Ta-Da~~~

A text message from this guy and then Bobby came to the rescue. He travels with his own tool bag (even though I have lots of stuff  in the garage) and sets to work. We got all the pieces spread out.... yes I did help unlike someone else...

Once she poured a glass of iced tea, Dianna made herself comfy and found something to watch on TV. It took some  time to get it all together but in the end....

the man with the electric screwdriver had it all finished. Dianna did manage to help a few times.... love them both! Whether it is the 3 of us or just Dianna and I, there is always laughter. They are quick with a hug and a smile. I am so very lucky to have these two special people in my life....

Dianna and Bobby

 Kitchen work cart with a black granite top ready for work.

In the wee hours of Monday morning... at 1:14 AM a message from an Italian research professor in Italy, Matteo Pretelli, from the University of Naples (Italy), who is doing a study on WW II veterans specifically from Rhode Island and a particular neighborhood...Silver Lake, where I grew up... where my dad's family lived. I told him as soon as I could I would contact him later in the day...and at 2:25PM Arizona time, (there is a 9 hour difference  in Italy) we began our Skype conversation. For about one hour he asked questions and I shared what information I had about the neighborhood, the Italian families there and my family as well as what I knew of my dad Joseph's time in the Army during the Pearl Harbor attack.Thank goodness his English is excellent because my Italian has fallen far to the wayside. He is a delightful man and I hope to hear from him again. 

There you have what I have been up to in the last few days...and beading on another Santa Star too. The weather has been crazy, with a few days of rain, lots of rain and much cooler temps. I actually had to close the sliders as it was getting too cool in the house! Right now it is 60 degrees and will be around high 70s.... that is about 10 degrees cooler than normal. I guess I will trade my shorts for my capri length pants! Time for my coffee which just finished brewing....glad you visited with me today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

I give up....

Yesterday was a full day of rain here in the West Valley. Every so often there was a flood warning issued which included my area. Of course I never set foot out of the house so I can only say that I had no flooding at mi casa. This morning began  with another splashing of rain but has since stopped and the sun is bright. Sliders open as is the front door....

I thought.... well rain again maybe I can try the work counter/cart..... so tell me why do they pack the very first pieces that you need at the bottom of the carton!?

After finding the 5 pieces needed I changed my mind. That is right. I am apprehensive that if I should begin this I will not be able to continue ( like with the lanai set----Don rescued me) and then have pieces laid out (like with the Library Bookcase---Bobby rescued me) and stepping over pieces of wood is not ideal... I could fall (like I have before when stepping over things--- Glenda and Don rescued me). The directions state to use a screwdriver.... not an electrical on.... and I am not very good at using one with all that has to be attached. Of course Bobby would ignore that and use his trusty electric one. Do you hear what I am getting at? So, tomorrow I will look for a handyperson who can assemble this furniture. it seems lately that when The Brother Alan is here we order stuff and it arrives after he leaves!
I started another Santa Star yesterday and that will take my mind off this project... I hope. I have a chicken soup on the stove  for later. I will make the pasta then. How about some garden rain pictures....

So many raindrops...…

Okay, time for my orange juice and southwest hash browns with egg.... thanks for listening and for your kind words and most of all your friendship.

Oh the weather outside is....

the song came into my mind this morning...no it is not going to snow and yes I do not have any place to go..... it is going to rain--- so they say. the temps have been very comfortable. The AC is still off and the sliders and front door open each day this past week....lovely. Rain means indoors for me and....
perfect to try to get this started... maybe!

The UPS delivery came early yesterday, the email said "by end of day" but all of a sudden yesterday morning there was the truck and the guy was great. He brought the boxes into the kitchen and said be careful they are heavy. Indeed they are. All wood and granite top for the this kitchen work cart.

The top is supported in a wood frame.... not even going to work with this yet. I can barely move the box!

 I opened the main box to let out the packing smell.... you know, from the warehouse to the truck and the drive from Illinois.... like fresh paint. The small box in the first picture had the legs... but I am happy to find they have also included casters which I will use to make it easier to move as necessary. But, I am getting ahead of myself. First it needs assembly... I admit that it is overwhelming at this moment.  For now I will step over the boxes and think about getting it sorted.
I have no rush for all of this, well until I am tired of stepping over it all. I will try to slide it over to the side more then I think I will just sit and bead today.... that I can handle. In the end I may look for a handyman to assemble this... I admit that it is probably more than I can handle. Beading, now that I can do. My finger is so much better. The redness is fading and it is more feeling more flexible. Glad you were here to listen to my rant... thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship. 

Friends

A lovely day with cooler weather. The AC is off and the doors were open all day.

A pretty bouquet in a lavender mason jar....
My morning was one of my "off times", tears and feeling sad ( just one of those mornings) but that changed when Dianna and Bobby arrived. After some chatter Bobby got out his tools and removed the small counter top and then slid the refrigerator in better position. He also put a wood top on it for now as I still have not ordered the butcher block top for it. Then he began to remove the drinking water faucet from the kitchen sink. Did I mention that Bobby has a wonderful sense of humor….it was not long before I forget to feel sad. Finally he replaced the florescent light bulbs and let there be light in the kitchen! Now it was time for lunch. I had wanted to take them out for lunch but they said sandwiches would be fine. So, Sunday I went to Fry's and got a selection of Italian meats and rolls for what I call a grinder and he calls a hero.... and for desert...we had sorted Talenti Gelato. How do you say thank you to these two? The warmth of feelings I have for them and from them … no words can be said.

They brought me another Plumeria plant as the one from last year did not survive the heat. I will plant it by the weekend. This is a beautiful charm/necklace that Dianna bought for me. She also bought one for herself.... we match! Very pretty and delicate.

I did manage more beading on Sunday....half a face one hand and boot...getting there. Just 2 more sections and it will be complete.
When we bought the new dining set and server piece, we also bought a work counter which had to be delivered from the manufacturer. Well, I received an email telling me it will arrive on Friday afternoon...in piece! Yes, in 3 sections to be assembled. I better make sure the screwdriver is charged.... hopefully I will be able to assemble this cart. It is 111 pounds, 36x52x18....not a small item for sure. Stay tuned for the results or lack of.
That about covers what is happening around here. Thank you for taking the time to visit and thank you for your kind words and friendship.

Changes......

Well, They are back in Rhode Island and I am missing them. My last text from Lisa was that they landed and it was raining..... While they were here the temps were hot but a couple of times comfortable enough to sit out in the lanai. We had a good time as always and saying goodbye was tearful. We definitely kept busy but had relaxing time also. I bet you are saying...right you did.  Really we did.
The new fridge finally arrived on Saturday

We need a little tweaking but it is in. Now I can refill with food. We did not starve by any means as we ate out several times … Alan did cook twice!
I had mentioned to The Brother that I thought moving the desk in to the living room (plenty of room) might be nice and as he agreed the move of furniture began. You know me, it will involve more than just one item.

The curio first then the bookcase oh and then the two bookcases had to move and finally the desk was in place. Alan then moved the computer to the table behind the desk and we now have it all set, an open office space. This then opened an area in the large kitchen/dining area. When I talked to them about this furniture move I mentioned my next idea which would eventually mean a new dining set and ….before long it was ordered

And it arrived Tuesday morning not long before they left. The work island will arrive soon and will be on the opposite side of the kitchen.  Eventually a rug will be under the table area.
Did I mention that the pond is working again?

Getting right in there and giving it a good cleaning. The wildlife is happy to have it back and the resident bunny is too. The bunny is living under the grass to the right of Alan next to the pond. I have not seen the second bunny....so maybe it is just the one...hope it is just the one and not a warren starting.
Well, I did not do any beading so I will get back to finishing my Rose Star soon.  Glad you stopped by for a visit and I will be around to visit with you soon. thank you for the kind words and for your friendship....
****DebbieB....I loved the card you sent! We will return to our daily emails real soon!

Oooh Bunny and a feather

I must remember when I clean the ceiling fan blades in the kitchen not to switch off the main switch to the fan. I cleaned it yesterday after talking with sis Lynowl about the fact we both had to clean our fans. This morning the kitchen fan would not work. Try as I may I could not get the fan or the light to come on. Then it dawned on me to check the main switch and sure enough I had turn that off. Mind you, I have cleaned this fan several times in the year since Denny has not been here to do it and this was the first time I did that. The other 3 fans do not have this particular switch so that is good. This kitchen fan has several different on/off tabs and I do not know why.
I have been watching....

this baby bunny...ooh he is so adorable! This is the depression that he has made outside my bedroom window under the huge Yucca plant. Did you know the Spanish pronoun it "you-ka". Anyway, he is tiny, probably only 8 inches from nose to tail. Huge black shiny eyes. My worry is that if a coyote comes along there is no escape route for him as this spot is a "u" shape space and only 5 feet wide. Only out is forward, so I try to check on him periodically just in case I need to run out to make a rescue. Think I better find the stick Dennis used to keep at the front door first!
Well, I worked on the beaded feather.

I do like it but it is not as the picture and I followed the graph pretty carefully. I do know that I did not start it as in the directions as I mentioned before Zina and I were not sure how to do it that way and make the count come out correctly. Even the shape of mine which matches the diagram is not like the picture! I will make this again to see if I can figure it out better, but all in all it is not bad looking. It measures about 2 inches long.
Plans for today...none. I am taking the day off. What I mean is, no laundry, no Bissell walking or Swiffer in hand. A me day....
Yesterday I decided to move the stereo system. To my surprise it fit where I wanted it to go and when I re-connected it...it worked! Part one of a few moving parts. Can not work out in the garden so I find work inside. The next few moves require planning and larger items...not rushing to get it done, at least not today. Still thinking if I do this then I would do that then I could...well, you know how it goes. It is still dark out and so quiet.... I can not check on the bunny who I will assume goes back to his hutch beneath the large Prickly Pear Cacti once it is dark out. It is so nice to chat with you...thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to stop by... thank you most of all for your friendship.

The bear has a chair

Yesterday was spent with friends Glenda and Don....shopping, or not. We set out for a few specific items but had different results. We did enjoy a nice lunch in Scottsdale at The Gelato Spot and Pizza. I had hoped to find that antique footstool but instead...

my Denny Teddy got a chair! He fits perfectly. What is twice as nice is...

The chair on the left, a people size chair is almost an exact match! It is a chair that was given to me by Tommy, a friend of my sister,  back around 1975....he got it from an antique store in New Hampshire. Sadly, Tommy passed away some years ago. I love my matching chairs! Behind the chairs is my sewing table and my bunny cover for the sewing machine.  She also is an old time gal around 25 years old from a Mc Calls pattern.
I am requesting a standing ovation...so please get ready ...yesterday I put gas in the car. That is what you are reading, my 3rd time. Not bad seeing that a full tank is lasting a month! I do need practice getting the gas cap off...a bit tricky and also not to drip gas on my toes. Luckily both the toes and the sandals are washable.
I need to go to Staples to pick up my keyboard slide this morning then get it attached to the desk. I will need a drill and screw driver bit...sounds like I know what I am doing right? We all know I have several drills to choose from but to find the bits things is another story as there are a few of them out there in the garage. The bookcase is scheduled to arrive today....an assemble yourself project!  I always find the allen wrenches they include a challenge. I am already tired just thinking of the tasks ahead. Best get some extra rest...glad you stopped by to chat. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship. Let's have a good day!

Glenda's Teddy

The pond waterfall is finally all set and if only the weather would cool so I can sit outside and enjoy it! I have not gone to Home Depot yet for the paint but that is the plan for this afternoon. I will be meeting AZ blogger Vicki-K for lunch today and will pass right by HD.  Baked a fresh apple cake yesterday .. yum with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. My morning and part of the afternoon was spent rearranging the kitchen. My kitchen area is an L shape...galley area for cooking then a good size rectangular end. In one corner is my computer and the other my Bakers rack with the tea cups and pots. I got tired of the corner computer desk ... I also have a nice desk against the back wall. So, out with the corner desk and moved the regular desk on the side wall and the baker's rack along the back wall and the Kachinas across from the desk....I ordered a keyboard slide as this desk does not have one. The task then became where to put this and that and what-have-you.  I really need to clean out the files in the file cabinet drawers. So far so good. The walls got cleaned, all the Southwest pictures had to be moved to the other wall and the floor was washed. To say that my back and hip are killing me is an understatement. Just a bit too much work. I really should take pictures since it all sounds so jumbled.
I guess you would like to meet Glenda's Teddy ~~~~~

this will be a gift for her great-grandson. Made from a pair of her jeans with a special message on the left hand. Glenda was pleased with the bear....makes me happy. I really enjoy creating these bears and dolls. Knowing that someone is going to love them is best.
The morning air is a little cool and a light drizzle is falling. I love a misty rain. The temp is a cool 79 with temps expected to reach 106. Really need the cool weather so I can clean the yard thoroughly and the lanai. Most of all so I can be outside more. This monsoon season has been very active with lots of winds and with that talcum powder like dust that gets in everywhere! That about covers my last couple of days.  It is always a pleasure to have you stop by. Thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship. Let's have a good day.

Busy Thursday

Thursday was the day...the pond cover came down

Meet Sherry who unlike me can handle an electric screw driver and not strip the screws. She arrived bright and early and right to work. Together we got it done...

now I have a pile of word that must be cut into 4 foot pieces for the trash pick-up. Now to locate the jig-saw I found in the cupboard. What a change to the corner of the yard. After Sherry left in came Dianna....and to work we went. She began with removing the last of the word from the wall and then to helping empty the pond. Once that was completed Dianna snapped the blind in the bathroom into place with little effort. I did watch how she did it for the next time. The problem was not only did Denny do all these things I did not watch how many were done. These gals are teaching me as we go along. While chatting I showed Dianna the chair I wanted for the bedroom and of course the wandering gal she is said "let's go get it" so of course off we went and came home with

Perfect chair for reading and needlework. Speaking of chairs, Dianna knew I was looking for a doll chair, something to sit one of many in and she found this while out with her Bobby....

a rustic handmade rocker. After texted me the picture and cost I immediately said yes. Once I am advised by friends Don and Glenda how to clean it, it will be used to display which ever doll fits the season/holiday. They know just how to clean and know whether to paint or stain furniture. What a busy day. Now this was why I was not here yesterday; busy is the key word and then exhausted. Now today or I should say once I drink my coffee out to the yard I will venture to do the cutting of the wood...did I mention I have never used a jig-saw? The pond still needs some cleaning but that will be tomorrow morning. All the outdoor stuff needs to be done early to beat the heat.
Today it may be that I will beat some rain. What I do not cut today will be moved into the garage to keep it dry until I can cut it all. Slowly things are getting done with the help of my friends. How lucky I am to have them. Glad that you my friends have stopped to visit. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement and most of all for your friendship. Let's have a good day.