Love gadgets

 I know...I have been MIA (missing in action) again. I am still dealing with medical issues that weigh on my mind. Tests...doctor appointments...procedures....just has been getting to me mentally. Anyhoo....I said I love gadgets. Whether cooking or baking and especially when crafting, I can not resist a tool that will make a task easier and more enjoyable.

Have you heard of or seen Applipops? It makes perfect circles for applique. I bought the set and they came in this ice cloth pouch for storing. You can see the 3 sizes that I made...there is a smaller one but too fiddly for me to try right now. Fun! One of these days I will need to make these....practice makes perfect.

I can not resist adorable scissors...most any scissor

Just look at these cuties. I also have tweezers by the same company. Let me just say, they are very...very sharp. Can not help but smile when I look at them. Had to order on line (Annie's catalog) as the quilt shop did not have them. I am excited...waiting for my next tool to arrive for my next project. Stay tuned.

For a short time, Murphy and I will be confined to my room...the HOA painters are here. They finished the front now they will be in our patio to paint. Havoc for Murphy. They are painting across from us in the front. Once they start the back Murphy will be allowed out of the room. Happy that they will be finished today.

Nice to chat with you...thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Hello...still here....

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

Anyway, 

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

 

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Murphy

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

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

More art and a rose

 Goodness..... I just went out to the garden to take these pictures and what a windy mess. the clouds have rolled in too. Alan hung the other sculptures we bought....

Alan chose the cactus with its bright colors and I fell in love with the lizard also bright and they add cheer to the side of the house. 

While nearby Mr Lincoln has opened its first rose of the season. I never pick the first one but I am anxiously waiting for the next one. I mentioned before that this was Dennis' favorite rose. The bush is full of buds!

 Alan and I just had to  have this once we spotted it. ... and we knew just where she would go. Is it not just.... wonderful. She and her 4 birds are rust treated metal. 

the cut out areas bring dimension to a flat piece. Sprinkles are starting to fall. The wind is starting to whip things around. Leaves and tree droppings from everywhere. Music from the chimes sounds wonderful.

Alan and I have a quick errand then it will be back home with my foot elevated. Yes, the pain in my right heel/ankle is going to be checked tomorrow morning.  I was glad to find a podiatrist close by and get an appointment so quickly. 

There might be some activity around the craft/sewing table later. So nice to have a visit with you. thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Get the ice pack!

A very grey day... with the sun peeking out now and again. They are saying another storm is coming... oh happy day or should I say night. Just a wait and see. The other night the thunder was right overhead and I was ready for the closet! I am building a boat.
Yesterday I did the follow up with the doc ad nothing much has changed so a full 4 vial of blood for the lab work up.

It started out okay, but as I was dehydrated the vein actually pushed the needle out! I heard the pop and felt it. So to the left arm she went and I literally sat drinking a bottle of water while she did. Anyway, I am being tested for anything and everything so hopefully we will get some answers. In the meantime the ice pad is out and will be all day.
Earlier today... at 7:30 I went to the DMV to get the new registration tag for the coming year for the car. It took 6 minutes. Walk in, up to the self serve machine, scan bar code from mailing, insert payment and voilà out pops the tag for the license plate. All in 6 minutes. I am lucky that I live  3 miles from the place...It took longer to get dressed and drive there.
I have been taking it easy but of course there is always time to stitch.

The next dragonfly ….. One more colored bead to add to this wing then onto the next top wing. Not a difficult project at all. I may eventually make one using my own colors.
I do not hear any sounds coming from the laundry area so that means the swishing is finished and time to dry. So off I go. So nice to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words ad for your friendship.
***Another day closer to the arrival!

Oh what a morning.....

Actually what a yesterday and a night which is now morning. I started out yesterday for the mall specifically going to Macy's. As I was driving I was going past my PCP office so I thought I should just stop and make an appointment as I have not been feeling all that great recently...a month.... and inquire about a flu shot. Well I guess it was the right thing to do.  Yes I could get the flu shot, but first a check on my blood pressure. The MA took it twice and looked concerned and gave a shout out to the NP and it was taken again with a different device. Next thing is that the NP strolled in to chat. He was very concerned that my BP was extremely high. A quick impromptu exam and the heart was okay and questions answered and yes I would be given the flu vaccine but was then ordered to go home and rest... do nothing or at least as little as possible for the next few days. I need to check my pressure daily and write it down and return next week...or if it continues to be as high return sooner. No stress is what I need right now.....okay. Shortly after returning home, Robyn....across the courtyard called and hubby Dave was bringing me a dessert. Just what I needed.

….I could not wait to have my dinner so I could munch on this...but the good news is, she sent 2 pieces so now I have another for today...delicious.
I have not been idle ….

The wings of the dragonfly are finished.... now to do the body. The colors are so pretty..... jewel like. Before beading the body the perforated paper needs to be cut away so that might be today.
At the moment I am having my first cup of coffee and holding ice to my shoulder as it is very sore and a little swollen. The count down for The Brother Alan is in full mode....about 26 days... and I am trying to get things ready.  If the weather would only cooperate I can work in the garage. I decided that I would like to hang a hummer feeder outside my bedroom window. Oh and the AC issue, well now the filter is an issue.... always something but I am trying my hardest not to feel ruffled in any way.
An update on Eva P... aka mom.... she is doing better. This lady who will be 93 in December has 9 lives. Thank you for the good thoughts sent her way. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship.

No, I am not flipping you off

Oh my... I thought my hand was sore … then the surgeon gave me an injection.

Although he froze the area the medication going in stung... really stung.  Most likely the bruise will be larger and be very sore. It will take a couple of days before I can really use the hand. In the meantime, I cannot bend the middle finger, so.... I will be careful not to offend anyone.
Also... of course you did not think this was it!

The area that is red and swollen and very sore is from the arthritis in the thumb and wrist. I had an injection when I had the surgery in February so I can not have another … yet. When I return in 4 weeks he will assess the situation. Heat is what he told me to do. I have been soaking the hand in hot water and he thought that would be fine as well as massaging and  exercising.

The top of my had is not too pretty either and of course a little sore. I am just falling apart. I did explain how I need this hand to bead with...He has a very nice smile!
I did start a pod for a gift...

This is the only picture until after Christmas🎄. Hopefully I will get back to it real soon.
Monday night the Monsson decided to visit. There was the wind of course and then light rain and yes, some lightning. Happily it did not last very long. When I woke yesterday there was no evidence of the storm... well, the debris around the garden was and still is there. I am trying to ignore it and so far so good. This early morning  is with the sounds of singing chimes...windy out there I the dark.
Well this typing is taking forever using one hand! Thank goodness for spell check...except when it decides to type a unknown word!
I will return soon. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Heartfelt thank you

My heart is full these past few days. The Brother Alan posted on Friday, the 2nd anniversary of My Denny's passing. The many emails and comments left on Facebook and of course here filled my heart with love and friendship. This will always be a hard time for me but made a little easier with all of your caring kind words. ❤
The Pond Garden and fountain is very busy this morning with so many different birds drinking and bathing. A quick walk out to the garden and all is well. We are still in a cool down, low100s and right now it is quite nice outside. There is swishing in the laundry area and the Shark is waiting to swim around the abode. First cup of coffee finished and my bowl of cereal too. Dishes washed and soon coffee beans will be ground for the 2nd cup.

I have been able to stitch On The Range..... really not too much more to do then I will add the beads. Coming along nicely. Stitching is slow due to my eyes..... yes, my eyes. First the issues were with the hand and as that healed my back and the procedure for that has been healing well and now my vision. I need to see an Ophthalmologist and will be looking to find one this week. I have been keeping all of my medical centers close to home, so as there are a few close by,  I will check them out. Right now I am using Sustane Complete and added Retaine MGD with hot compresses during the day. So, with  resting my hand and back and now my eyes, things go slowly for me. Right now nighttime driving is not happening.... not that I did much of it anyway. The doctor also changed my eye prescription but I will wait to fill it until after the Ophthalmologist appointment. Always something to deal with. I know there are others with so much more to deal with, but selfishly right now it is me I am dealing with.
 Friday and yesterday were the if you can drop it why not day. Friday evening I spilled freshly brewed cup of black tea all over the counter and everything that was there of course received a tea bath. Then the sugar bowl joined in. Saturday I knocked over the butter dish thankfully it did not break. It was given to me by Glenda and I love it. It is one of the ones that you fill the bottom half with water ( I pout ice cubes in) and you can leave it out and the butter is always soft and ready to use. Of course during the day, at least 2-3 times I toss the water and ad new ice cubes. Yes, when I scooped up ice there were far too many cubes and they went all over the floor. Normally I only pick up 3 cubes to fit the dish but why did I get a scoop full? So they could go all over the place! Today is so far promising to be a less clumsy day. The plan is to sit and stitch, as soon as my eyes clear up.
Always nice to chat with you. Again, thank you so much for caring and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship. I am so lucky to know you!

My left leg......

Happy to have the weekend gone. The weather was delightful, very warm and sunny. We entered a cool down to the 80s yesterday. In this early morning the chimes are singing loudly in the darkness. Caught a glimpse of the Dove kids  while the parent was off nest...

It is beginning too get a little crowded up there. They now have feathers so it will not be too long before they try them out. Never a sound from them unlike other baby birds.
I have been busy with beading...

Russian Leaves Earrings finished; dipped and dried. The beads have  a high shine and a green tinge to them. I also tried without success to learn another beaded earring. I plan to continue trying until I get it! Getting lots of encouragement from the Facebook beading group. I did practice to make a small beaded tube...

I just grabbed some beads to practice and it was easier than I thought. Today I will begin a "pod" style ornament. Positive thoughts that I will accomplish it.
Just trying tp keep sitting busy so that I will not do too much of anything. Yesterday was the RFA procedure on my back. My blood pressure was quite high so we had to wait a little to see if I relaxed enough.... I admit I was nervous. Thankfully Dr. Paul is a sweet man who continued to chat with me to occupy my mind. I will admit it was painful to get the initial injections for insertion of the larger needles, but all said it was not too bad. When he was finished, two nurses came in and I thought why do I need them both. That was soon revealed when I stood and my left leg turned to rubber. Totally numbness.  So, they took me to the recovery area ( a small room with soft recliners) to rest until I could walk. It was what seemed to be a very long 3 mile drive home. I was clear headed but my left leg seemed to be still at the office! Getting from the car/garage into the house was tricky and then right to the recliner to rest and let it wear off. Finally I could actually stand and feel my leg somewhat. The phone rang.... from across the courtyard. Robyn was checking to be sure I was doing okay.... then Dave appeared at the front door. Robyn sent

freshly baked and still warm Banana Bread for me to have for breakfast. Why wait?! Yum... and it certainly took my mind off the left leg issue. So here it is very early morning and I am walking almost perfectly, not quite fully a normal feeling in my leg/hip area. Today and tomorrow will be rest days to let the procedure take hold. No driving and not much of anything. It can take 3 weeks for the effect to take hold … or longer and can last from 6 months to a year or more. Keeping positive thoughts.

My Plumeria is leafing! I am excited that there are signs of successfully rooting this plant that Dianna and Bobby brought back from Hawaii for me. They have a few in their yard and now I will have one too. I know it is not  the best picture, but as I can not bend down yet to get a better look, this will have to do. My Garden Jungle is looking mighty good. Still needs some work, but in 18 days The Brother Alan and Lisa will be here and will take care of it . Yes, the count is now 18 days. I do not have too much on the TO Do List this time.
Thank you for the emails checking on me...and the encouragement. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship.
When friends care, all is well......

Because you asked....

Well, I thought I would answer the questions about my upcoming procedure in one place rather than individually. Thank you for the concern and interest. If you go to this link:
 https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/radiofrequency-ablation-rfa-procedure-and-recovery you will learn all about it and maybe some you do not want to know!
Before this procedure, I need one more visit with injections to the lower back on May 1st. The RFA procedure will be done on May 6th. In the meantime, I will continue to carefully do what I can when I can and how I can... a bit of pampering.
The garden, although needing some TLC is looking pretty good here and there:

The Sweet Memory tree is blooming.... I love the delicate purple flowers.
It will need trimming by wintertime.

The Hops Bush has tripled since last year. This will need a good sturdy trellis (according to Don when he and Glenda stopped by the other day) and as soon as I can I will install one. Obviously it will not be until the procedure has been done.

Look at the bright red of the Fairy Duster bush! I love these fluffy little blossoms. The bush right next to it is the Firecracker bush. That was cut back severely and is coming back so full and loads of flowers getting ready to pop open.
It is so nice looking into the garden and seeing is all colorful. The bees love it and the hummingbird does too. I should let you know that we do not have baby doves yet... soon I think. As good as the garden is doing my house plants are not. My African Violets are going to be leaving if they do not cooperate really soon. No patience for them. And how about the Christmas Cactus … both of them? They are pushing for early vacation also. The Pond Garden will get a load of flower seeds tossed in and I will hand water for now. I am disappointed that the irrigation is not yet ready...thanks to my issues. I will go with the garden hose and all will be taken care of.
So that about covers the happenings to me and the garden. Thank you for your kind words and for your caring encouragement. Thank you for you friendship.... I am so lucky to have you as friends.

Welcome to the buffet!

The day of being busy and oh my aching back. I did not get a few things I thought would be done....the garden for one thing. The landscaper was suppose to stop by to do a few things for me but he did not show up. In the meantime, the bunny is here scooting around having a buffet dinner. First he is nibbling at one plant then off to another. He manages to be just out of picture range. I see the plant jiggling so I know where he is munching!
My doctor just phoned to tell me the results of the MRI...not a surprise to him. Nice for him to take the time to call after hours. He will be doing a nerve block next week. Tomorrow I will call to set it up. I should be able to be more normal then. I did replant a few things today. Of course getting up from the ground was not a pretty sight so I was sure to do this task before my neighbors were up and able to look out the windows. Hopefully next week I will get more accomplished before the heat begins.The forecast is for the 90s all week with the first triple digit day by the end of week. May even get some rain drops ….very cloudy tonight.

There are several cacti around the property...this flower caught my eye this morning.....vibrant orange and yellow with several more getting ready to open.
Well my friends time for a cup of tea and Pepperidge Farm snack. Glad to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship. 

And the trees came down

The weather here in Arizona is feeling quite nice....temps are expected to reach 70 this weekend.... not bad. I might even get out to work in the garden.  First I will see what the hand surgeon thinks today. Finally get to  see what we will do about this issue. Yesterday was my haircut day...as always April did a nice styling … feels good when you walk out and someone tells you how nice you look.
On Wednesday, three large trees had to be removed form our property...

A large crane arrived as well as the truck for the chipping. It was obvious that these men were ready to work and they took safety well in hand. I will let the pictures tell the story...

This was only two  the tree trunks that were not put into the chipper.

All in all it took about 3 hours total. Unfortunately I went out to "supervise" along with  a few others and only wore a long sleeve cotton shirt. Not a good idea because it was quite chilly. The last 2 days I felt a bit like a cold was happening with me. Took a few cold capsules ad so far all is good.  That about covers my last few days. This afternoon I will be closet cleaning.... that is the plan and I hope I stick to it! Glad to have you stop by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Lemons

I love picking fresh lemons. We have a community lemon tree and it is loaded with bright yellow fragrant lemons. Perfect to squirt on my stuffed quahog last evening along with some zest.
Found a cute Valentine to make from Flamingo Toes Designs. I would like to make a few this weekend. Never enough time to make all the cute patterns I come across. If not the time then the hand giving me problems. No plans for today...well, except that our HOA is having 3 large trees removed this morning and a few of us plan to supervise the ordeal. I am always amazed that the tree will fall just where they want it to. As it will be at the front of our property I am sure other supervisors will stop to watch.  I have rested my hand since doing the window project so I will probably do something today....currently I have 4 "things" in the waiting line. I will be quite happy on Friday when I see the surgeon to see  what the plan will be.
The weather for the next few days is expected to be really nice so maybe some garden work will be I the plans. We had some very windy days recently and there are leaves from everyone's garden in my garden! Also a few plants need attention. the plant Dianna and Bobby brought me back form Hawaii looks like it is ready for some watering meaning it is taking root.
Right now I should get myself together to get out to the tree party. Just a short post today.
Glad you found some time to visit. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

The day that disappeared.....

Today was just one of those days. I am so glad it is almost over. First let me start with the pond...yes the pond again. I have it off as I think, well almost positive there is a leak and not sure where to look or how to fix it. I guess I will hunt to find someone who does ponds. Then there was cable...or not having cable. Cox was unable to fix and I had reset it 3 times with no luck so an appointment was made for Friday afternoon. So on to the computer to watch the Senate hearings. I felt I had to watch and because I did I found something that was important to me. For the first time ever I was able to write some words in regard to the issue on paper and then speak with my doctor. Years of feelings ….the start for me to face the issue.
Then the TV service resumed so the appointment has been cancelled. Onto the next issue...I know, what next was my very loud out loud comment. Actually I shouted! The bathroom lights would not work. After I reminded myself that I knew how to solve this---  I reset the switch in the electrical box. So my friends that was my morning. All by 1PM!

Look at this lovely book on dimensional beading..... the designer/author offered it for postage on one of the beading group pages that I belong to. I could not pass it up as I am enjoying my latest beading projects. I did make an additional contribution as well as the postage. While The Brother was here I did not work on my Rose Star and today was just not the day to even think about it. Hopefully this weekend it will be completed. Tomorrow is a lunch date with Glenda.

A short time ago I posted a partial picture....here is the finished sewing project...it came out so cute. Lisa saw this (I think on Pinterest) and sent me a picture awhile back and asked me to make it...so after hunting down the pattern I was also able to find the exact same fabric as in the picture she sent and she was pleased when she saw it.

Good morning Oliver...that is the name sis Lynowl gave him. Here he is coming out of his home in the grass next to the pond. This means that I will be careful when cleaning with the rake in that area from now on. So far he nibbles on the grass but then there are no flowers to munch on...yet. Not sure how long he will reside here, but if he behaves he can stay...no additional bunnies wanted!!!!
Thank you for the nice comments on my new home additions. I have eliminated comments for this post but welcome private comments for now. 

I discovered that I can not read Polski!

What a busy day Wednesday was. Dianna texted me that she would stop by to pick up the surround sound speakers for her cousin. Does not stop there..."where shall we go" was the question. Off to a store so she could pick up a southwest item and then to Goodwill thrift... then of course for a quick bite to eat. Time spent with Dianna and at times with her and hubby Bobby is always fun and they are two caring and good friends to me. So lucky to have them in my life. A little beyond 4:30PM a text from Dianna…"It's getting windy here, are you OK?" This because we had a Dust Storm Warning. She then proceeded to keep me company via text until 9:30 or so. Inviting me for fresh pancakes with blueberries early this morning! Did I ever mention there is about 10 years difference in our age...that we are sisters from a different mother...
Me; then it was off to the doctor at 1PM and of course he found the problem and injections in another area of my back. I am becoming a pincushion! I feel much better but will take it easy the next few days while everything takes hold. I need to use the step ladder to get the leaf blower down and one of the chimes out front which is very tangled, but it will wait a few days. The Lanai is a disaster and "I can stands it no more".....remember who used to say that in the cartoons???? Clue, he liked spinach. I also want to change the living room curtains but I guess that will be a Lisa task....shh, don't tell her. It is going to be a surprise.
After the doctor off to JC Penny hair salon...yes I desperately needed a haircut.

The gal who used to cut my hair at another place left and I just wanted someone different. I sat in the chair showed her a picture of how it always was cut and said do something different. I am not good at the selfie thing, but here it is. I love it. I am fortunate to have natural curls/body...this is a cut and air dry. I even bought a new shampoo and conditioner that will help with this Arizona dryness. It was buy one get one free...so saved $13.00 on the 3 bottles.
Polski…..means Polish.... the language not furniture polish! The earring diagram is not the easiest to follow but what I am discovering is that if I could read Polski then I would have better directions. So it is a slow process. Definitely will design my own pattern. Feeling a bit tired but should be able to sleep better with the pain gone.
Still have not made those Date Nut Bars...since I will be home early from Dianna's (still tentative) I guess that will be what is on the to do list. That about covers it for me. So happy that you stopped by and as always thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar,
but I cherish the friend who for me
does not consult his calendar.
- Robert Brault

A favor please....sis Lynowl is not feeling well and in much discomfort.....please keep her in your thoughts that soon she will feel better.

Determined is me....

Monday was a long day...I must say thank you to you … you know who  you are... who thought of me. One day I may just pass the date but my mind will not yet. Hot...hot and humid. The morning began with lightening and thunder then it just disappeared...no rain, no storm. Today...well it is early and the weather will not change too much so we will skip a report.

The Southwest style wrap is finished...I am pleased. It is a 2 wrap. I found the silver button in my button jar and the silver feather charm in my dangly things. It is fun to design as you go and although all these beads were bought for this, there are so many possibilities. This one is for me. I tend to give away many of what I make.
Thinking about the next one and what colors I want. They can become expensive to keep buying the beads in specific colorways, but if your bead box is missing what you need...oh well, off to the bead shop I must go.
I was determined to make a beaded Christmas tree earring....using Delica beads..small little things. You saw the Polish directions and a graph picture in previous post. Well, I am not use to doing the particular bead stitch but I can usually learn on my own...right? All day and 4 attempts and lots of  mumbling....

 I have 1/2 an earring. I am hoping to finish the other side soon...not sure if tomorrow is a good idea after today, but now that I have the gist I am sure I can do it.. … I am determined. Those who really know me will say that I do not give up... on most things that is true. I am mostly self taught in all that I craft so in order to learn you must be determined.
Today is a follow-up with the doctor for my back. Although I am feeling so much better I am having a few issues I want addressed before it would eve get to the painful place I was last week. I also need to check on the new PCP and see if the office is ready for me! I have already met the doctor and was sure to tell him just how delicate I am! He is very pleasant and attentive. The entire office is that way. So, my plans are simple for the day... I still have to bake my Date Nut Bars. All the ingredients are already out on the counter as incentive to bake. Could today be the day?
Always so nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your encouragement and most of all the friendship you offer to me. I am very lucky!
You do know there are only 28 more days.... you did remember right?

Progress

What a humid morning! There is a chance of storms later today but unfortunately it does not cool the temps at all. It was only 100 yesterday and maybe will be 103 which really is not too bad unless it is the Monsoon time of year. My back is feeling so much better and I am trying to limit what I do and even when I am stitching I can only sit for a short time before I feel pain in my back.

This could have should have been finished, but it is okay. Learning my limits. I sit in a comfortable chair when I craft but like most I think I get in a position and depending on what I am doing I tend to not move too much, and then stiffen. It will be another 2 wrap. Southwest design.
Sometime this weekend I must vacuum and I am ignoring the lanai for now. If I can get the leaf blower down from it's hanging spot in the garage I can make the task easier. I will then change the storage place for it. There are still things that are "Denny's height".  Once I asked why he hung it so high and the response was "to keep it out of your hands" not helping now!
Laundry is swishing and beading is waiting. My Date Nut bars are still waiting for me to make...maybe today will be the day.  I do need to get to the pharmacy to get my eye drops and cancel my Fosamax prescription as it is causing me problems. The doctor will be deciding what to try next. They mentioned an injection which they will administer as I will not give it to myself. I will talk with them at my follow up visit.  Off I go to make the bed and check the laundry. So happy to have you visit with me. Thank you for the kind words and most of all for your friendship. You truly make my day.
How many days??????  Alan and Lisa and I had our chat yesterday making a few plans more definite. Lisa and I will be picking out a new car and of course the new fridge. Then it will be fun for the week. Wish it was a longer visit...one day it will be.

Feeling better...but

How lucky am I that my doctor who was leaving yesterday for a medical convention saw me as his last patient and then had to get to the airport. I will tell you how lucky I am. This doctor was My Denny's pain management doctor for 12 years who also began seeing me these last 6 years. This man teared when he found that Dennis was dying and told me he would always see me when needed. I went earlier so that it would be easier for him. At first by the way I stood and walked he thought maybe a compressed fracture of my spine....further look under the machine and that was not the case. My back is very weak and the spinal curvature is not going to get better. Injections it was and I lost count but it was several into the spine and to the right. Very painful...but I was in so much pain anyway. I had to sit for a few minutes after but I was able to stand straight and walk out better than when I hobbled in. I am sore but again, better. I will need to readjust what I do and how I do it. A new way to live for me. The pond will be an issue as will a few other things but it is what it is.

I managed to pick out the beads from my cupboard yesterday for the next wrap bracelet.... carefully but other than adding the button did nothing. This is the cupboard that holds all my beads and the drawer at the bottom holds the tools and other supplies

I will need to try not to sit too long and be sure to stretch out my back with a walk about. I tend to get caught up and just keep going.
Remember the photo uploading issues....well all of a sudden it is back to how it was accepting pictures before! Not completely but I will adjust... more adjustments. I had to clean the printer yesterday but am still having a bit of issue. Always something. I tried to remember how Honey---AKA Keith did it before.
It is still dark outside but humid with storm chances today. There is some wind as my chimes and buoy bell are talking in the dark. My coffee has just finished brewing so off I go. Hope to bake some Date Nut bars today and Fluffy Tapioca pudding too. I have a stool Denny bought me to sit at the counter when baking so I will not have to stand there. Glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and emails and encouragement. Thank you most of all for your friendship. I must also say special thanks to those of you who are still sending cards and notes to mom Eva P...I did not expect you to continue but I thank you for caring. She tell everyone about all of you.

Mirror Mirror on the wall....

The day went well....I walked Bissell around the abode and even took Swiffer along. Laundry swished and fluffed. I began to plan my day...what shall we do? Oh yes, I want to tat... well maybe I should …. then okay find the Santa beading stuff.

Do you know this box? It is what Snow White's heart was suppose to be brought to the wicked Queen in.....see her face in the watch? This is of course from Disney. I love Snow White. The watch is a holographic so when I move it

now you can see the old hag witch! I have had this since forever …. actually since 1993. (stamped on the back of the watch)…. Now it holds the bead selection for my beaded Santa earrings....
Having it all together makes it simpler to work at any time.

I have given all the earrings I made last year away and do not even have a pair for myself, so that is what I plan to do this weekend...bead Santa earrings.
On Friday afternoon...late in the day I decided I wanted to try one of McDonalds's Cold Brew Frappe drinks. Since there is one not far from me off I went. The drink, small size came to $2.00 + tax. I hand the young girl $10.00 and then realize that I had the change amount. I then say... "Oh I can give you the correct change amount then I won't get any change in return, is that okay" her response..." Um, gee, not really. I am not good at math so this will be okay" ??????? How sad it is that she could not figure to return $8.00 to me. Mind you the manager was standing just feet away. (Please note: I am not saying that working in fast food is the reason for this...just that today young people do not understand counting back change as the register tells them what to do)
I will share something with you my friends. On Thursday last, I had a biopsy taken from my left breast and finally received the report...relieved to say it was benign. When the doctor was getting ready to do the surgery, I said...do not tell me what you are doing...we can just chat. He told me it would leave a scar. My reply was that's okay my bikini days are over. Well, the scar that I will have is 2 inches long and 11 stitches.....stitches will be removed on Monday. As it turned out the area was deeper than it looked. You know what, it is okay because the report came back good.
Now, off I go. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words and for your friendship.

Has it really been that many days.....

This week has escaped me! It certainly is not because I was busy.... no, but I have been tired and lazy. I may not have been creative but I did read and watch a few things on Netflix. Oh and I did feel sorry for myself a few times. I know that I have come a long way this past year and still have a way to go. A quick morning chat with The Brother Alan and I did feel better. Did I tell you yet?
The winds really kicked up yesterday and the temp reached 115. We had the first dust storm of this monsoon season yesterday.

Not too much dust hit my area but the winds have made a real mess in the garden. There was plenty of debris in the air! It will stay that way for a few days... it is still windy today. The temp at 4 AM was 93 which meant there was little cool down during the overnight. Right now the chimes and buoy bell are calling out. 

I went for a Bone Density scan yesterday and the gal doing the test was from New Jersey so we had a good New England chat. It did not take long but I forgot to ask when the results would be sent to my doctor so I will call his office today. I had a test back in the mid 90s and it did show some deterioration. Remind me to tell you....

I must admit to not drinking enough water yesterday and I feel it today so I will be sure to stay hydrated with my water and frozen fruit added.... black raspberries, strawberries, peaches and pineapple chunks... and a slice of lemon too.  Right now I am a bit hungry so a scrambled egg and a cup of tea sounds about right. Have you heard?

The Brother Alan and Lisa will be here in September.... arriving on the 18th.... we already have a few plans thought out. I also have a few To Do things for him. So the count down is on.

Off I go...glad that we had time to chat. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship....

A collection of ornaments

I love the very early morning when the sun has not yet made a break through the sky....Twilight,  the time before dawn. It is very still and the only movement this morning is my resident hummingbird dashing around the Fire Cracker bush. The coffee is just  brewing so the kitchen has that wonderful aroma. Yes, it is 5 AM and it is a warm 82 out in the garden. We may reach 108 today.  Few plans for my day. Shortly I will stat the bread machine to make some pizza dough.
Yesterday morning I finished another of the beaded ornament baubles...

Multi colored seed beads and amber drops...I like it. It has a festive look. I needed to make some adjustments with this one. I am using the same bauble and the same seed beads yet the size and shape is ever so slightly different. Part of the process.

My ornaments all gathered up except for 2, a turquoise and a pink which are ready to send out to dangle someplace else. I really enjoy this beading process.
Eva P the mom has already received some cards from you my friends and she was surprised and happy. Thank you for helping to cheer her on. This is a big adjustment for her.
For The Brother Alan and sis Lynowl and I it is a relief to know she is being cared for.
Out of the nowhere my ankle began to pain me yesterday afternoon...right in time to see the  doctor tomorrow. I have been having no problems until now. Not sure if another injection will be the way to go. Always something....the age factor and the arthritis. So, I will load it will medication today and hope for the best. I am watching the Dove kids and they are growing quickly. Still amazed that the skimpy nest balanced on the twig branches is holding them!
Time for the coffee and a piece of 7 grain bread. It has been so nice to chat with you today. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Most of all, thank you for your friendship.