadvertently saved a bunny. The coyote walked around the sidewalk area for a few minutes then took off for another courtyard. My friend Robyn...across the courtyard ….opens her door to ask if I saw him run out....we chat then it is back inside to the cool of the living room. A few hours later and the bunnies return to munch and roam around.

I did a little beading until my hand said enough. The colors do not show as nice as they are...better picture next time. I did look for and did find a beaded Christmas tree earring pattern on line..

Good thing I can follow a graph nd recognize the stitch used because the directions are

 written in Polish. I have the right Delica beads to try it so that is on the plan list this week. Not much on the list; the Post Office and getting ready for the arrival...

one month from yesterday is the count down...The Brother Alan will be here with Lisa....

I have kept the Alan List small, only the most important to do. They arrive late morning Tuesday, September 18th and by Thursday they have time for whatever...of course horseback riding is always on the list. A day in Scottsdale for lunch and who knows what else. Tuesday and Wednesday are "work days".  My list is really not that much but I am glad to have their help.
Off to get some work done around here. I have a couple of friends stopping by today around 1 so I cannot dilly dally. Glad to chat with you and thank you for the kind words and good wishes you have sent me. Thank you for your friendship....makes my day,

Coyote and Quail

A lovely morning with the front door open... for now. the temps are going to rise this week back to the 100s. Did the weather gal just say 107 for next Sunday?!
Yesterday I commented that I have not seen the coyotes

well, into the courtyard he came. The sighting was interesting... there were several Quail families pecking about and they actually were going after this coyote because of the babies all around. Of course he ignored them and just leisurely sniffed and looked around.

The large Prickly Pear Cacti behind him is home to a huge Rabbit village beneath it. Luckily they were all safe on this visit. Shortly after the coyote left I heard chatting and looked out to see

This Quail couple taking the kids to the birdbath. There were 4 more on the ground not sure of the jump up but these little ones watched and learned. Eventually they all took drinks then scattered to scratch the dirt.
Today will be with Dianna and Bobby...and they will be here for dinner. The lasagna is made and last minute details to be done.  Just finished my coffee and a peanut butter sandwich ...just felt like having peanut butter. Time to make the donuts bed and get things done around here. Glad we chatted and I thank you for the kind words and for your caring friendship.
****Update on EvaP...AKA mother... she is doing well and we are hoping that she continues. Although we are almost 3,00 miles away, The Brother Alan, sis Lynowl, niece Tonya and nephew Nico have all in hand. I add some input from afar. Job well done to my family.

A welcome cloudy morning

We are known here in The Valley of the Sun, Arizona for just that.....days upon days of sun and heat. Every so often there is a morning with cool air and clouds in the sky.... delightful. Doors can be opened and a light breeze flows into the house. All is well in the garden and the Doves are growing stronger each day. They are left alone a little more often so the parents can get enough food for themselves as well as the two babies.

All sorts of critters are around. Found this little bunny resting outside my bedroom window. He found a bit of shade yesterday afternoon and burrowed in for a time under the Yucca. I noticed him as I sat sewing.

This little one is outside my living room window at this moment...look at that fluffy white tail and big ears! Just outside the kitchen window is the hummer...….getting ready

to enjoy the Red Lips Salvia. The other morning as I sat out on the front porch ready and trying to enjoy my coffee one of them hovered over me and tried to pull at my hair....they are so territorial! The hummer floats outside the kitchen window looking in sometimes and I get caught off guard as I pass by and we startle one another. Having so many critters to entertain me is wonderful.
Evidence of coyotes around but I have not seen them lately.
Went to Jo Ann's, Michaels and Hobby Lobby trying to get some beading supplies and could get nothing I needed...guess I will be browsing on line. So much for buying locally.

Glenda just returned from a vacation and stopped by yesterday with this sweet little tea pot for me. Just enough for that one special cup of tea. Flowers, bugs and butterflies adorn the top and sides. She is so thoughtful.
 Guess a little time outside this morning reading but I think this time it will be out on the lanai. Glad you could visit with me today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

I was tatting when it happened

A beautiful nip in the air this morning that will only last until this afternoon when we will feel temps in the mid 70s. All is well in the garden

This is ready for my salad tonight. I know, only one at a time, but that is okay...there are lots on the plant. No beans yet...but they look like a good crop coming. Let's not talk about the Alien Snail Vine...
It was a nice morning yesterday. I was sitting in the living room recliner tatting when all of a sudden...a sharp burning pain on the back of my neck. I touched it an jump with pain.

I looked  in the mirror and it was instantly bloody red. A short time passed when Glenda stopped by to get something and she looked and said ...you need to get it checked. So I went to the Urgent Care and saw a PA on staff. after a few questions she announced that it appears to be a bite....an insect bite. She could say it was not a mosquito or spider and thought it could be a scorpion. Not all scorpion bites cause extreme problems. Nothing to do but watch it. This morning is less of an area that is red and not as red as yesterday. It is less painful so I will just keep an eye on it.  Before you ask...yes I did search the area and the chair for signs of any bug but found nothing. My life is so exciting! But it is.....later as I s
at in the same chair tatting...I saw

yes, a coyote walking in front of my living room window...around 4:30 PM.

He scratched up the grass a bit and looked at me through the window before strolling by. I returned to my tatting which is coming along if I could only stay focused without distractions!
So, that was yesterday...I can only hope that today my only distractions are how to get the computer mouse working properly. I have tried so many things I am about to give up. Typing is a challenge when you can not find it on the screen. So, I will stop typing and enjoy my coffee and a piece of toast. Glad we had time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and you friendship. 

I think I am I think I am

Yes, it just may be that I am over this thing called The Common Cold! Let me tell you, it was not common to me. It is a week today that it began and just might be ending. About time because I still have a few things to do and today is the day I must get at least 2 items off the list.

Just outside the kitchen window is the tomato plant...almost ready and there will be a few to enjoy. Glad the plant is on the system or it would be gone by now. I have not venture into the yard all week. I did stroll out there yesterday and then spotted

The beans have flowers! Yes indeed, we will pick beans. There are plenty of these sweet blooms on the plants. These are also on the system! By the Spring a few more plants will be hooked up to the irrigation lines which will be helpful. So far all is well out there. The Snail Vine is a beautiful "weed" that just continues to spread everywhere since I have not been out there to tame it.
Yesterday I decided to try the Italian Herb Bread again

this time I substituted Italian Seasoning mix for the individual herbs and it does taste better. I had it toasted this morning with some butter. Will I make it again...not sure. I also used Light Olive Oil instead of Extra Virgin which gives it a milder taste. The best of course is just the regular simple breads.
Most of you know how much I love the coyote encounters. The sounds of them in the evening when they are out hunting to survive is quite the thing to listen to. The sight of them strolling into the courtyard or out on the street is nice. At all times I do remind myself that they need to survive and that is with the rabbits. Having said this....

last week I found this part of a bunny tail on the sidewalk. Now...please do not get upset...this is just a partial of the tail also the bunny still lives. Sad as it may seem, if the coyotes did not hunt them we would be overridden with the rabbits in the neighborhood. there are several large hutches just within our property. The bunnies get away more times than they are caught...they are very fast and get into the many underground homes quickly. A few of their homes are built under the Prickly Pear cacti and the coyotes just can not fight the spines. A Navajo women told me once that we must respect all creatures and not interfere. When I look up at my wall of Native art, there are pieces of fur from many animals incorporated into them. Using the fur tufts this way honors them. So this little tail tuft will find a place with my Native art in honor of the nature around me. So glad you visited with me today. Thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship.
Today a friend, "Bobby" is having a medical procedure so I ask that you keep him in your thoughts for a positive outcome. 

Out of commision today

The day began okay...just a little sinus issue. Glenda and I went to see Murder on the Orient Express. It was okay....will not say it will be my favorite version. Came home and decided settle with a cup of tea. I felt chilly even though the temp inside was the same as it has been. Finally just before it was getting evening I decided to string the lights on the lamppost in the courtyard. I had done one earlier in the day. I had the lights in my hands, head down as I walked out the door. Why...well they were a bit tangled. As I got to the end of my porch, head still down, I found myself walking into a coyote. There he was ... were looked at one another, I say a quiet hello and he began to walk away. After a few paces he stopped and I said goodbye and off he went. This is not the first encounter  have had with the desert dogs. Each time the experience is just as exciting. Never a dull moment for me.

Drum roll * * * * *...the first tomato picked. Now don't expect me to share because it is only 1-1/2 inches and it will be delicious with a mini cucumber (pickling size) and some sliced celery. A couple more are beginning to turn light orange! Still waiting for signs of a bean or two on the plants that are growing nicely.
I added a bit of Christmas décor to my growing palm tree in the backyard.....

these are about 6- 8 inch or so big. A bit of something in the back too.
I think this will be the extent of my 2017 decorations...some out front, the sparsely decorated tree and the village with a few wreaths here and there.
I would love to continue this chat but it is difficult to type and concentrate with tissues in the left hand held to the sometimes stuffy, occasionally drippy nose and the occasional coughing does not type well. I think it will be pjs and rest for the day. I do need a cup of tea.
Today was going to be market day but it can wait. More Post Office too but that will definitely wait. If you are looking for me today, I will be the one curled up in pjs and robe and the tea pot full. 

From Cowboy to Arizona Adventurer

Over the years I have been fortunate to see much wildlife here in Arizona, sightings include Javelina, Jack Rabbit, Roadrunners, rabbits (the little guys), burros, countless birds, lizards and a Mountain Lion, probably a few I just can not remember.

Last night was a treat, coming back from a refreshing Prickly Pear Margarita, we were pulling down the street a little past 10pm, when at the end of the cul du sac a coyote runs out carrying what appeared to be a rabbit in it's mouth followed by two others. Fortunately my camera was still in the car, so I changed from Cowboy to Naturalist Photographer or (Arizona Adventurer). Well to continue, its dark they are moving all over the place and my camera is beeping (telling me that it can not see in the dark), so I change the settings to tell it just take a picture and began the round up. Notice I am not in cowboy mode, this is due to the fact I am not on the back of a horse but in  relatively red sporty sedan. Grace's streets are wide, ends in a cull de sac so here I am one hand on the reins (wheel) one on a camera. Remember I am in a very nice private community so there is no traffic or anyone to witness my heroic adventure, except Lisa. So at the incredible speed of maybe 5 miles per hour.

This is the entrance to Grace's front door, notice the glowing eye to the left, he is outside the guest bedroom

To relate the story in its entirety would be boring but I managed to wrangled these guys until I was able to take pictures. If I were a tourist this might have gone differently, by being a part time Cowboy and Arizona Adventurer I remained in the car to take pictures. This was due to the real cowboy from my horse back rides Paul, while giving us information something he said was in my mind at this moment. Paul stated "Those are City Coyotes, they will run up and grab your dog off the leash". The last thing I wanted these guys to think that the black object in my hand to be a small dog and eat my camera.

The weather today will be sunny and hot, Lisa and I are heading to the pool to relax and contemplate our next adventure.
NOTE: as you can see, The Brother Alan and Lisa are really enjoying themselves. And yes, at 11 PM when he came in from the round-up, I had to get up to see the downloaded pictures! Thank you for welcoming Alan to our blogging world. I have been trying to add him as a co-author, but blogger is not cooperating yet. So from all of us here at Horton House, thank you for your kind words and friendship.

He is here!

Well all went well with the flight for Alan and Lisa. It was a day to relax and so

The Brother Alan did just that. Quiet day in the backyard and then on the lounger on the lanai. One of the things that has escaped Alan with each yearly visit is seeing a coyote. Last evening he and Lisa decided to go for a walk after sunset. Dennis armed them with a stich and a flashlight and we told them to be careful and stay away for the golf course. (just up the road from us) The returned all smiles and could not wait to tell us about the coyotes the saw...yes coyotes. They encountered 4 in all, 2 each time in our neighborhood. Finally, coyote sightings for them! Plans this week are open for them....day to day except for Thursday when they will be going for  horseback ride...a 3 hour ride. Today if Mr H is up to it, we may go to Scottsdale to the museum. If not, the car is available for them and they can go. It is so good to have Alan here. I really sound like a kid instead of a 70 year old older sister...but he makes me happy being here. They brought me something special...a blanket that belongs to my sweet great niece Natalia....so now I have something very personal from her. Will post about it more later. Well, dear friends that is about it for now. Thank you for your kind words and your friendship. I am sure you will be reading a post or two from The Brother Alan this week.

No fooling, it International Tatting Day

Of course I will be tatting....

I started a blue Easter egg using size 20 thread in a light variegated blue, Lizbeth 163. I love my Origami Bag, a gift from wonderfully talented Lelia of Stitches of Life It is my take with me bag and surprising you can stash lots of necessities in there. Amazing that I have recently started to collect shuttles and still go to the Clover brand!

These are all Sterling Silver and if you look carefully down at the very bottom is a tiny shuttle that actually can be used! zone of these days I will pick one up and tat with it---- not the tiny one!

then I have a wooden one, a shell and bone shuttle. The framed motif is from my original learning pieces. I started to shuttle tat in 2013 and when I look back I see just how far I have come. I really enjoy tatting so much. I am proud to celebrate International Tatting Day. Tatting gained popularity during the 1860s / 1880s with intricate lace embellishment for clothing. Today it can be found on greeting cards and ornaments as well as doilies and such. Shuttles range from inexpensive to pricy and are made from all sorts of materials. I am happy to have joined a local ( quite small) tatting community group that meets once a week and to be part of 2 on line groups,; Ice Drop Addicts and Tatters of Lace. Both of these groups are made up of novice tatters to designers and many share their designs and tips. So, off I go to tat for a bit. By the way, I did go for my knee injections....no discomfort but I am "aware" of the knee so I will be careful in what I do today. The next 2 Wednesdays I will have the injections for a total of 3. I am trying to avoid surgery!
I leave you with another bloom form the garden...

a flower from a beautiful geranium simply named Regal. Each flower is tri-colored and so delicate. Oh I almost forget to tell you...Around 8/8:30 last evening I heard the call of one lone coyote....haunting  but at the same time you just wanted to listen....
Thank you for visiting with me and for your kind words. Most of all thank you for your friendship.

All gone....

All of the signs of Christmas are away...and somehow all went back into the cupboard better than they were? The outside decorations are also ready to put on the shelf. I like to let them sit for a day or so before packaging them in case they have any dampness on them. The sun is shining after a couple of days of clouds and rain. We are so not used to cloudy days and rain more than a few hours! I am hoping for some stitching time....I just have to settle down to do it cause there is nothing else to stop me. I managed to get a few more Ice Drops tatted..

This one is going to a friend in Texas....she and I love purples and lavenders.  I also had a request from my friend Glenda for a couple ...

lavender, one with silver beads and one with white pearls. She is gifting these to a friend. I really like making these gems.  My next one to tat will be the Lucky Penny one.
This morning while outside gathering the garland I noticed...

obviously there was a Coyote trying to catch a bunny. Since there are no signs of bunny fur anywhere, I want to think he did not catch this one. What a mess they make digging, trying to get them out from the bushes.  Today is day 3 for My Journal Jar and yes, I did write a note. Well guess that about covers what is happening here in Hortonville....thank you for your kind words and most of all I always appreciate your friendship. Have a good day.

Coyote encounter...again

If you follow me on Facebook you may have read my quick post yesterday about the coyote. This was not my first time meeting up with a coyote nor will it be my last. As I was just approaching home after a short early morning walk (7:30am ish), a young coyote began to cross the street right in front of me. He looked at me and hesitated so I stopped to give him plenty of space. Older coyotes usually just mosey on but this fella was waiting for a moment. I do not trust the young ones. Soon he decided to continue to walk ahead of me so I continued home. I still feel the same excitement when I am close to them but I also remind myself they are wild. As I turned into our courtyard....

this lovely sight greeted me. It is Bougainvillea....and blooms all year. Isn't is beautiful....makes a lovely presentation to all who walk into our courtyard. The birds hide inside and sometimes they fly out as you walk past and scare the heck out of you. I just had to share. I managed to get lots of stitch time yesterday and will be able to start the second side of my pin keep tomorrow. I may even get to cut out my sewing project....you know, the one I am not telling you about yet. The House finch couple is currently chattering loudly in the backyard. Still setting up house.

Do you see the blur pot on the right on the top of the shelf...that is their abode. Remember I did say it was in our pathway. The door leads into the garage from our yard. Since they are not living there yet, I am not sure if they will like the activity that will be around them all the time. Time will tell. Speaking of time, I do not hear the washing machine so it must be time to get the laundry and of course have another cup of coffee. My stitching is awaiting me so as soon as I get this taken care of I will return to my comfy chair. I have enjoyed our visit. Thank you for your friendship and kind words which bring joy to my soul. Have a wonderful day.

The Pack

Not much with the stitching....spent time looking in the basket of things for a project. Problem with all the ideas is deciding what I want to do. Not able to make up my mind I did not find one to do. I did manage to organize a little more. There is always something to organize.I think I am in a what to do slump! Oh well, there is today. Wednesday while out on an errand, we stopped at Michael's. I found my black crow. Seems they have been scarce this year. He was on sale from $9.99 to 60% off. I noticed that he had a few wear and tear marks... I mentioned it to the gal at the register and she said would you like a discount...sure I replied. Now I thought...the regular price then the discount, it was around 3 change. I ended up paying only $1.80!

Sooooooo, here he sits with my glass pumpkin and the witch....


Are you wondering about the title---The Pack? On Tuesday evening as I was getting ready to walk home from a neighbors house around 8 PM, I found a pack of coyotes....yes 5 of them out for a stroll. Now in the past, I have never been fearful of them. I even walked behind 3 of them once, but in morning daylight. At first, a few of them continued to walk forward, then another but one stopped to turn his head back to look in my direction. I made a little noise and stood waiting. Finally off he went to join the hunt. I will admit to being a bit nervous. I am sure he decided that rabbits would taste better. Yesterday our Arizona temperature tied for 100...it would be so nice if we could cool down and make it seem like Autumn.....hard to think pumpkins when it is hot. The poor garden is need of some extra attention. Well my friends that is about it...so glad we had time to chat. Thank you for the kind words. Have a wonderful day.

Not a routine start~~~~~

On the days that I work, we have a routine; Mr H opens the garage door, he waits as I back out and a wave and I am off. Friday was a little different. Instead of the garage door closing and I drive off-----
as I started out onto the street I was confronted with a coyote chasing a little bunny towards me. I began to sound the horn in an attempt to startle the coyote into retreat and save a bunny. Mr H hearing this thought I needed him, so out around the corner he arrives and I am yelling "a coyote chasing a bunny!" Mr H scoops up some crushed stones and begins to run into the courtyard. Drama as he stops to peek around the wall divider...... when  the coyote runs past him, taking a leap and sailing through the air right over a 6 foot wall! This young coyote never even touched the wall, landing right in front of my car. I slowly followed him up the street to make sure it did not double back to find the bunny. Off he went into another  courtyard and I off to work. Well, I tell you,I only wish I had my camera in hand. What a sight---Mr H in pj's, stones in hand for protection and a coyote sailing through the air! We assume the bunny safely made it back to it's home as there was no sign of it anywhere. Now I know that the coyote must eat, and they do keep the rabbit population under control, but not while I am watching!
Now onto a few new items added to my sewing room.

The pretty rooster fabric is to make a skirt for a shelving unit in the kitchen, and the wonderful potholder pattern and the fabrics to make the butterfly twice.

I found this pattern at Jo Ann's---it is from Indigo Junction, Alice in Wonderland collection. I love the March Hare and the Door-mouse, the other is the Mad-hatter. I have a few days off so I hope the get at least the Butterfly potholders made..... maybe a start on the March Hare too. Since I most likely will be having the injections on my right hand Monday, fine needlework will be out of the question for a few days. This will be easier to do. Oh, I forgot to mention.... we have discovered that our Woodpecker is now stopping by for a drink daily. The House finches are not too happy but wait until he leaves before they stop for a turn at the feeder. The Hummingbird? Well, there is another feeder in the the back yard that he goes to. I do not think the Woodpecker has discovered it yet.

Here he is looking at me look at him through the living room window. What a treat to watch him so closely. Once he leaves, the feeder is quite sticky and needs a refill, but I hope he continues to visit daily.
I have received a few cards from the June exchange... such fun and nice to have cards on display each month. So it is time to sign up for July's exchange...leave a message if you want to join in. Also, I am still taking names if you are interested for the Thimble Exchange....lots going on. Glad you stopped buy today...thank you for the kind words and most of all for your friendship. Have a wonderful day.