Ta Da......it's finished!

 

My Cathedral Friendship Quilt is finished and on my bed. I am so pleased with how it looks. Thank you to the friends who joined in to send fabric to be included. (Names listed on the right sidebar). Fabric arrived from England, Germany, France, Surrey Canada and New Brunswick Canada, Pennsylvania Alabama, Wisconsin, Connecticut and Rhode Island as well as Arizona. Names are written on the reverse side of windows,,,, I will be adding a label soon. I began this project in April of this year...but really it did begin in 1991 in my mind. It took 5 months and completely stitched by hand.

The binding did not take long at all to attach. I took pleasure and pride  in each stitch. It is a very heavy quilt! These past few days I have been planning the next one....Hexagons. They will measure a 5 inch finish. It will be all floral centers...large print, small print and different colors. Time to look through the fabric bins for square that are 6 inches before cutting. The back squares will again be of muslin. It will be a little smaller than my bed quilt as it is for the living room. Once in awhile even in Arizona you need/want a blanket to cover up with. 

I join many in thinking of the Queen's passing. I send thoughts to all my friends in England and Canada who also mourn their leaders loss. Now to remember to say King Charles III. The royals all move up one to new roles.

What have you been up to?

 Can someone tell me who takes the times away... where does it all go? I am sure I do not know how I keep loosing days lately. I am as busy as I want...oh, maybe that is the issue. Yes, I must admit to some several days of just being lazy. I like those days. I do this and that but it does not warrant a picture or bragging rights. This does....

On Saturday night (Alan and Lisa both arrive home from work at 10pm) Alan and Lisa along with Murphy who was carrying a bag came to my room. Murphy was trying to take the bag under the bed but Lisa rescued it. This was in the bag from Murphy.

This is the front of the T-shirt which brought a warmth to my heart...this is the back

Now tell me, doesn't that make you smile? All Murphy wanted was the bag . 

These were the 2 cards  I received. Do you see Murphy's signature...the bite out of the card?! Anyway, along with the shirt and cards, Lisa handed me a 36 inch long stem rose...

the most beautiful golden yellow.  Yellow roses are my favorite. In her other hand was ......

3 very large chocolate covered strawberries...yes I ate one and it was delicious. the second card was from Lisa...we have a great bond. 

Alan and I went out for small bites and drinks yesterday. A lovely weekend for sure. 

I am lucky to have them here. I am sure someone might have said What? to their moving in with me. Not to think about it. They have made my life easier and fun. We just got a new dishwasher.... Lisa is training me to stop hand washing! We are a family of three.... that is what Alan says. 

I must try to return to better blogging. I do have a few projects that Lisa and I are working on for Christmas. I also found a few craft patterns to try. When my heel is acting up...very painful at times still, I can not concentrate on anything. Guess a return doctor visit is coming up. Tomorrow morning I must get blood work done so I can return to the PCP...tough getting older. Moving right along....

Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Hoping things are on the way to returning to whatever is the new normal so friends and families can be together.

Birds and beads

Hot again and getting hotter...into those triple digits. Here it is Friday, where did this week go? Still have not planted the herb seeds...maybe later this morning, or tomorrow. Did some floss sorting...but not too much else. I have been easily distracted lately. Start one thing and then I hear myself saying...oh, look at this or what is this...you know, then getting back to the original task gets lost. Focus, I need to focus.... what was I saying?

On Wednesday afternoon I began beading on the needle case. The directions I was following called for 2mm crystal beads to be used with the 11/0 seed beads. Well all my crystals are larger so I improvised and changed the design to suit what I had on hand.

Thursday I finished it. I painted the bottom and the lid with gold Sharpie. Beading the cap was not an option for me. The beads would eventually wear and loosen when removing and capping the top. I am pleased and see more of these being made... would make a nice gift. The beads are a no name dark blue and of course the gold.
The phone rang yesterday afternoon...a number I did not recognize. I usually do not answer and wait for a message to be left. Instead I automatically picked up. It was a neighbor. Could she stop by.

When she appeared at my gate she handed me a gift bag. "This is a little something for you. You are always so kind and helpful and always so nice. I wanted to say thank you".
Well, I was surprised as I have not known her and her husband very long. Of course, you know that I love chocolates.... all chocolates. Just the other night I was craving a piece of chocolate and there was none...not one chocolate in the house.
Did I ever mention that I am superstitious, very superstitious? Oh I am. Don't  get me wrong, I do not worry about the black cat crossing me or the open umbrella. There are other things...things that will bother me. Like yesterday...the Doves. The first incident was at the living room window ..the bird flew into the window.  A short time later a bird, a Dove, did the same thing to my kitchen slider in the lanai. Later again at the living room window. I may be hanging the rosary beads up soon! Stop snickering and giggling. I could hear Debbie all the way from Canada! I have been this way since childhood. I was told by my maternal Grandpa that his wife for whom I was named was very superstitious. He was such a sweet loving man. Anyway, it is me and no changing it now at this late date/age. A lot of Italians are this way. Like the Maloke...the evil eye. Let's not go there.
Nice to visit with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Today is the day!

What a crazy weather day yesterday. There were clouds...many clouds  in the sky...then it got a bit darker and some drops fell and then the sun was out then a clap of thunder... back to the clouds. All the while the breeze of the early morning turned into winds and remained. I actually had to close the sliders or put a sweater on!

The bead order from Fire Mountain beads arrived... love how they put a special note in the order. It may be hard to see, but next to the beads at the top there is a small plastic bag with clear petal beads. They were kindly sent to me from Elizabeth Fox who I have met from one of the bead groups. I had asked where to get these little wings for the beaded bumble bee (that is what the beads at the top are for) and next thing I knew we were chatting on messenger and she offered to send me some. A new friend in the beading world. These beads should keep me busy along with the beads sent to me from Catherine.

It was just too windy to clean the garden of debris...now it is triple what there was... so I beaded 

another Butterfly Pod ornament. These are so much fun to bead. Next will be the bumble bee...it is small but oh so cute.

All this wind has tossed lots of pollen in the air. Of course I should have kept the sliders closed... now I have a bit of a sinus issue. My own fault but it is so nice to have cool air flying through the house.  

Guess what? Today is Tuesday.... you do remember right? This is the Tuesday that The Brother Alan and Lisa arrive. Hope they have a good flight...they will cross through the mid states and there have been lots of storms in those states.  The weather this week is going to be very nice...in the high 70s  to low 90s which is perfect. It would be nice if the winds stop.

No matter what the weather, we always enjoy ourselves. 

So, we will keep you informed of our doings this week. Glad to have you visit today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Special thanks for the kind words regarding my post note yesterday. I probably should have been more clear. The date was when we learned of Denny's diagnosis for the few that did not know... Denny passed just 33 days later on June 21 2017. 

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......

Oh the drama!

The days are starting to really warm up. We are heading for our first 90s day this weekend.
My pain management doctor did indeed give me injections on Monday along my lower back. I lost count at 5 as he chats with me to get my mind off it. A few hours after being home the numbing wore off and a different pain. But, that was almost gone yesterday... then I made the mistake of starting to open the soil and pour into the pond. I should have done it differently but lesson learned and it will be a few days before I touch the bags again.

If it  is not me causing an issue, now one of the young Doves decided to hop out of the nest and did not know what to do...of course. So he sat here for a short time and then finally tried to gain flight...

Finally he made it to the chair.... and cried a bit. While I was working at the pond I chatted to him and he was calmer. When I came into the house his parent came back and after a few minutes of convincing, the young Dove went back to the nest. Hopefully he will not do that again. So I will rest my back for a day or two as it is bothering me.  My hand which also is still healing but doing great is now a little sore. Need patience in my life.

Look how pink my geranium is..... this plant is from last year and sits at my front porch. I just read that I can root my Rosemary from cuttings...it needs to be cut back drastically. So I will offer it to my neighbors and dry some more for my kitchen. I also should cut the Oregano and dry that. Another plant from last year that is growing like a weed.
Today I will be going to lunch with a friend, Vickie, that I met on blogger. We commented on one another's blog and discovered that she lives not to far from me. After Denny passed she called me and we met for lunch and still keep in touch with our blogs. Small world.
That is  about it for now. So happy to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.

Orange Blossoms in the air....

A nice Saturday morning so I went for a short walk. After one errand... (yesterday the indicator on the fridge to replace the filters started to blink... already time to replace)... the plans are to relax outside. The garden may be off limits. Why?

This tiny... maybe 6 inches from nose to tail... baby bunny was hanging around the garden yesterday. Of course if he is still here or returns I do not want to scare him. He found a leaf to munch here and there. It is all I can do not to try to pet him! Every so often when I looked out the kitchen window, I would loose sight of him and then all of a sudden he appeared hopping along. I am still amazed that they are off on their own when so tiny. He is so small that I can not see his tail.
The other day my neighbor JoAnn stopped by with a few chocolates for me

from Cerreta's Candy, an Arizona company. She wanted to thank me for  all that I do (HOA) for the community. The company is in Glendale and they have tours and sell right there as well as distribute around the Valley. Nice to be appreciated. The chocolate covered pecan caramel turtle is delicious. They refer to it as Arizona Camelbacks after the mountain in Scottsdale. The soft caramels are good too.

Recently having the sliders and front door open, the fragrance of these orange blossoms fill the air in and out. No, I do not have any trees but my neighbor does. At one time brides wore them in their hair or in their bouquets. It represented purity and fruitfulness. It is the state flower of Florida. Here in Arizona we pick them in February and March.
Well, time for chores.... I had hoped for the Housework Faeries would be here... and then off to Home Depot for the filters. Hope that I can  easily replace them.... the delivery people installed them when they delivered the fridge and of course I did not pay attention. Most likely The Brother Alan did but he is not here. It states to replace every 6 months and right on time it is blinking. Glad you visited with me today. Thank you for your kind words and your friendship.

One more delivery

Still trying to put it all in my head...one more week and a new year  will be here. Where did the time go..... oh, if I sit it will all come rushing back to me so I think for now I will not. Yesterday the mail brought 2 more gifts!

Lynda Ruth sent me these lovely crocheted stars for my tree. I love the color, so deep and rich red. They look pretty on my tree.
then the other was from dear Vickie....

a beautiful origami fabric star. She chose lovely fabrics for this one....a bit of sparkle and some print. I had wanted to try this pattern but seemed to run out of time. Thank you both for gifting me this year.
I just had to try my Quesadilla maker.... of course I did. I love gadgets and tools of the kitchen.

Yum.... lunch was very good. Going to love the many different possibilities with this. Quick and simple. I had to get romaine at the market so why not get the fixings and enjoy a quesadilla. The real purpose of my errand was to go to Lowes where they had storage bins on sale... for the Christmas stuff to be packed away next week. I always dread this part of the celebration. Getting all the empty boxes down and organizing them then putting them back. This year should be easier since they will not be going into the high cupboard. Instead they will be on the shelving unit. Anyone who really knows me knows that I am an organized person so having the garage in disarray is driving me crazy. Usually it is New Years Day or the day after that it all begins. Why does it take longer to put away than it did to get it all out!?  Oh well.
So, coffee is finished and it is not yet 5am. Maybe I can just curl up and watch the news something cheerful on the TV. Glad we had time to chat today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Rainy day bloom

Another day with rain... that started late the other evening and seems to be staying around. For the most time it is just lightly falling but the plants are sure loving it.

Remember that the Firecracker Bush was cut back....look at the blooms starting to appear. It may be December but that is what happens here in Arizona. It should fill out quite nicely this Spring now that it is thinned and dead branches have been removed. The Sweet Memory still has flowers but that will need a good trim in the Spring. In the meantime...

The Amaryllis has revealed that it is red and starting to open. There is another shoot lower on the stem that will hopefully grow to bloom around Christmas. The simple dowel support seems to be keeping it straight. This new idea of having the bulb in thick wax and not watering seems to be really working. I plan to try to plant it after it finishes flowering. Not that it has worked in the past, but who knows.
Earlier this morning I received a text with pictures from my friend Pam back in RI. She wanted me to see that she still puts the ornaments that I had made for her in the past on her tree..... including the two that Dennis had painted of the Grinch and one of Santa. It really warms my heart to know that she still hangs them on her tree and remembers our friendship.
Today will be a nice remain indoors out of the rain and nippy air and do.... not sure what but whatever I do or do not do,  it will be okay. I may do some tatting.... I am out of Denny's Angel's. The last one left here this past week.
Today is Pearl Harbor Day...77 years ago the phrase "A day of infamy" was started. As I have posted in the past, my dad was there on that fateful morning and was lucky to survive and return home at the end of the war.
Glad to have you stop by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Tomorrow Reindeer Food will be also flying to the special children on my list...still time of you need some with notes included. Just email me with child's name and address.

My days

Oh such lazy days...slow mornings. It is amazing how we change. Not just with the day of week or month of year or even the weather. I certainly have changed... not by choice for the most part. When I lost My Denny, everything did change. In one of the previous posts I quoted from something that I recently read. I would like to share the entire piece.
"The death of a spouse or partner is different than other losses, in the sense that it literally changes every single thing in your world going forward. When your spouse dies, the way you eat changes. The way you watch TV changes. Your friend circle changes (or disappears entirely.) Your family dynamic/life changes (or disappears entirely). Your financial status changes. Your job situation changes. It effects your self-worth. Your self-esteem. Your confidence. Your mentality. Your brain function. (Ever hear the term "widow brain?". If you don't know what it is, count yourself as very lucky). Your physical body. Your hobbies and interests. Your sense of security. Your sense of humor. Your sense of womanhood or manhood. EVERY. SINGLE. THING. CHANGES. You are handed a new life that you never asked for and that you don't particularly want. It is the hardest, most gut-wrenching, horrific, life-altering of things to live with."
I share this not for "oh poor thing", no,  just to share. I no longer get out of bed as soon as I wake...good thing. I no longer rush to do the laundry.... good thing. I am trying to learn how to do this or that and with some success... good thing. Being patient is not a strong point...not a good thing. Asking for help before trying when I know I need help... getting there. Some days are really good. I function at full level.... a good thing. Cooking meals.... good thing. Even getting gas for the car is easy now... good thing. I am so very lucky to have certain people in my life who care and check on me and help me, sometimes I do not have to ask for help. This weekend is the Faire that we, Denny and I went to for years. Last year I went for the first time alone. I admit it was hard. Driving there, shopping by myself.... but I did go and it was okay. I will go again and this time it will be easier. I will look for favorite crafts people. I guess what I want to share is that despite my off or hard days, I am doing well. I know the upcoming holidays will once again be difficult but I will be okay.
Thank you if you are still here visiting and reading. Thank you for your kind words. Thank you for being a friend. Off I go... the towels have finished swishing and now need fluffing.

Something else to figure out!

Our Arizona weather has been lovely. Spoke with The Brother Alan yesterday and they are dealing with lousy winter weather in RI....felt a little guilty sitting there talking to him with the doors open and barefoot.

Enjoying the Oleander blossoms...so delicate. The bush is full and lovely to see.

 The Lantana are in full glory with bright orange glowing in the sunlight. With only a few days left for October the weather is finally getting to the perfect spot.... temps are blow 90 and above 70. Just perfect.
Not so perfect was to see a blinking light on my thermostat. The day before Dennis went into Hospice, June 5th 2017, I had to replace the air conditioner. Don and Glenda were right there to help. Don took care of the installation for me.
The company has been great whenever I have called them, I never gave it a thought that I had no booklet for the thermostat itself until now. I have no clue how to remove the cover, it does not seem to come off easily and I certainly do not want to break it. I had no idea there was a battery in it. So, Monday I will be calling them to see how to change the battery. Always something to learn around here. I am still looking onto pond companies and there are not that many and of course my pond is quite small compared to the advertised ones.... always something to deal with around here. Then there was the "friend" who I saw recently who asked how I was doing. I thought I can be honest...right? My answer was that I was having a few bad days. The reply I got? Well I am having good days, only good days. So much for telling someone how you feel and having them care. So, off I go to open the doors and relax and enjoy the flowers. Thank you for taking the time to visit and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

New star started

Finding time to visit with you...Several times yesterday morning I thought about coming to this page but then I would do something and then something else and did not make it here. Finally having my first cup of coffee so I though better do it now. A bit of an upset stomach to begin the day. I need to get to the lab this morning for some blood work , other than that I do not have plans. Well, I thought about going to the bead shop but we shall see.

I began a new beaded star yesterday afternoon....for my Christmas tree. I love making and giving away but I thought I better make one for  me first! The picture does not show just how sparkly the silver beads are... they do shine bright. I found another bauble that I want to try but need the beads of course. No matter how many are in my bead cabinet, I still need them for each new project. In this case it is the special stones and the size of the Delica and seed beads that I do not have. In other words I do not have any beads that can be used on the project!
The sun  rise is later and later and the sunset earlier now. This morning I have the kitchen window open and the front door;  the air is comfortable....for now. It will still be in the mid 100s later this morning and yesterday reached 107, so the heat is not gone yet. Just trying to enjoy the morning air while I can. I can hear the hummer chatting away.... announcing that he is here. The air is so still...not a leaf moving. I am tempted to go sit outside for awhile but we know that I will then want to play in the garden so today will not be the day.
Are you keeping up with the date? I know you did not forget...The Brother Alan and Lisa will be here in 6 days. Thankfully Lisa is feeling better. Glenda and sis Lynowl are better too. So all your special thoughts have helped. Now one for my Aunt Rose Marie and Uncle Tony who are in the Carolinas.... they will be moving inland while the hurricane is heading their way to a safer location.
Now I think I need to swish some  laundry and take the Bissell for a walk. I really need maid service! Glad to chat with you...thank you for stopping by. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts.
Some people come and go in our lives... then those who truly are friends are always there, always have the time and really do care...that describes all of you who visit and email and comment. Thank you for your friendship.

Call off the Posse

Keeping busy while trying to relax and do little to nothing is tough...for me. I really do try to pace myself but sometimes think I need a watchdog. I tried to patch the holes.....but I needed to buy more spackling so off to Lowes I went and received advice...not from an employee but a man who watched me and said I looked puzzled. Very nice to advise me and also on the caulking I need for my patio walkway. So, I will sand the area I spackled and apply more to even out the patch. Did I mention that I only need a small amount of ceiling paint and Lowes had not one small can?! The gal in paint said "we did have a big sale" and walked away. I had to move out the fridge to do the patch and will again to fix. One more time on the step ladder...I hope.

I walked into the kitchen yesterday afternoon and kept seeing some fluff moving about. I picked up the camera and when I quietly and slowly got to the window...there he was. The tiny bunny! Do you see him at the top left? Of course I can not say for sure, but he looks like the bunny who pooped on my lanai and rested outside my bedroom window. Yesterday there was a Quail family in his spot! Anyway, he remained in the garden poking around and nibbling at plants for a couple of hours and I am not sure how long he had already been there. I feel much better...he could be the same bunny. 

Once I finished spackling, I spent time with my beading....

All 5 pieces are ready to assemble.... now that will be the challenge. I will hopefully be able to do this with little difficulty. I started to outline one section. I am still trying to find a pattern to purchase but so far not seeing one that I really want to make. I really enjoyed beading this and look forward to making more; plain for now.
I have been awake for a few hours and have yet to make coffee....I need my morning coffee. Glad you are here but I really must grind some beans. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Thank you also for your special thoughts for sis Lynowl and friends Lisa and Glenda. Not nice when people you care about are not feeling well.

Bobby~~~Keith~~~ the Geeks to the rescue

Well, first Bobby tried to help

with Dianna hiding behind him making hand signals.... of course when he sat at the computer to fix things

Dianna went looking for a snack and found potato chips to munch ! Try as he did the problem was not solved so we went thrift shopping instead and then to lunch...thank you for lunch Bobby. I found nothing to buy but of course Dianna always finds something(s). Good laughs and good friends make for a nice time.
Next up was Honey...AKA Keith.....solved it enough that I could upload pictures again and access my files with error messages but thought I better have the Geeks check it out. So, Robert with the Geeks did just that. Problem is that the program I was using Windows Live Gallery is not supported anymore by Windows 10. However, I can once again upload photos to the computer with 3 clicks and access my files..... that is making me a happy gal.
Doctor (PCP) appointment went well as it was a 3 month follow up but I did get a tetanus shot.... of course the wimp that I am, my shoulder is a little swollen and sore. I keep telling everyone that I am delicate...I am delicate.

This big guy decided to relax on his rock for a short time....then scooted off to hunt bugs.

He blends so well with the light rocks and even the rock where he usually sits. Sometimes I do not notice him until he sees me and moves. He better hope the Roadrunners stay away.
I finally settled to a little tatting and then got distracted again by who knows what. Lately I scatter my brain here and there. Today I hope to organize a few things around the hacienda and a few times have the laundry swishing and drying. I may even take Bissell for a walk around the place. When the refrigerator heard I might be replacing it (still plan to) it once again began to make proper ice. Finny how things happen. So, off I go to be useful around here. Glad to chat with and I just know that you are happy that my computer issues are okay now! Thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship.

The wind is starting early....

There is lots of cloud cover so the overnight temps have remained high, It is 90 and 4 AM...may reach 109 today with clouds all day. The Buoy Bell and chimes are really calling out with the early morning winds. The afternoons are when the winds pick up usually.
I was not joking when I said the crystal drops for my ornaments were coming from China...

They were suppose to arrive on the 21st but came yesterday. This is the assortment and it is packaged in a nice compartmental box. Good service which means I will order from them again. Thank you Catherine for the link. So of course I set myself down to use one of the new colors...a lovely pale lavender...

I love it.... guess I will have to make another as this will be one of the gifted ones. I really enjoy making these ornaments... I do enjoy beading. When I walk the Bissell later today I will hear the pinging of many dropped beads from the carpet! Seed beads have a way of jumping off the needle and out of the tray.
The Dove family is still panicking when I approach the area so I am trying to go toward the pond every other day. With the heat that is the most I can do so I can top off the pond. As The Brother Alan said, as soon as they leave the nest it should be dismantled and I will do my best not to let them build there again. What were they thinking. I mean, they had to see me at the pond every day and in the area to clean the garden! My tomato plant has almost tripled and need to be contained with twine. The herbs are flourishing too. My beautiful yellow African Marigolds out front have not survived...not for lack of water but from the bunnies picking off the heads. Guess the Geraniums will be all that is out there. With all the excessive heat I was going to trim back the Snail Vine but it is blooming again right where I would need to rim. Guess that will wait.
I must say I am so happy with the amount of bloggers who have joined my cards for Eva P..... she is going to be so excited to receive so many and from Canada, the UK as well and the US. A bakers dozen she will receive so far. It is such a relief that she is doing well not only with her health but with the placement. Again, thank you my special friends. As for me, as the anniversary of one year for the loss of My Denny approaches, I am coping. So far my ankle and back are okay and my hand too. I am however experiencing some shortness of breath but I attribute it to the heat. Time to finish my coffee and work on the next ornament. Glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and for sending card to Eva P. Thank you so much for your wonderful caring friendship.

A found nest!

It is another hot day here in The Valley of the Sun...it is a little after 8 AM and the temp is 81. It was a quick out to the garden to refill the hummer feeder. What did I see? A nest!

Do not know who is nesting there and this is the first time in 13 years that a nest is in the Sweet Memory bush. I will try to explore it more at another time. It is a shallow nest quite like the Dove nests....but would be too small for them... I think. I have been seeing a pair of Doves in the area....we shall watch and see.
I forgot to show you

Dianna gave me this wonderful soap with a mosaic dragonfly imbedded. I love specialty soaps and do use them. For now, this will remain wrapped.
Today is the take the car in for routine service day. Normally I go in right as they open at 7am and I am in and out in less than an hour. Today I decided it would be at 2 Pm... so I am hoping it is also a quick service turnaround. Been missing time with my dear friend Glenda and we are trying for an afternoon meet. Not really too difficult as she lives in the next courtyard.
Yesterday was my day off...did nothing of importance... so I guess today is a bit of housework. I was hoping to rest my back. I have an appointment on Monday with the doctor to see what we can do. I have been really having difficulty moving about. I know, it is "age related".... a phrase cousin Ann and I tossed about recently. Last evening I call and enjoyed a conversation with my friend and sidekick LuLu in RI. It was good to hear her voice and as she said, it is like no time has passed and as if we were sitting together. A few days ago the phone conversation was with another RI friend Joan... and before that with RI friend Pam..... good friends who will always be there when you need them. No distance changes that.
Well, need a cup of coffee and a breakfast before getting to the Bissell and Swiffer. Glad we had time to chat. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Blooms in the garden

Some days actually are cloudy here in The Valley of the Sun....but inevitably by afternoon the bright sun and heat arrive. It has been around 97-99 this week and today is expected to be another hot one...above average temps. Of course there is air conditioning everywhere so it is not too bad.
Yesterday I tried to get in touch with my sis as I thought I would get her birthday gift now rather than wait until the end of May...the stores were having great sales.  I never did get in touch so I went shopping for myself...great deals that I could not pass up. Then it was back home to read for the later part of the afternoon. I di however finish

Ruth from Jennifer William's tatted snowflake book. It was finished the other day but ...
Thank you for the kind words regarding my anniversary. Each of these "firsts" is a day to get through. I do know that I am not the only person in the world to go through these days, However, it is me that I have to deal with. Yes, I have been strong but there are times when I fall apart but I try not to show that to anyone.

On Wednesday Dianna called to invite me to lunch with her and Bobby. So we met up and I left my car and off we went to a few thrift shops, then back to Cheesecake Factory for lunch. We had  a nice meal and chatted away and we enjoyed the day. These kind friends just wanted to be sure I had company and laughs...good company and we always laugh. It really did help not to be home alone.
No plans for today...just laundry and maybe a new tatting project.... there is a pattern that was given free with the invitation to make it your own..."make me pretty butterfly" so I may try it. I am still reading a couple of books so that is also on my mind to do. How about the garden?

Sweet Memory in full bloom

pretty pink cactus flowers and more to bloom yet

Nice to have you visit today. Thank you for your kind words and for you friendship. 

Moving right along

Are you surprised? Yes, I am posting early...it is just beginning to have light. I have not been sleeping very well lately. Waking early and then just not getting out of bed for a few hours. I know, I do not have a busy agenda but feeling tired is not how I like to start my day. Today I decided to just get up and get a laundry in to swish. You read that right.... I went to Lowe's on Monday and bought a washer and it was delivered yesterday. So, finally getting use to no land-line phone, learning my new cell phone and now a washer. Certainly not a dull household. As for the cell phone I still have to remember to take it along with me to the garden and into the garage so I can hear it if it rings, but I have almost learned the number!

Yesterday I received a lovely air-plant  from Glenda and Don. This one is in a mini greenhouse and looks just right with my other two. Love these easy care plants... although I did manage to kill one a few months ago! I picked two more of my mini strawberries yesterday and Glenda said they were delicious. Still getting a couple of tomatoes now and again.
I gathered some blue beads to start another tatted snowflake so that is on the agenda today. I will be indoors this afternoon as the temp is expected to be around 90, but right now it is nice and cool. Really is a perfect housework morning..... unless I get sidetracked. As if on cue there is the single sound of a finch in the garden... with that I best be getting the laundry in to fluff and make the bed and ....
Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.
"Life is hard as it is. Too many rough roads to travel. Too many chains to untangle. But no matter how cruel the world may be, life becomes less hard when you got a good friend."...unknown

The moon, Helen and a horse

What a spectacular moon last evening. I watched it on/off for several hours. Full moons captivate me especially when they are so gigantic.

Early in the evening around 7PM it began to rise with a still light blue back round. It looked like a picture. Then later as I went back out to the garden.

Against the darkness it seemed to just hang there. The evening temperature was still in the 80s and I could have just sat out there all evening.
Thursday afternoon I started to tat Helen, also from Janet Williams snowflake book

 

I am using a soft teal color bead with this one. Would have had more done on it except I went out with Glenda and Don to an art festival where Glenda and I found some special items. I came home with this

Just had to have this neck piece and filigree horse pendant. We had a nice day walking around the Cave  Creek and Carefree area then had lunch before returning home to their house for Lemon Meringue pie and coffee. Wonderful day spent with these special people.
Today will be a little garden work and then return to my tatting and reading. The temps for the week are expected to be in the low 90s. Some plant protection and checking the irrigation  flow so all will be well out there. The pond needs some attention too. Right now however, the coffee has finished brewing and the aroma is calling me. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and thank you for your kind words and your friendship.