The heat has started

 Temperatures are on the rise! It has been 100+ days and today is no exception, it is 102 heading to 106. I just am happy to stay indoors and keep busy. Here is what I have been up to:

Reindeer pals made from flannel

 

went fishing...

 

a pixie bag...maybe now they will not be misplacing my things!

 

look who moved in with me....with a story to tell!  I saw THE pattern on Facebook. The frog advertised was like but different. The frog pattern I thought I was buying had a hat on his head where you could lift and keep a thimble, his mouth opened and there you put scissors. The pattern arrived (Chinese) and what you see is what the pattern was and one of the template pieces was missing, #C, the belly. Of course I contacted the customer service email  twice.... no response. I reached out to PayPal to see if they could help. Very little help, actually none at all. PayPal and I are not on good terms right now for another issue. Well as you can see, I made the frog and made my own belly pattern. All in all, I am really happy with him . He sits at 3 1/5 inches and nose to butt is 4 inches. The hind legs spread out. 

That was how May ended....June has some new things already. That will be another day. Thank you for the lovely comments and emails regarding my grandchildren, The Horton Kids. I m glad to have you stop by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

I am still here...

Hello friends, thank you for missing me. I took a few days off. First because the 21st was my first month without Denny and then to gather myself. Besides the blog I keep a diary separate from here and those thoughts , well it was best to take a break. I am here and over the next week I want to share some more of the embellishments on the banner. I had a love y day with Dianna and we did cut out the teddy...

and today I start to sew. We also went to a thrift store and  I found just the right book for my teddy bears

I will remind myself not to return there on a Saturday...so chaotic. Dianna found some good stuff too. Early last evening my friend Keith stopped by to bring me an embroidered something....

well, I can not show it as it will be a gift but he has a wonderful embroidery machine and I asked if he would stitch this for me. Then he helped me to send a couple of videos to The Brother Alan. Keith is a computer wiz....really what he does, sort of. Anyway, it was a productive day. Right now it is cloudy with chance of rain and very humid. I did get out earlier to vacuum out  18 gallons of water, then add fresh water back in. I also remembered to add the algaecide chemical. Cleaned the pump too. I think they will be going to a new home next week. I called an organization and the man said email me your address and I will come out to get them next week...so lets keep those toes crossed (the fingers will most likely be doing needlework) that he does come for them. I sent pictures to him. I actually added a few more stitches to Alice, but not enough to even notice. So I have been busy.  I hope to sew on the teddy bear. I have some yard work to do, but I will get out early each morning to rake, sweep, pond vac and such....too hot after 7 AM. I also need to get a new filter for the fridge ice maker next week and hope I remember how to do install. I watched Denny do it hundreds of times. How hard can it be? You will soon find out.
By the way...remember

I  decided to call him Harry.... just popped in my head and did not leave, so Harry it is.
Guess that about covers what I have been up to and what plans I have. Glad to have you visit with me and thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship. I am trying to get back into visiting all of you...Let's have a good day.

A busy morning

Feels strange post at this time...later in the morning. The reason is that I was out by 6 to vacuum the pond, flush the pump, add back in the 12 gallons of water  and add the algae chemical. Of course even though I did not take a pond shower, I did spill some of the lovely green water on myself. The dust storm yesterday afternoon brought all kinds of stuff into the yard and across the garage so that was swept up before coming in for a normal shower.  Then it was make hummer food and  clean 2 of the feeders and fill them. While on this roll I cleaned the aquarium and now I am finished.....also tired. Yesterday we had strong winds and a  dust storm....

this was the dust storm looking out of my garage toward the East. Nasty stuff. I just poked out for a second. Not something you want to be in walking or driving. The winds were actually howling at times. Not sure of the size  of this one, but they can be huge and very dangerous to be caught in.
Today my word is Patient.

This was the next word to stitch and  the first word I did when Denny was admitted to the hospital.....he thought it was so fitting as did I. A simple word. He was the patient and I was being patient even though I knew it was going to take more than I had at the moment. Everyday at the hospital he would ask what I was stitching and when finished asked to see it. They were long days and I was able to usually finish a word. The crystal beads are beads he found among my many beads. They make me think quiet and gentle. We have many wind chimes that he hung both in back and in front of the house as well as indoors too. I dangled these in that fashion...they hang quietly here.
Thank you for the lovely comments regarding the Words banner. I am happy that you have been enjoying the story and planning that went into it.  Thank you also for the kind words and emails and cards. Thank you most of all for your caring friendship. Let's have a good day.

A cloudy morning

Whenever I have something to do in the yard (which seems like everyday) I try to get out there around 5:30. It is already light but the sun is not bright or heating up my yard. So, today I though, good a cloudy morning. Out to trim a couple of plants and then to repot 3 African Violet plants ...another first for me. Most likely they will be d-e-a-d by the end of the week. Then to sweep up the overnight debris and before I knew it, it was 6:15 and time to water the indoor plants. I have not visited with the Aquarium tenants yet! Yesterday was a very busy morning: First I had to call the landscaper because the sprinkler valve was really leaking...so he came took it apart ant fixed it. Then as he was done Don came to put the new sprinkler heads and drip lines in.... I had already did my morning yard job and struggled with the pond and pump. Before it was all done and I was back I the house it had been 3 hours in the heat. Of course then the headache started and before you ask, yes I drank ice water the entire outside time. When the temps are 100+ you know it is a must. I immediately let Denny know that this is a bit tiresome in the heat. I am seriously thinking of finding a home for the fish then the pond will be much easier for me to handle. I tatted another Denny's Angel top so today the goal is to Hair-pin lace the dresses. This will make 9 that will be completed.

Today is Precious.....my 47 years with Dennis is so very precious to me. I miss holding his hand and he mine. The beads on this are Turquoise and some others. He loved Turquoise and bought me several pieces of jewelry,  just recently in April a pair of earrings. I added the star button just because.

Sunflowers were one of his favorites.....so I took apart an artificial flower that he found and found the glass bumble bee and voila...a sunflower appeared.  The bee which is hard to see is dimensional... and oh so cute. All of a sudden I am hungry...already had my coffee and an English muffin. So off I go to find something else. Thank you for stopping by and for the kind words and most of all for your friendship. Let's have a good day.....

A new week

Yesterday I actually stopped for gas...I know so what. It is a big deal for me as this was my second time. There were three guys at the next pump; they had a truck towing a boat and a car. One of the guys noticed my hesitation and he stood with me to make sure I was doing okay. He said, "we live in a crazy world but there are good people too" He was indeed a good and caring person. I am lucky to always be around good people who care. The first time and the last, was June 17th...so, at this rate I only have to deal with gas once a month. Today is clean the pond day...I wish there was someone I could find for this task.  I hope to get out there real soon before it gets any warmer. Right now it is partly sunny but no rain expected....just heat and humidity.
Today I will start with the Words explanations...

I stitched all the words in the order of release but laid them out my own way. The first was Love...just right for us. I embroidered the date of our wedding on the patch, and added two pink hearts. Pink was the color for my wedding. I truly fell in love at first sight and he with me. We were fortunate to have a caring loving marriage for 47 years. I put our wedding picture in a tatted heart. and hand wrote our names . That is a Token of Love charm next to the heart. Dennis thought I should add the crocheted flowers with seed beads someplace on the banner....right at the top.

In the crocheted circle I attached our original wedding rings...again with a pink ribbon. I am on my 4th ring...and last.

Denny really hated to take his off but due to the edema had no choice. He asked me to take it home and put it back into the box and in my jewelry box where it has been. He told me how happy he had been being married to me and that the ring reminded him everyday. When I started this banner Denny helped picked out some of the embellishments and thread colors. This truly was a project of love for me.  Donna has since the start of this project released other words and just this weekend 2 more. Tomorrow another word and embellishments. Today a little more Denny's Angel tatting and maybe poor neglected Alice will sit with me. Right now, I think it is time to get outside and clean the pond. Thank you for visiting with me and for following my new journey. Thank you for the caring and kind words and most of all your friendship. Let's have a good day.....

New tenants

While out on an errand yesterday I stopped at Petco and found these guys

the silver trio with a black mark...they are called Rasbora and are schooling fish. That means that they will swim in a group---together.... like you see them in the picture. Yesterday however, they were all over the place and never once together and I though oh no misfits! Today for the most part they stay in the group except for one who goes off on its own at times. I also picked up another Red Wag Platy to keep the other one company. Now we shall see if they like their accommodations.  A surprise ringing of the back door bell brought another beautiful Bromeliad...

Friend Joan from RI sent it...look at the vibrant yellow and orange. Now we  I have 2 and I will be so happy if they survive...although my record with house plants is far better than the garden as we know. I forgot to mention my Crying Hankie

When Dianna was here the other day she handed me this beautiful hankie and told me to tuck it into my handbag and when I need to cry to wipe the tears with this. It has embroidery, cutwork and a tatted edge....all of my loved needlework. Each of the 3 corners is also detailed. The other night when we lost electricity, it seems to have caused one of my telephones (a set of three) to no longer work. It keeps messaging out of range. I have tried almost everything...next step just may be into the trash. I am multi-tasking right now...yes, blogging, but also a laundry and deep cleaning the coffee maker...hate that smell of vinegar! I thought abut continuing the yard clean up but today is not the day and it may be a few more before I feel like getting out there early before the heat. Not too bad this morning,  in the high 80s but heading for 109 later today. The Dove family is doing fine....he will be leaving as soon as she arrives which should be anytime now. Which is my cue to leave the blogging world to finish the coffee maker and grab the laundry  mop the kitchen floor and make the bed.....sounds like I will be busy this morning. Thank you for visiting with me and for the kind words and most of all for your friendship. One day at a time......

Not again

This pond situation is getting pretty tiresome. Every morning there has been an issue with the pump/fountain. Every morning I reach in and fix think I fix it. Yesterday it was the same only this time when I returned home there it was again...fallen and it could not get up. This time I was prepared. I had made my mind up in the morning to come home early so that I could clean the water at least a little. As it happened the water was already low so I thought okay this will work. Task one was to shut the power so the fountain when I lifted...again...from the depts. of the murky water would not spray me. So far so good. Next I prepared a container to hold the fish once taken from the water. What was I thinking?! The fish are about 15 inches and I have no net. How about scooping them out? Okay, I caught the white one but the flimsy container was about to spill and I lost my balance and just made it to the bigger container to plop the fish in. So, I am soaking wet and sitting in a small puddle of water. Plan B because for sure plan A did not work. Wet-vac out the water like Denny does and leave the remaining 2 fish in the water. The garden received the water and now to refill the pond to the proper level. Oh, and add the white fish back in.....success and he almost was knocked out by the plunge....I will check on them at daybreak. It is only 3 AM and dark out there. The water still needs to be cleaned and that will be a little removed each day and hopefully the pump/fountain will remain in place. Did I mention the brick and rock display that has been sitting in there for years has fallen? Guess it was not a good idea to use it to lean on. (Note to self...find someone who knows how to clean ponds....) Yesterday at Hospice was a quiet day. Small changes with Denny. Again they tell me this is hour to hour....again I sit and make small talk about the cooking show that we always watch, and the art/painting show and the this and that. It is difficult to watch and wait and chat but I do it nevertheless. They no longer use the port for meds but now directly inject. They reposition him and keep him comfortable...as possible... and I sit helpless to make things okay. It is not about me...it is about Denny.... and we thank you for the loving and caring kind words you send. I tell him of the cards and emails......you help to keep me strong. My sister sent me an Alex & Ani bracelet with a Wonder Woman charm....I will were it every day while sitting with Denny to remind me to be strong. Your friendship has encouraged me so much. So, another day will soon begin for me and Denny....what will it bring is a mystery, but we are in this together right to the end.................

Day 8 and changes?

Hard to believe it has been one week since my world changed and our world got turned upside down. Denny did well after the chemo treatment and yesterday actually ate a little better. He is not a breakfast eater but now really needs to eat more. They suggest several...even every couple of hours to eat something and of course he must drink lots of liquids. The RN did a full assessment yesterday and he was given a great morning "wash up" by Daryrn...he was so kind and caring. After breakfast Denny walked 3 "laps" around the nursing center and then took a nap. Well, lets say spurt naps. They really are in to do this or that frequently. His left arm and hand are very swollen ( and still so very bruised) so much that we had to take his wedding band off and he felt bad about that. I got the ---do not loose it---be sure to put it safely away--- talk. I spoke with one of the councilors re: what to expect once home, finances, support system out of the hospital, food and germs. I keep notes and all the many piece of paper they hand me. Today may be discharge day. On my way home from the hospital I stopped at CVS to pick up my medication then off to Walmart. Did you know that some Walmart stores will be cutting back on certain products? It was then home to have something to eat. Last night was sanitize the bathroom that he will be using-- and only he will be able to use it. I picked up Clorox wipes to keep all around the house at their suggestion. Actually got a fairly decent sleep and now trying to get last minute things in order. As I look around I think we are set for him to be home. I have safety measures in place and a walker at the ready. Did I mention that we can not have flowers in the house? That bothers Denny a little as we always have flowers on the table and in the living room as well as all the beautiful plants he had ( yes had, as I managed to kill off a few) in the yard.  That will be the other change for him, no more yard work. He mentioned maybe we should get a puppy...he said for me. Have I mentioned that the Aquarium tenants left...down to one sole fish. He seems happy enough. Maybe a few of those floating glass fishes ...anyway, my wonderful friends, I am not going to finish my coffee and the washing machine has stopped so I will tend to that before getting off to see what the day holds. I feel your hugs and Dennis is so appreciative of all your kind words. I did finish another Affirmation Word but no picture yet. 

Yesterday---Day 3

How do I say how much all of you mean to me? Impossible! Yesterday was a day with more information but no answers yet. Denny slept well in the new room...a private room without noise or distractions; except for the constant monitoring. I think I had left my brain and power of deduction at home yesterday. I had been in the new room for a couple of hours when I left to use the restroom down the hall. As I was walking back and turned the corner to his wing I saw a bulletin board. I decided to stop and read. It talked about quiet time and that the lights around the nurses station would be dimmed  from 2-4 and then again later, and noise kept at a minimum. All doors to the room would remain closed. The unit is quiet to begin with and I think there are only 12 or so patients there. Then the next bulletin board posted about heart disease and heart failure. Still not really reading in my mind. The last board is the white erasable that lists all the room and the patients. The title is Cardiac...what? I turned and caught the eye of one of the nurses. I asked if this was a cardiac unit and with a very surprised and concerned look she replied --yes your husband is here on a cardiac unit. I know she thinks I am an idiot. When I went back to his room there was another clue to this new revelation...on the board in his room it says Cardiac. Tell me, where had my eyes been the entire time I was on the unit and in his room?! Well, I will tell you my eyes were and remain on my Denny....I know sounds corny, but that is a fact. I had great communications all day with his RN. She continually shared information. Every turn seems to be something else. Denny is and always has been a very quiet easy going guy. The doctor came in and I think some realization has hit my guy. The word cancer strikes some fear as does Chemo treatments. We expect to have the tests results, or some of them today (day 4) and then a plan of treatment. They are still having trouble getting blood drawn and he is now on blood thinners because of the blood clot so he is bleeding easily form his IV site. That has to be watched very closely. He is still on IV fluids and now 2 antibiotics. Denny had to go down for more tests and told me to come with him so of course I did. When we  waiting I asked if he was worried and if that was why he asked me to be there...."no, I want to be with you"--- I am glad his eyes were closed because mine were tearing. I did see a spark of his old self a couple of times yesterday...He asked me to give him an Imitrex because his headache was back. Of course I said that we would ask the RN; his reply was "stop following the rules." Every time someone wants to draw blood he rolls his eyes and announces that they just want to poke him.  My list of questions will be ready today when the doctor returns with results. One of us has to ask and since Denny seems to close up I will be his voice. On a lighter note: There were a couple of cards in the mail so  I will bring them to cheer him. I remembered that his fish in the pond had not been fed since Wednesday or Thursday so that was first on the home list. The Dove family is still lingering in the yard. They seem to enjoy sitting under the gazebo. I did remember to water the garden in the morning. I picked 3 tomatoes. I am having trouble sleeping. I sleep in short spurts and that is why at 2 AM I am posting. It is not for lack of being tired, just that my guy is not here....the house is too quiet. 

Eviction !

I have little tolerance for some things and bullying is one of them. The newest tenant , the Black Molly began to constantly chase one of his neighbors. It drove me crazy. So, on Sunday he was evicted....that is right had to go. What? did you think he went into he trash or flushed?! No no....he moved to my friends Al and Keith's home. He even got to ride in a golf cart! I feel better and my other tenants are more relaxed with no bullying.

I began to crochet another Victorian Thread Bag yesterday, this time in yellow (the wrapper is missing).  This is a small bag that I made a few years back and it is just perfect for my crochet. A couple of inside pockets to hold needful things and a large cotton ball fits perfectly. It was part of a Christmas exchange and the gal picked out the pattern and the fabric so all I did was to embroider and stitch together . Anyway, I had hoped to get more crocheted, but life gets in the way...Mr H.
Tuesday he will be having 2 procedures and this week has been the torture "prep" week. Yesterday I thought about evicting myself instead of the fish! Today should be really fun, liquid diet. Now here is a man who hardly eats but you can bet today he will want gourmet meals! Fun and games will really start at 2 PM so do not expect to hear from me other than mumbling in the garage. You know, going someplace to let it out so as not to offend poor Mr H. I feel sorry but.... I will get through this is my mantra. Do you follow me on Facebook? Here is the post yesterday:
     I absolutely love my husband. As I am crocheting, I hear a TV program in the background. Me: what is that that you are watching?! (The TV station when I look up is Viceland)
Dennis: just waiting for the next program. Something for you.
Me: are you kidding me?! I do not watch Viceland!
Dennis: oh I don't know what this station is, but it said Needles and Pins. Isn't  that a craft show?
So, we check the program description, it is about erotic tattoos in Japan. No my dear husband it is definitely not a craft program. Channel changed!

Now do you understand? He really is a gem! This all in between keeping track of meds and what to eat or not to eat.  I would be lost without him. We are still in the countdown for The Brother Alan's arrival. Transport from the airport has been arranged and all info sent to his friend Lisa for safe keeping. It is much easier to sent a transport to pick and then take back for departure as we hate the long drive and traffic. Do not even mention if there is an accident on the way. Well, time for me to have my coffee and maybe a piece or two of toast. I will feel very guilty eating today so it will be sneaking away to eat. Please keep my dear Denny in your thoughts today and tomorrow. As much as you want a doctor to find the problem, you are also worried of what may be found. Thank you for your kind words and friendship and I know you will think of us these next few days.....hugs to you my dear friends.

Dissatified tenant!

Well, there you go. You offer a safe home free room and board one of the tenants decides to up and die move out. There are plenty of fish in the ocean and it was not long before

a velvety black molly moved in. So far the others like him and all is well. There is one problem though------when you pass by the tank (it is in a pass way out of the living room to he kitchen) they all swim to the front waiting for food! How did they learn this so quickly? Do not even think of stopping to look for a second they really put on a show.  I must say, this isn't the puppy I thought about but it is certainly very soothing when I am feeling a bit stressed. Of course I do keep my hands and some sort of needle together and this is what me myself and I with the crochet hook have done....

oh right, you expected a variegated lovely blue lavender...change of plans. I just did not think I would like the busy colors and the delicate pattern. So, this is the first one....

I added a couple of tatted dragonflies and voila....I love it. The pattern confused me in a couple of places (my mind is not as it once was!) so I adapted it to make sense to me. I also reinforced the wrist band so it will stretch out less. This will make a nice gift .....or two.  I just went out to water the garden and it is a bit hot out today...the news predicts out first triple digit on Sunday. I noticed a couple of tomatoes that are just about ready for a salad.  Plans for the rest of the day are just to relax...that is what I am saying. No needle in hand no creative juices just relaxing. As always it is so nice to spend time with you. Thank you for the kind words and for your wonderful friendship. Enjoy your day.

Counting the days.......

Hexigon Rosette of sorts

Yesterday is a day thankfully over.... all that I will say is Mr H's hugs are just right; but you will have to take my word for it!! Moving on .... I could not seem to do anything. I felt totally scatter brain, then as I was looking up something, unknown to me now, I found a U Tube for a hexagon turned into a rosette---sort of

look beyond the fact they have not been pressed.... I was lucky to even do these yesterday. But I love how easy it was. The video of course was not in English, but her hands spoke for her. The larger one started as a 4 1/2 cut piece finishing at 2 1/4 and the smaller one was cut at 3 1/3 with a finish of 1 3/4. I used my Hexagon template from ez-quilting. This was a piece  from my fabric scraps. I think I may try to do another with  step by step pictures for a reference guide. I think I may also do one for Teneriffe. You know how it is if you do not do something all the time, it is easy to forget a step. As it is, I can not find the video on line! I still have not tried to do the traditional hexis that so many gals make lovely things from. I tell you often how Mr H loves our garden and his small pond, well yesterday I caught one of the fish on camera...

this is one of 3. The 2 larger ones, about a foot long, are about 5 years old and were 2 inches and 79 cents each from Walmart. They had a baby along the way who is only 3 years old. I say if the Hawks who fly around the house catch sight of them, well, let's not think about it.
So, on to today. This morning I will be off to run an errand then I hope to be creative with Red, poor neglected Red with that wolf on her heels! It has bee so nice to chat with you and I thank you for your kind words and your friendship...have a good day.

Enjoying the weather

We are so lucky to have comfortable weather right now and we are taking advantage. Before we know it we will be hot hot hot and sitting outside will not be what we do....

This is the time of year that Mr H and I like to sit....he relaxes and I stitch.....the fish swim

and the water gurgles..... doesn't get too much better.  These goldfish started as 79 cent Walmart fish that were about 2 inches long. They now are around a foot long and always hungry.  They had a baby a few years ago and it is about 4-5 inches.

I finally finished all of Pink Lady's embroidery ...makes such a difference. I can now start on the train/bustle part of the gown. Stitching on Perforated Paper is not my most favorite thing to do, but every once in a while it is a nice break. I will be working ion Red Riding Hood today...here is an update

just beginning to see the top of the wolf's head..... I am leaving the snowflake motifs to do later. I just love Isobel's designs...The Primitive Hare.
Yesterday I hugged a friend farewell as she is leaving our work place and moving out of Arizona.....a great co-worker and I shall miss Gail.....a sweet kind lady. The cut counter will not be the same. Next week another co-worker leaves to return home to NY...last week one gal retired....seems like a trend here!
Glad you dropped by this morning....thank you for the kind words and most of all for your friendship.....enjoy your day.
March Card Exchange: you know the routine; send me your mailing info by email by February 28th....it has been so nice to connect to many old/new friends. Thank you to those who join in every month....welcome to any newcomers.

looking for a new home

Another warm day going into a hot day here in Arizona..... but it is after all summer so we expect to have the air conditioner on and car windows up....The poor plants, however, need extra water in a state that needs to conserve water. Mr H recycles the pond water for the plants. Very clever.... speaking of the pond, that baby fish is perfect orange now.

Oh I know, it is not the greatest picture... but it moves very quickly and hides. Also, there are many many bees that drink from the pond edge and I do not want to disturb them and have them turn thier attention on me.Here is is just coming out from under the water fountain bubble. Guessing I would say it is about 4 inches long... the other 2 are about 10-12 inches. The last baby did not make it more than 6 months. One of the older ones died at the same time. We shall wait and see.
I have been working on my tatting... it seems to be taking up my time lately. Today I do plan to start my cross stitch doll. I guess you are wondering about the title.... now, we do not plan to move.... but I do have many books and pattens that need a new home. Let's start with these...

If you are interested in any of them, please leave me a comment and tell me which one...... be sure that I have a way to reach you. There are 7 items here. I will have others in the near future. My new shuttles have arrived so hopefully Debra and I can meet and I will learn to add beads to my tatting. Today is June's birthday... so be sure to stop by to send your good wishes. Now I am off to work on my doll and hope that my shuttle does not call out to me. Maybe it should go to another room for a time out! Anyway, so glad you visited and I love your kind  words and emails... enjoy your day.