H E L L O out there!

Goodness what happened? An entire week has passed me by. Things are pretty good around here. We three are well and no signs of virus. The weather has been hot, very hot....usual in the mid to upper 100s with one day at 111. This morning is very cloudy but no rain in sight. Are we going to have a Monsoon season or what!? We really need the rain.

Back on May 20th I showed you this bulletin board.... it was just hung in the garden. Since then it has my name (the one that Denny called me) and I added garden tools. Yes, I know. They are just plastic but since I no longer need to care for the garden ...... they add a burst of color! Oh the wine bottle.....always wine at the ready around here. Let me explain how special this peg board is to me. First the wood came from a potting work table that was Dennis'. We were no longer going to use it and it need some attention after 16 years of Arizona heat. Lisa and Alan figured a way to keep it around. The made this from the wood and then named it as Graz which is what Dennis called me (an Italian form of Grace). Each day I pass it and think of all the plants Dennis potted..... good thoughts.
I should tell you about The Brother Alan..... he has become a landscaper, a demolition dude, a gardener, an irrigation installer, an electrician and a plumber. Yes indeed, I am very proud of Alan for all that he has learned and accomplished since moving here 9 months ago. Before Alan coming out here you will remember that Don and Bobby were always here to help. To teach me the basics. Now I sit back and offer my opinion when asked (sometimes when not!). Alan learns what and how to get things done. Once again I am being spoiled by Alan and Lisa.

Are you wondering what I have been doing? Here is the large window (almost to the ceiling and down to the floor) at the end of my bedroom. It is a great source of light as my sewing table is here. For some time I have wanted to make a quilt with my many....over 100 handkerchiefs. Then along came Murphy who loves to relax and nap on my bed. No way would I want him on the quilt. Then I though about making it into a wall hanging for behind my bed. All of a sudden I though of the window. Still allows plenty of light while looking pretty.  Maybe a wall hanging is still in the future. 
I do hope all of you and your families are doing okay with this virus. We maintain masks at all times out. Alan and Lisa wear theirs all day at work. I hardly go any place but when I do, I wear a mask. I have made Lisa several so she is a fashion statement at Safeway. Alan and I are proud of Lisa...she has been training for more than the cashier job. This past week she has been a Front end Supervisor.
Happy to chat with you today especially since Murphy is ignoring me! Thank you for your good wishes and for your kind thoughts. Thank you for your friendship.

Ho Ho and another Ho

Yesterday was another beautiful day here in The Valley of the Sun. The front door was still open at 8PM. I think we are finally in the Autumn weather. I was busy swishing laundry and baking.

This was a new recipe... I have so many I want to try. It is Honey White Bread. Nice crumb texture and very mellow in taste. Yes, there is honey added. This morning I had it tasted and it was still nice and fresh. The only issue with these homemade breads is that there are best on day one and acceptable on day 2 and so so on day 3. As there is only me here (right now) the bread does not get eaten quickly. But I will still bake even just for me.
The Santa Star is finally finished....2448 beads.

One is for me and the other will be riding the sleigh to sis Lyn. A break from beading for at least a week to rest the right hand from the process. I do love these stars though.
I have a day with no plans.... I will do whatever comes my way. Maybe a little reading. I should however begin to clean the garden during these cool mornings. I should but will I? I might continue going through my cross stitch patterns. Found a couple of Lavender & Lace.... never done and will not be kept.... and one that I made for my niece Elyssa when she was born, might hand on to it. I am serious about de-stashing. Then there is the linen...most are pieces good for smaller projects. I will hold on to some but definitely not most. I have 2 bins that will go down to one for sure. If I have not used it by now or stitched it I know it will not be. Crazy to hold on to when someone else can enjoy having it. Right Jo? She will be getting a particular pattern (more if interested). Well, onto making the bed and getting dressed. I want to get into the storage in the garage to find the next change of sheers for the living room. Then it will be ready for the winter/holidays. So off I go to try to accomplish something. Glad to chat with you and thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

The day will get better.....?

Dianna and I spent part of yesterday together...always fun. Arriving before 10 am and ready with a pose and ready......

to hang sheers in the living room. Dianna did not want me on the step ladder as I would need to use the higher one. Like many people she is taller than I am. After she fussed about with the set up we then went out for brunch at Village Inn for strawberry crepes, hash browns and pie. The hours spent with Dianna always put a smile on my face.  We texted often and she gets me through the storms both weather wise and emotional.
The afternoon was nice and relaxed with thought of how to re-arrange the living room corner. No, I am not doing it on my own. Finally my back is feeling okay and I am surely not going to mess it up. I did on-line search for a new dining/kitchen set because that room is also in the mix. Right now I am waiting for the coffee to finish brewing. That it itself has been a chore. It really started last evening.... I had made tempura fried shrimp so after cleaning the kitchen and dishes,   I lit a Yankee Candle tart burner.

Not a problem. That was when I went to distinguish the light and spilled hot wax from the top all over the counter and the burner....green wax. Well off to bed I went leaving it all to cool. This morning it was the first thing to do. I decide to start the coffee first...spilled a full glass of water all over the opposite counter and floor. So, all is finally clean and the coffee is just finished. The day will get better...yes. No plans except maybe to Staples for ink and to the bead shop for supplies and to the market for milk...guess I do have plans for the morning at least. It is all making me tired so I best get that coffee and savor the first cup. Glad you were here to hear my tale. Speaking of tales...if you follow me on Facebook you may have seen my post yesterday, if not go to my FB page and meet Janet....!https://www.facebook.com/grace.piccirillihorton. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words and friendship. It is going to be a good day!