Catching up

 Last week...glad it is now gone.First my personal fridge decided to no longer cool. then the laptop had issues the remote Geek sessions could not fix and the big one...the A/C was not cooling and the temp was rising outside. So, laptop to Best Buy, emergency call to A/C company and a new fridge ordered. Alan took care of all of it. Update...all is good now. May Sue is on display. Every time I make one of these banners I add my own touch to the pattern.

I added a bunny in the grass and changed the flowers a little. Already working on June Sue. They are fun to create.

When we went to Vegas we stopped at a gift shop/store/almost anything place and I found these two beaded birds to take home. I bought a butterfly for Lisa which is in her bedroom. So colorful.

This pattern is looking for a new home. I made just the one  character. It is indigo junction  The Tea Party from the Alice and Wonderland collection. please email me ....ghorton1@cox.net if interested....if more than one I will put your name in the hat to draw a name.

Murphy enjoys being outside. His favorite place is the swing...in the sun. Right now he is yelling at birds. Time to fetch hum back inside.

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

Lucky me

Since it is still dark outside I can not exactly tell you what is going on, but it is nippy. Yesterday to go to the doctor I actually needed a light zip front sweatshirt! Goodness. The temp is around 35 right now and might be to 60 today. I mean I guess we have to have winter temps sometime.
Yesterday the mail brought me a package.
Catherine from I Love to Stitch sent me

this beautiful beaded bauble. The bauble measures around 1 inch and the beaded fringe is 3 inches. I love it. Thank you for choosing me to receive this gift. Check our her blog (s) yes she has another blog.
The visit with the doctor was good. I am healing well if not slowly. I keep telling them that I am delicate and they now believe me! The bruising should begin to fade but the nerves in the leg are another thing. I have a med to take at night to help with the leg discomfort and help me get sleep. I have slight upset stomach and it may be the med as last evening was the first time taking it. There are always those possible reactions  to deal with. I will see how the day goes.They recommend that I use Asper-Cream with Lidocaine for the leg pain. I can resume normal activity as tolerated. First things first: Change Living Room curtains; continue to organize craft supplies in garage; clean the pond and the garden..... of course not all at once in case you are worried that I might do so. Just because I have the okay does not mean that I can. My legs really bother me when climbing or stretching and driving. But since the maid has not shown up I guess me and the Bissell will walk and take Swiffer along. I can count this as walking exercise! Funny how certain body motions can hurt.
I finally decided on the fabric for Dolly but it needs to be ironed before using so that may get done today. Guess that about covers it today. Thank you for stopping b and for your kind words and most of all your friendship.

******How many more days....12*****

On another note: thank you for all who kept my friend Bobby in their thoughts. His surgery went well and he has gotten a good follow-up report. Yeah Bobby!

I've Got Mail

"Hi, Grace!

You won my give away. Please email me your address and I'll send it out to you next week.

Hugs.....Kim"

This email caused me to squeal with delight and I was not disappointed....

And this is what arrived yesterday....

 

Thank you Kim for a lovely package. I think close-ups are required here.....

Kim paints on porcelain and this is just an example of her work. And how about ...

her needlework is beautifully done and I will make this into a pillow.



 

this was always one of my favorite designers....what a beautiful project.

Here is another beautiful project for me...

How elegant is this! and then last to brag about is ...

oh me oh my....I am still opening and looking at my package....lucky, lucky me. Sorry to sound so boastful, but I just can not help myself.  Yesterday was a meet with my local EGA Chapter and we are working on a small stitching sampler so I will certainly be busy and my March SAL is coming along nicely.  The weather is so wonderful here in Arizona that I feel guilty talking about it as it is not so for my family and friends elsewhere. Spoke with The Brother Alan last night and it was raining on his commute home from work. As we spoke, I had the sliders open and sitting barefoot in the sun..... I wish I could send sunshine and warmth to everyone. Today will be a stitching day on March and a bit of rest for my hand. So happy you stopped by for a visit. Thank you for your friendship and kind words.....have a wonderful day.

Good and bad mail day

Yesterday my mail was delivered and I retrieved it from my garage drop box. The postal person drives up to my garage and deposits the mail into the slot that fall int my mail box inside the garage. On the occasion that I receive a package, they are suppose to ring the bell . As I said there was mail in the box so I took it int. Later, Mr H was outside to toss trash and found a package on the ground.... mind you, we were both home all day and the bell never rang.

This was my package...my win from Nancy at Victorian Motto Sample Shoppe. They are  simply gorgeous...So many time I have put my name in the draw for her give always, and this is the first time I won. She has many of them so stop by and visit with her.We are having a very cool day today, but that is okay. The smell of the fire is still reaching us but not as bad as yesterday. I rested my hand yesterday so I think I will be looking for a project to work on. I do have one started and at the ready for when Mr H has his surgery and I will be spending time with him in hospital. We expect it to be for only 3 days, but as it happened the last time he was in a week. So I will be prepared! Now my friends, I shall go and do a bit of housework and then into the craft closet for a project. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Most of all, thank you for your friendship....have  wonderful day.

What a sunset

I have mentioned before my fascination with the sky and the clouds and just about everything sky. Saturday evening....

this is what I saw when I looked to the West toward The White Tank Mountain range...believe me when I say it took my breath away. This is totally untouched...an as it was photo! Last night's full moon was beautiful as were Venus and Jupiter....Today it is another lovely Arizona morning with comfortable temps and bright sunshine. I managed to get a little yard work done so Mr H who should not be doing it right now would not be tempted to do it later. Our growing season is year round and some plants do just that...keep growing. The lovely Snail Vine is looking a bit tired. I did get it to look more presentable. When I went to Cavecreek last week for the pumkin festival I bought myself another Southwet ornament to add to my collection

The artist is Bette Fraser Day. She lives here in Arizona, in Tucson. It is a hand-painted and embellished one of a kind glass art, with Silver and Turquoise pieces. Until the tree is up for Christmas, it will hang with my other pieces of Southwest art. I was lucky to win a drawing from Barbara and it arrived...

it is so nice. I love these scissors. Never have too many scissors. If you do not know her blog To Stitch or Not To Stitch do pop over and meet her. My sock is progressing, started the heel flap and then on to the the heel turning. Since I did start these ages ago and did not expect to put it aside...there are no notes. You know what I mean...on any project we tend to write ourselves reminders or measurements....well, I did not so I am using the finished sock and I hope it  turns out okay. So far so good. With that, I will say thank you for the kind words you send me and most of all for your friendship.....I have learned a good friend does not have to be someone in our daily physical lives. It is that special person who can be miles away. Have a wonderful day.

2 needles and a sock

The last 2 days we have had rain...down pours and we were caught out twice in it. A quick run to the market and the skies once again looked like "any minute"

no sooner had Mr H pulled into the garage and down it came....not complaining about the rain because we should need it. Problem is, that it never seems to amount to anything. Today it is so lovely ...sun is out but it is actually comfortable outside. I plan to sit outside before the heat is on. This is what I will be doing....

once again, looking in the craft closet revealed my knitting tote with one sock completed and the second at the ready. My goodness....I have not knitted in ages! I at one time worked in a knitting shop and that is where I found...TOFUtsies (toe-foot-sies) sock yarn from South West Trading Company located right here in Arizona. They have an outlet store in Phoenix. This particular yarn is made with part Chitin fiber from shrimp and crab shells! Soft and ooh so nice.

this is color #722 and the pattern was a freebie called Wild Kat from Deby Lake. It is knitted on 2 circular needles. I use a German long cast on for a nice stretchy cuff. I also, someplace in the depths of the closet have a lace shall started....one of these days.....
Mr H starts some testing for his upcoming surgery tomorrow and we will both get our flu shots. I always get a sore swollen arm after it.  I just found out that I won a drawing from Barbara ... she had a cute way to announce it. Always fun when we win a drawing....
Thank you for visiting with me today...and for the kind words.... and most of all your friendship....I am indeed very lucky to have you for my friends. Hope you have a wonderful day.

Change in plans....and a win!

First, I won a drawing over at Tammy's place...

so creative! I just love when someone has an idea and goes with it. This is wonderful. Tammy's blog is so nice be sure to pop over and say hello. I like that I can change the inside when new ink is needed....not just a decoration, but a usable pen for my sewing room.
Now for the other news...if you follow me on Facebook, you saw the picture of my right hand....

The first real issue with this was this past June. X-rays showed that I have arthritis in the first finger and first and second knuckle with inflammation between those knuckles. Well, it is blooming again so back to the surgeon for an injection yesterday...actually 2 injections into the area. I actually left work a little early on Thursday because it was swollen and very painful. Today, it is the same with a little more pain. What to do! Obviously, my stitching plans for the next few days are not to be. Work today will be interesting trying to measure and cut fabric for 5 hours..... it will certainly be slow going. I guess there will be more relaxing in the yard this weekend..... Vickie had asked about predators with having fish in the little pond.... the solution is that we have a cover that would hide them from the hawks that frequent the area.Rather than try to disguise it, Mr H painted it to be obvious and the orange is a nice color.

Simple but effective. The water sounds are not so loud as to attract hawks but pleasant enough when we are outside. Some of the "regular" birds  stop by for a drink. When Mr H drains some of the algae water off, he uses it to water the garden plants. Mind you, we have a Rain-bird system in the yard that he does not use because he prefers to water the plants himself. It keeps him busy. Typing this morning has been slow and uncomfortable, so off I go now to look at my Red Riding Hood instead of stitching on it! Time to ice the hand also...thanks for stopping by and I do hope you have a wonderful day.
PS**** sign up for the March Card exchange ends on Saturday February 28th.  Email me you mailing address if you plan to join in. I may already have your address if you joined in before.

Snails and mail

Our Arizona temps here in The Valley have certainly dropped...cooler and very nice. It also means that certain plants will once again thrive and bllom....

This is the first time that Mr H and I have seen the hummer tasting the Snail Vine..... just look at all the snails in bloom. Of course once he was tired of hoovering  around them, he return to one of his perches...

what a delight he is. So tiny that he can sit on this thin tiny twig . Mr H used to trim all of them off, but now we leave several for him to sit on around the yard. I had a very lazy day yesterday...no ambition to do any stitching or tatting. Even Mr H commented that He doesn't often see me without a needle in my hand.  I told myself that it was okay to do nothing. Today however is work....
Mail arrived as usual yesterday and again something for me!

Patty from pccrafty made the above needle case...and I was one of the lucky recipients ....I added a ribbon and a favorite old button from one of my button jars.....I will enjoy using it. Patty and I met when I first stated to blog---- she was looking for an eyeglass case pattern and I had one that I was never going to stitch.... and you know what happened next. Blogging friends are a special group. Yesterday during one of my ambitious moments, I set up my first PT appointment----- next Monday and the first injection will be on the Thursday. Keeping positive thoughts. In the meantime, I think I will return to my comfy spot on the daybed in the sewing room and watch a little TV.... definitely not the news.... tired of the political stuff.  Thank you for all the kind words and that you find time to spend with me. Have a wonderful day.

Resting my knee but not my hands...

First I want to must show you this sunrise picture I took this morning when I walked out my garage for the newspaper....took my breathe away.

 

Our forecast for today is for overcast skies and cool temps...love it!

I went to work yesterday and my 5 hour shift felt like 20 hours. My knee was so so sore that I have asked for Saturday off (off today anyway) just to rest it.Of course Mr H could only say " I told you not to go in to work, but do you listen". My finger is much better. I did not do any corst stitching, but did manage  not have withdrawals completely by working on this...

It was from the drawing I won from Donna at By The Bay Needleart....I did finish it differently from the design, but now have it hanging complete with twigs and fresh Rosemary by the front door. Really enjoyed this applique and easy stitch.  I am hoping to start Jack in the Hat this weekend. I miss stitching on Cinderella... and it is getting nearer to completion...

Before I know it, Cinderella will be off to the ball! Cinderella has been one of my favorite Disney Movies...fond memories of going to the theater with mom and sis to see it as a very young girl.
Well, dear friends, time for some breakfast and coffee and back to stitching. need to do a few errands with Mr H later but then it will be my time and maybe sitting out on the lanai to stitch. Glad you visited with me and thank you all for the kind words...whatever your plans are, hope you have a wonderful day.

Mail delivery

I love coming home and finding I have mail...First is Jack in the Hat by Threadwork Primitives

 designed by Nan Lewis.... I really would like to get this stitched now...fell in love with it and had to get it. I know, I have so many projects in the works, but I have a feeling this will be in my work basket today. And then I had wond a drawing from By The Bay Needleart...

Autumn in Vermont...I do remember drives to see the foliage.....and Give Thanks, a kit with luscious wool and linen.... happy me. This kit is definetely in the work basket as we speak.
I have quite a list of to do today things....I always make list or I would not accomplish many things on my days off. On Monday, Mr H and I went to the Garden Center for plants....and there are still empty pots in the yard. He has started more container gardening so he can move them about. I never know where I will find one plant from day to day. Certainly is interesting in my yard. We still have some clean up to do as the weather cools down. Temps have been around low 90's. If I can get my errands in order, I plan to be sitting outside stitching today. I am still looking for anyone who would like to join The Around The World Blog Hop...let me know if you want to join in. I know many have already accepted. That is about it right now... my fresh brewed coffee is calling to me.....love the smell of fresh hot coffee. Glad you stopped by to chat....hope you have a wonderful day.
note: I am having blogger issues today...but it will not spoil my day!

Where have the days gone...

This week seems to be a blur. A week almost past and I guess I was busy. Oh I did work on Elizabeth one day. I must say I am overwhelmed with your kind words for her. Thank you so much. She is still sitting in the living room. I guess I should remind you of the pattern and supplies:

 Design by Giulia Manfredini in Sampler Antique Needlework Summer 2014

23-count Belfast Linen from Lakeside

Gloriana Threads Florimell silk floss in the listed colors, 8 of them

Ecru silk dupioni and olive green silk dupioni fabric

Renoir porcelain half doll from Brier Rose imported from Italy

Silver-plated Elizabeth Chatelaine&mm silk ribbon from Gloriana Threads

Some of you have wondered about our weather... first I am not in a flood area thank goodness, but yes, the rains have caused serious problems for areas South and East of us and North too. This Monsoon season has developed into annoying weather. The humidity is getting to my asthma. I am still working on Cinderella.... hope to finish this weekend. I did pick up a white frame for it on sale at Jo Ann's that I think will work nicely. The beginning of the month Vickie offered a Bent Creek design, Dinner's Ready and I was lucky enough to receive it....

I love how she finished hers and may have to do one like it. Vickie included beautiful counting pins which I love; look how delicate they are.....and seeds for Shirley Poppies for Mr H to plant in our garden. How sweet is that?! Since I pick this out of the mailbox on my way to work and did not open it until I remembered it was in my bag this morning, he will be surprised.This weather has played havoc on his garden. Besides stitching on Cinderella (yet to start Christmas stitching!) I bought some beads to make a few Spiders... some Christmas others for Halloween. It is always my pleasure to make them for friends. I think it is time for me to get back to my coffee....so glad you stopped by today. Hope you have a wonderful day.

Delicious threads

Hi Gracie.  Your name was drawn as the owner of my threads!  Please send your address and I will get them in the mail Monday.  Hope you enjoy them!!

How happy this email made me...I put my name in the draw at Marley's blog . and I won!

 I love visiting with her and you will too....lovely stitching. The colors are lovely...like Raspberry Sherbert, Flame, Evergreen, Cranberry, Cherry and Sage...just to name a few.  A dozen in all...my lucky day! I finished the a on Amazing Grace and almost completed the r.My hands are still feeling really dry so I am not sure if I will be working with Elizabeth today. Lu, are you following all this?! Let me explain: Lu is my forever sidekick back in Rhode Island. We worked together during my last years there in a doctors office, side by side. By the end of our first week, we became sisters.... true friends. Lu telephoned me last night..... we chat like we are still together, well we are in our hearts. We have laughed, we have cried and we have shared secrets. She reads my blog and admitted to me last night that as she does not do any of these things, she gets lost in the posts! Sometimes you just know that a person will always be in your life forever, a true friend, a sister..... that's my Lu. I am so lucky!  Well now, it is time to get to do some laundry and bake that Banana Cream pie that I did not get to do yesterday. With the temps and humidity so hot, it is best to do baking early and this is early. I think I need a Pop-tart too.....glad you stopped by and we chatted today. Have a wonderful day. 

PS/ I just found a note on the desk; mag shirt finger mud.....do you know what this is? I sure don't. Guess I best toss it out so it does not drive me crazy trying to figure it out. Note to myself: write complete sentences with all notes to self.

Love to get mail

The rain stopped yesterday with the total about 1 inch. Everything is still quite wet and because of the strong winds, all sorts of tree debris is covering the ground. Our HOA paving project was to have started today, but cancelled until tomorrow....if it all dries out. Oh the mail....first let me tell you that Mr H was not a good hubby! The mail delivery from Saturday was not put where I would notice it  when I got in from a very busy Jo Ann's work day. Sunday morning I saw a white envelope.... then I saw the postmark...New Zealand...

I had won the Valentine's Day drawing from Lee, Other side of the Mountain..... is this not the most lovely gift set you have seen?  To have it in hand shows the real beauty of her stitching and finishing. In her note to me she hoped I would not just look at it, but use it. There is no way it will sit on a shelf.
Elegant hardly begins to describe her work. I am so lucky that Caitlin picked my name. Thank you Lee for sharing your talents. The set includes a scissor fob, a floss ring, a pinkeep, one of Lee's new clips and a tape measure. Of course she also made the card. My work kit will be the most elegant in my crowd!
Sorry to show off...well, I can't help it...but I am happy you had some time to stop by and chat. Hope you have a wonderful day.....

The day after

Well here it is Black Friday.... I am awake, getting ready for my first cup of coffee and then soon I will be off to the mad rush at Jo Ann's. My hours got changed for today...so in I will be for 8:30 AM instead of 5:30. I will for sure be soaking my hands in the paraffin bath tonight and thank goodness I have a foot bath soak too. It will; be a challenging day.
Mr H and I had a lovely day yesterday....he cooked a delicious turkey and we had roasted white and sweet potatoes and I made a wonderful antipasti. We had homemade apple and peach pies.

We sat outside on the lanai while the turkey was in the oven.....it was a lovely day all around. Mr H watched football and I wrapped some packages for mailing. I also remembered to draw for Jeanne's give away...the sampler pattern will be going out to June at Butterfly Wings.....and Minnie from All XX's had sent just the right name for....the elves...Pip and Nina. A little something will be out to her as well. Can you believe it is almost December? This year has passed so quickly for me. Sometimes almost a blur here and there.
I think tonight, if I am not too tired (ha ha), I will convince Mr H that he should help me rearrange a few pieces of furniture so I can put up the other 2 trees. Then it will be the outside lights.... hope he is not too tired! In the meantime, so glad you stopped by today....hope your day is wonderful....must have that cup of coffee.....

Rain rain and more rain and a tomato

For once the weather prediction was correct. It started to rain last night and is still raining. The only problem I have is that Mr H and I planned to go to a Fair in Scottsdale this Sunday and the rain is suppose to continue through then. After such a busy work week and before the dreaded Black Friday, I was hoping to go. We shall see. We have not shopped for our Thanksgiving turkey yet...we, really now, as you all know I do not do the cooking. Mr H has not taken care of it yet. Guess that will be Monday's to do thing. I will bake some mini pies....got to have dessert after all. Just ordered beads for a couple of new bracelets... some of the beads will be on back order but that is okay. I will get started on what arrives. Do I really need a new project? I guess so.
I was so tired when I got in from work last night. Such crabby people visited our fabric counter. Of course there were more nice people than not which is good. Mostly our repeat customers who understand and are patient. It's the "new" sewers/crafters who want immediate attention. And don't we all. Wonder if all this rain will keep them home today.... Mr H picked this yesterday..

It is the first of the Early Girl tomatoes. Plan to have it tonight with cucumbers and dressing....my mouth is watering.
Don't forget about Jeanne's give away for the sampler pattern (yesterday's post) and the Reindeer Food....  Glad you stopped by and thank you for the kind words. Have a wonderful day.

And so.....

Enjoyed a nice Wednesday morning with Sweet Jeanne. WE did more chatting than stitching, but that is what we sometimes do. Remember the beautiful sampler she stitched......

It  is Margaret W Brown by Milady's Needle..... Jeanne is offering it to one of you, that is right..... so if you would like to have this gently used pattern, please comment on this post saying that you would like to have it. I always say she is sweet. I spent the rest of the day relaxing and tatting. My little cold is still hanging around...but I do feel much better...just a bit of occasional cough and still need the  tissues.
Now about the Reindeer Food....no, it is not for people consumption...just Reindeer. Last year I was happy to send some to several blog children for Christmas Eve.... and I look forward to doing so again this year. So, if you have children and would like them to receive a packet and note email me their names and address and they will get an envelope addressed to them in time for Christmas Eve. It is okay if they got one last year, I will be glad to send again. Last year I also mailed Christmas spiders....I love having mine on the tree. Actually, I have several that hang around my sewing space all year long. Anyway, be sure to email me soon as I mail out the food early so it will arrive at your house in time. And so, that is my post for today. Now, I need a cup of coffee and to take some cold medicine and grab some tissue. Thank you for your kind words and names for the elves..... thank you for your caring friendship. Have a wonderful day.

#12----mission accomplished!

Yesterday The Debra and I got together for a Tat and Chat...so much fun being with her. Next week we will go out for lunch and a visit to Sweet Salvage in Glendale.
 I managed to start another motif and finished it last night...needs to be blocked and stiffened.

I really want to make this one again. I did add beads to the center picots...thought it would add a bit of sparkle. This may be the one to make several of to give away this Christmas. Christmas! I looked at the calendar this morning and where did August go?! It seems to me, that these past months have been zipping by. Seems like it was just Christmas.... seems like we just got the new car... seems like so many things have happened. Time is something we can not hold on to.
I started my Halloween Exchange... no, you can not see it yet. I was unable to get one of the DMC flosses... 4222 as Jo Ann's did not have it. Guess I will substitute with 42Remember I won Carolyn's give away

Well, she also included a wonderful project... one that I have considered buying! Now of course I must have the other 2 in the series! I love the Mill Hill Beaded kits.... the other Santa kits are The Mesa and The Desert. Thank you again Carolyn for not only the magazine but for the kit. I have also been adding those X's to The Witch...she is going to be so cute.
The weather is still hot and a record temp for the date was set yesterday at 114. Last night the monsoon hit parts of the valley...we just got the very high winds, no rain. Things got tossed about the back yard but nothing broken. Today we will enjoy the comfort of the air conditioner... no errands till tomorrow. I plan to stitch, how about you? Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day.

Help....just so many magazines

What a lovely morning... so far... not hot yet! Laundry done..... market done..... and craft stuff sorted... well, some of it. I just have so many magazines that I have no idea why I have them. You know how it is... it looks good on the magazine rack, you flip through and say OK then it sits in the basket... mine do... and never to be opened again! This morning I decided to see what was in the basket. A few I will keep as I will make think I might make something from them. As for the others, here is the list of must go:
Cross Stitcher:   #231/2010  #236/March 2011  #265/May 2013  #248/Jan 2012 and #246/Nov 2011
Cross Stitch Crazy:  #147/Feb 2011 and #144/Christmas 2010
World of Cross Stitch: #204/May 2013
Cross Stitch Gold: #26/Oct 2011
Cross Stitch & Needlework: March 2009, March 2011 and May 2011
Now, if you would like to have any of these, please comment with your choice/choices. I will draw if there is more than one request for a particular magazine. I really could use your help here! My basket is over flowing. I m sure you can look up what each has to offer...
I have been working on The Witch and she is coming along. I have not started another Tatting motif yet... can not decide which to attempt. I must say thank you for the kind words and encouragement.... really tingles my heart. I appreciate each and everyone of you.... glad you find time to visit and chat. Whatever your plans, have a great day.

A tatted pincushion completed

I can't believe that I have not been here since Friday last. Since I have not done or been anywhere memorable, there is not much to say about these last 4 days.... well, I have been stitching and Mr H and I have enjoyed watching a the P D James Adam Daglish series. We enjoy the various mystery series and never tire of seeing them over again. I have made nice progress on The Doll... soon it will be time to find her backing piece and trim. I have promised myself to look in my fabric stash first....
I have a busy day with Mr H as he has 2 doctor appointments today.... I have a meeting with Debra tomorrow to practice adding beads to my tatting. You knew I would sooner or later want to know how to do that. I love adding beads to almost everything. I did find a bracelet to bead on line but forgot to pick up the pearls yesterday before leaving work. I am off until Tuesday so I plan to get lots of stitching time in. Would you like to see my new pincushion?

I really like how it finished. I added beads to attach it to the cushion. I kept them subtle but there is a sparkle when you see them. I did learn a few things while tatting this piece. The patterns are not always right understandable.... they leave things out or maybe they assume you should know things. I now am sure to base what I am doing on looking at the picture also and writing out instructions simply. All in all, I am very pleased with myself! I see a few of these as being gifts.....as well as the snowflakes. I think I know which of them will be next. I am happy to have shared my time with you today.... thanks for the kind words and emails. I will be listing the give away tomorrow.... so there is still time to choose. Have a great day.

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.