Relaxed but was busy

Yesterday was the day to do nothing to allow the injections to do their thing. So far so good. Well, I did sprinkle flower seeds in the pond garden and gently sprayed them. For now this will do if they grow be there. I also checked on my Plumeria... I spotted some sprouting. I am so excited. This may be the year I grow one. I did manage to stiffen the earrings twice...

They look great. The gold tone ear wires look perfect.

I also made the May Origami Star...

Little blue flowers on pale blue and dark blue flowers on lighter blue..... April showers bring May flowers. No Robyn, you are not loosing it. I decided to make this instead of the pink...well I made that one also. Enjoyed having you over for muffins and coffee. Hope you are rested after the long walk!
I spent an hour trying to locate 2 special Swarovski beads to make a turtle... not such an easy task. I want them from the same company to assure they are the same color. I wish my LBS had them. I will keep looking.
We are having warm weather with lots of clouds today and tomorrow will be hot again. No wonder my sinuses are going crazy. The AC is still cooling me off.... I know, some people will not turn theirs on. Me, I like comfort. As mentioned, my sinuses do not like what the air can bring in.
So glad to chat with you today..... are you counting? 18 days from today.... Do I have to tell you what is happening???? I do not think so. Thank you for your kind words and emails. Thank you for your friendship.

There was a storm

Monday night I had to secure myself in the bedroom...verticals closed tightly... why? There was a storm. Did I tell you that I hate nighttime storms? Did I tell you that I am afraid of lightening? Now you know. The wind began to really toss my chimes. Then I heard it...thunder in the distance. Then I heard it again this time closer. When it was just above the house I rattled.Then the rain started to get everything wet. Then it was over. Whew.... I really hate nighttime storms.
I am fully recovered. Yesterday I began to make a Russian Leaves earring....key word began. I changed my mind so many time...like 3.

First there were the blue and clear beads.... then blue with dark blue beads... and finally I chose bronze and copper. Of course this has not been stiffened yet. I will do that after the mate is made. I will surely get a better picture when they are both done. So, if you think I am doing nothing here.....For those who wonder about my not stitching. This year I just lost interest but found other ways to be creative. So far I have mailed away many patterns and linens. I have donated to a local school many patterns and threads and linen and aida cloth. I also donated fabric. I also donated my old sewing machine.When school starts back up in August I will have more for them. I most likely will cross stitch again and still have many patterns, threads and linen still in my stash for then. Thank you for saying you miss seeing that part of my creative juices. I hope you can like what I do now too, and still can enjoy my blog.
I caught a glimpse of the baby doves. I did not want to startle the parent by running back into the house for my camera so I will be sure to have it in hand tomorrow when I go into the garden. I was on my way out to get groceries. Do you shop with a list? I do. I also have the Safeway app on so I can remember to get the sale and free items. Just once I would like to go in and come out with only what is on the lists. While there I spotted Gladiolas...I love Gladiolas. Dennis bought specific vase for when we buy them...

A tall clear vase that will support the long stems. Just look at this color! Everywhere I was in the market someone admired them. Today is May 1st...May Day. Don't have a May Pole but I could organize the courtyard neighbors to circle one of the lamp posts. Anyway, I plan to finish the earrings today. All is ready for the May Origami Star....
Thank you for stopping by and thank you for the kind words.... and for the encouragement. I really think of all of you as friends. Thank you for your friendship.
By the way...… the count down has started. For what? Do you really need to ask! Alan and Lisa will be here May 21st! 

Flowers, beading and needles

I can not believe it is almost May. These months seem to be disappearing so quickly. It is not that I am so busy...although at times lately I have been busy. I just went out to the garden to check on the Dove...still no sightings of babies. What I did see was another mess of debris. Last night the winds rang my chimes.... haha.

The Prickly Pear Cactus is in bloom...in our courtyard. Actually this is in front of Robyn and Dave's home. Living beneath this large cactus is a bunny warren...that is what it is called. Soon there will be Prickly Pear fruit appearing.

My Guara plant is so pretty... love this shade of pink.... and delicate looking. It is a very overcast day with 50% chance of rain today and looking out to the garden makes up for the lack of sunshine.
Yesterday I decided to sort through beads to make a pair of Russian leaves earrings...

The one on the left (green) is the one made with the Delica beads as recommended and the other is made with regular seed beads. The difference is about 1/2 inch in length and once stiffened will be about the same width. At this size it makes a good pendant as well as an earing. I like big earrings. So now I have to decide if I will make it as an earing. While I am deciding I will go ahead and make the pair I was going to make. I plan to make a bumble bee bead but must get the beads...I now, but I do not have what I need in the cupboard of beads.

These are some of the recent beading needles that I have put to rest. I save them for the February 8th Hari-Kuyo… Festival of Broken Needles:
Hari-kuyo （針供養）is a traditional Japanese festival where people pay tribute to the old and broken needles that have served them the past year, and at the same time pray for better sewing skills. 'Hari' means needle and '-kuyou' means memorial. Most needle-workers are women. The reasons for sewing and praying were given deep thought.
I keep a lot of needles on hand. Either they bend by the end of a project if not sooner or the eyes break. It does not matter what brand or the cost I am very tough on needles.

This is my Plumeria from Hawaii that Dianna and Bobby brought me back this year. I think it just may be growing! The last one died. The very tip is showing "leaf" growth. Dianna checks it when she visits…. hope she is reading and seeing this! It is getting lots of sun and water and misting.
I had a fairly good night sleep and late start (for me)  this morning. I do remind myself that I have no commitments for anything earlier than 10 on any day. This week is clear except for Wednesday when I go for more injections. Now about that...I feel very lucky to receive all your kind words and encouragement. Understand that I do know that many others have more issues than I...   and also that I am not the only one that is working through a loss. I truly am lucky to have a place to speak my mind and heart without judgement. This is my place to record not only my crafts but my thoughts. I do keep a daily diary where I can really put words down to express my heartfelt thoughts. Once someone ( along time back) asked why I do not just write about my crating. She no longer follows me once I told her that this is my blog and I can write as I wish. Oh well. For those of you who visit regularly and comment here or in email, thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your valued friendship. 

It's February!

Well now...a new month and new things to look forward to. What things you may ask.... warmer weather, working in the garden and more ambition. That is what I am telling myself and what I am sticking to.

I know the garden need some work... waiting for better hand days. This is what I found the other morning...someone was digging and chewed the irrigation line! It may be one of the bunnies...they love to dig shallow places to rest in. Last year there was a resting spot outside my bedroom window. I have recovered the spot but not as yet repaired the line. My hand is not nimble enough to reattach a line. This will be one of those things I mentioned. Before you think you need an eye exam...yes, the picture is blurry.
A few months ago on Facebook there were pictures of Bathroom Dolls holding toilet paper...they were available on Etsy starting at $80.00. I told my cousin Janice that as nice as they were that was a bit too much $$$$ so.... Gladys was already sitting in the bathroom …

Denny gave this sweet wooden doll to me after I had foot surgery...quite a few years ago. We found her at a fair while I was walking with crutches and had a pink terry cloth robe just like her! Don't you just love the slippers!!!!!

My second pair of Russian Leaves earrings are complete and have been dipped. This is such a nice pattern and relaxing to bead. The designer even has given permission to sell them which not many will do. My next pair will be in blue I think. Rather than buying more beads I will try to use what I have on hand.
The weather report is telling us we may be getting rain. That is okay as we need it. The temps are really enjoyable in the 60s. I may get to sit outside later today. I have my fabric strips ready for my next origami star; maybe that will get done today. I am happy that you took time to stop by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Dismal morning

There does not seem to be any sunshine for the morning. The days are getting longer. Maybe rain again? No matter, I will be running one errand early and then back to the coziness of my home.

Yesterday, besides lots of swishing in the laundry area I made the first half of another Russian Leave earring. I like this pattern and plan to try a different size the next time. The color does not show up really well. Maybe the next time I will take it outside in natural light. It is called Matte Lustra Sage....it measures 1 1/2 inches without an ear wire. Hopefully I will get the second half finished today. The other beading tray has the makings of a Snow Globe Snowman waiting. My plan is to get some of my gift box projects done. Partly because once I see the hand specialist on the 25th, I am not sure of what I will be able to do for a while.
Phase one for the pond began...I removed the pump and tried to clean it out. I was concerned that I would fall...no water to drown in! but easy to still get hurt. Seems that I am more fearful of falling...or maybe just more aware of the consequences. Since we did have some rain, there is water in the well area and I was hoping for a dry spell to see if it would dry up on it's own. I will see this week. I may just use the sump pump. The garden really needs a little reconstruction.... plant upgrading and such. Thanks to Dennis it has good structure established. I found a pair of Doves poking around the other day...maybe they are thinking of moving back in the garden. With the pond closed there was no water for them at the ready...I spoiled them. I have a birdbath that they have visited so that may draw them back.
Well I am not getting anything done sitting here.... but it is nice when you visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Can't believe it is Friday!

This week really has passed me by. Maybe it is the crazy weather here in Arizona. First we are in a freeze warning and the overnights were cold...then it warmed up then we actually had a day of 70. We had some rain and now they say we should have more this weekend. Why would I be surprised; it is winter after all and this is what is winter here. The high country had snow. Speaking of the high country... the end of December Shelly's post began with song lyrics and she asked who knew them and I was the first to comment and I won...yes, a gift certificate to 123 Stitch! What a surprise. I already took a look and found several Mill Hill beaded kits...now to make my selection. Shelly is one of those who is in the high country and gets snow. 
I also ordered the coating for my Russian Leave earrings. I plan to use it on other beaded projects that could be better if stiffer; my Santa earrings for example. Yesterday I began to get the garage straightened out. Amazing what the Holiday Faeries did out there. Trash pick up was today so that made it a good day to bag and toss. Some of the garden debris too. The Brother Alan and I have new plans for the pond. One of these days I will get to show you; that will be when he is back out here in a few months. I am sure looking forward to their return. I know they are eager to be here.
Do any of you follow Jenny's blog? She writes such a lovely blog and designs beautiful things. Her embroidery is so lovely. I always feel relaxed visiting Jenny. Stop over when you have a few minutes. 
Well it seems that the House Faeries are not coming to clean today so it will be my turn. It is always so nice to chat with you. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship. If the Faeries are at your place please remind them to stop here!

Beautiful bloom and an earring

The weather seems to be returning to more normal temps...so the freeze is over. I think the garden fared well so far. As The Brother Alan said, they are only plants. The indoor plants are doing well...

look at this beautiful flower.... so far 2 of them. This cactus plant is about 3 or 4 years old and always gives at least one flower and it chooses when to do so. Every so often I think it may be time for it to leave but then this happens. A lovely double flower.
In between pain in my hand I managed to make a Russian Leave..

It is a nice pattern to follow now to order the stiffener for the earrings. They do not have to be stiff, but the shape holds better. I see more of these being made once my hand is better. This one took what seemed forever!
Woke with a headache so taking it easy. I have an appointment at 1 today then back home to relax if this headache remains. I did plan to work in the garden later this afternoon; it can wait. Need to food shop but that too can wait. I am limiting my driving as my thumb locks at the worse times while driving.... not a good thing.
We are into week two of the new year.... these days just seem to float by me. Things I want to do and hope to do are written down with good intentions. Right now, it is time to relax so this headache clears. It is always so nice to chat with you. Thank you for stopping by and for the kind words. Thank you for your friendship. Chat with you soon.

Santa's back...found

Well I am certainly getting a late start to my day. I guess I was tired when I woke at 4am and fell back to sleep…. awake and first cup of coffee down. I do have a few errands to take care of then it is off to Glenda's this afternoon. Although it is very cloudy they say no rain...we shall see.
On Tuesday when Dianna and Bobby were I noticed that one of the Santa earrings was missing. Disappeared…. vanished under the tree.

I had the card with them on one of the branches and now there was only one. We looked and moved packages not once but a few times. This morning I glanced down and there it was...dangling from a lower branch. Amazing how three of us could miss it.

All is ready now, he can deliver his packages in just 11 days...oh my! 11 days.... glad I am finally ready. Actually I will be when I go to mail the last 2 boxes.
I made a lovely...well I can not say yet because it has not yet been received but I really like it and can't wait to show you. Tomorrow a few people should receive their packages and sis if you are reading this you are not getting it yet!
Time to get a move on...things to do.....so nice to have you stop by. Thank you for your kind words and thank you 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. 

Santa has been carded

Slow again this morning.... due to lack of sleep. I think it is the weather pushing me into this mode. The temps have fallen a little during the night and I would think it would be better but it seems that no, it is not. The daytime temps have been lower in the mid 100s and of course lack of rain even though it is still Monsoon time. That last storm here in my area was about 2 weeks ago. One more month of this.

Santa has been carded as the trees also. 2 Santa earrings have been already packaged and ready to fly across the states. I had a request for a tree with both silver and gold instead of the red so I will be trying that to see how it looks. I have mastered these trees now. I found beaded feather earrings to try.... just need to get the colors. I do not think Christmas colors or Santa colors are just right. Guess this means a trip to the bead store.

I already have the beads for the next bracelet that I my start today. Of course these are the main colors and then I will add from what I already have.  Just need to find something for the end...the button part.
A laundry to send swishing and an errand is on the agenda today. I managed to take the leaf blower off the high hook in the garage so that will be this week sometime that the lanai gets a cleaning. Whoa! I just saw something moving about on the lanai. My desk is just next to the sliders....oh my goodness. A tiny, and I do mean tiny bunny is scurrying about! There is a large bunny hutch outside my property and I guess this guy came in for shelter or something.  Just what I need a bunny moving in and leaving bunny poop behind! Well, time to move on so things will get accomplished today. Hard to believe that this month is almost over...but that means the days until The Brother Alan arrive are closer....22 days. Just a few tasks for them to do ….new car and new refrigerator….then it will be their time. Good to visit with you today and all the days that you take the time to stop by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Gotowy and a birthday

Gotowy...that's Polski for finished. The dark of the early morning and it is so quiet.....

When I left off yesterday there were about 10 beads to add to the second half of the pair and the ear wires. These are with silver and a darker red. Now that I have it figured out they are much easier to make and quicker too. Although beading with Delicas is fiddley, they look lovely and uniform in the design. What next? A couple more pairs for sure. As I have sent away 2 pair of Santa's and have only 2 left maybe a few more of them also. Maybe a wreath pair?
I used my new Grille last evening...

Hamburger with cheese and onions and peppers in a Naan bread panini sandwich. It was quick and delicious. The side is cucumber and tomato on butter lettuce with couscous and spinach....all premade from AJs Fine Foods deli. I plan a relaxed quiet day..... no errands... no doing much of anything...I am taking a day off. Well, there is one thing, I forgot to buy milk yesterday so that will be the only necessity for today.
Wow, what a response to my new haircut! Just wanted a change and I am very pleased. Thank you for making me feel so special!

 Today is The Brother Alan's birthday....we will celebrate when he is back here in just 24 days. The city slicker turned part-time cowboy is also counting the days! One of these days he will be here full time and I am certainly looking forward to that. We usually go for a wonderful dinner to celebrate Lisa's bday (April) and mine (February) during the September visits. Actually we just celebrate the whole week for any reason.
Right now however, I need a cup of coffee and some toast.....glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.
Sis Lynowl is still not feeling well so please keep her in your thoughts for a speedy healing.

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.

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?