It's the weekend

I have no idea where this week went off to. I do know that I am enjoying the Spring weather because winter really is nothing to talk about. I just walked out to the garden to check on things as I do everyday. The water is still flowing down the rocks in the pond....the alien vine is still spreading all over the place.....there at blooms on the yellow bells bush and the sun is bright and warm.
I skyped with The Brother Alan yesterday. The poor guy just about got home yesterday with the train out of Boston.

Glad he left work early because they then cancelled all trains along the Eastern corridor. He and Lisa are ready...oh so ready for some Arizona sunshine. Wasn't he a cute kid? Even back then he wore a cowboy hat! Instead of riding trucks he now rides horses. I did mention that they would be here didn't I? We have tentative plans but we usually just do what comes along. One thing is certain they ...notice the word they....will be going horseback riding one of the days. We also never miss going into Scottsdale to the Rusty Spur for drinks and then it will be whatever.
I did absolutely nothing yesterday. My right leg is still sore and when it is I do not concentrate well. I puttered around the garden but then just sat and listened to the sounds of water. The hummer kept me company for a little while. Today will be a little more yard work after a trip to Home Depot. I just might get to tat later. By the way, The Brother Alan is coming to town....did I mention that?
Well off now waiting for Glenda and Don ...Don will be guiding me with my Home Depot stuff. So nice to chat with you today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

*****Arrival of The Brother Alan is March 6th*****

Chilly in Arizona

The winter temperatures have finally arrived and I am not happy. No indeed. It is almost Spring and I do not like to put on socks and long sleeves now! It will soon be March and to me it means Spring. The garden is not happy either.....a few plants look unsure of what to do next. So far the "alien" Snail Vine is not slowing down but my lovely geranium is thinking about calling it quits. So spoiled I am with the usual Arizona warm temps.
I should begin by telling you that my legs are finally feeling better, still very tender in certain areas but a lot better. It is a longer process than I thought it would be. Still using all the prescribed medications so I still start my morning a bit scattered in the brain.....some would say not too  different for me! I did keep busy yesterday.....I started tatting another Snowflake

I would have been a littler farther along except I cut the wrong thread and voila! had to start over. So I took a break

moved to my sewing corner and cut out the clothing for Dolly. All set to sew...almost. Trying to decide on the dress part...so I took a break.....brought something into the garage and decided to start to paint my mail box. Our "mailboxes" are really a mail slot from the outside of our garage and the mail drops into the garage. In my case the former owner had built a box for the mail to drop into. The inside area is now painted and today I will do the outside which is still inside...right. The only time to do this is from Saturday afternoon to Sunday as there is no mail delivery. Just adding a bit of color to an all white garage interior...which is quite boring. So, as you can see I did start a few projects and took a few breaks and today will hopefully get back to all of them. Finishing just one of these projects would be nice.
I did enjoy the Olympics especially the Curling and the skiing. Not so much the skating this time. I am not a big baseball fan so sports for me will be on hold for awhile. Guess if it gets warmer I can turn to gardening. Finally found the number of the guy to sharpen the tools so I will be calling him today. He is a mobile van and will sometimes come to you. Getting organized is the goal. Well, I think I need to go sit for awhile until the sun rises and my light-headedness lifts. Thank you for taking the time to visit and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

****there are 8 more days in the countdown****

Finally awake, well getting there

A sunny chilly day but really refreshing out there. Spoiled by so many very warm winter days we now complain when the temp is normal.  There is a breeze but at last my garden is being tossed about.
Surprised at such a late post? Well late for me but I can "esplain lucy". The doctor told me to take the med at night at a couple of different times so I could judge how I feel in the morning. The pill will make you groggy she said. Now if my sis Lynowl is reading this she is rolling her eyes...anything that makes the average person a little groggy certainly will make me Groggy with the capital G! Last evening I forgot the pill so it was 8:45 when I took it. So what I thought. It will just let me sleep longer. No. I was awake at 3 AM hungry so a bowl of Shredded Wheat and a cup of coffee...I know ...no coffee at night. Well by 4 I was back to sleep but awake around 7. Here is almost 11:30 AM and I can say I feel as if I can function. I would not make any important decisions yet, or drive the car but it is safe to say I am awake.  Glenda and Don are having a garage sale so I took a walk there to get the brisk air so it would help me wake and I think it did help a little. I bought a nice small table and once it is in place I will take picture. In the meantime, if the afternoon is better I may make the Pizzelles that I am craving.

Isn't this Angel pretty. Yesterday Dianna came by and we took a short ride to get her some yarn. We admired these little Angels.  is made in the Raku method. When we returned here she changed my living room sheers for me. I am not sure of her exact words to me when she found that I was going to use the step ladder but she insisted on doing it. My sister friend. Dianna left and I went to get bread and milk and a shopping later I came home with very painful legs so I decided to rest with them up. As I was looking up at the window thinking how lucky I am for Dianna and I noticed something on My Denny and me book. It was this sweet Angel. You see, Dianna remembered that yesterday was one of those number days and she cares. She sent me an IM wishing me a belated happy birthday and a message "let me know when you find it". Good timing as I had just found the Angel. She is a very caring gal.
I  did begin another tatted snowflake late yesterday but not sure if today is a good day to work on it. This is my tale and this is all here is for today! Time to have something to eat and no more coffee. So glad to have you stop by to chat. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

*****How many days left?....11 *****

Disclaimer.....I think I proof read this but if there any points of confusion...sorry, tomorrow will be better.

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!

What a week....and it's only Thursday!

Rain.. yes indeed there was rain in The Valley of the Sun yesterday afternoon. The official measurement was about 1/4 of an inch and the first really measurable in 130 days. Well, it is a desert area!

There were bubbles in the birdbath! It did not rain heavily here but enough to be steady for a short time. It was nice and we do need it but at this rate the drought will continue.
Thank you for the lovely messages on Valentine's Day. Another one of my firsts to pass. The Brother Alan called to check on how I was feeling since the latest procedure which was Monday. To be honest, it is not as painful (but it is badly bruised) as the right leg which is still so sore. Those bruises are starting to fade. Tonight I get to sleep without bandages or compression stocking...that should feel good.

I stuffed and stuffed and began to put the Tilda doll together and I even tatted a little yesterday. Found an unfinished tatted Ice Drop started so I thought it was time to finish it...neither of the projects got finished! I did watch the Olympics. It is so hard to watch the figure skaters when they fall or fail to complete a technique. I know the count of medals is important but for me it is to see the accomplishments of all the athletes. Years of work to get to the competition is a reward in itself. The skiing is my favorite and the Curling. Still learning about the rules and stuff but I enjoy the how and why of the game. Today will be another good day to relax and watch more of the games.
Guess that about covers what I have been up to this week. The Bissell needs a walk but I am not suppose to do that yet...gee, I feel bad! Since the air still has some rain drops in it I can forget about cleaning the yard, oh wait, that is not on my okay to do list...gee....guess I will just sit and do some crafty thing and watch the Olympics. Glad you visited with me today. Thank you for the kind words and for your caring friendship.

***friends are kisses blown to us by Angels*** unknown author 

Off to see The Wizard

Oh what a gloomy morning. The sky is grey and the air has a chill. They say it may rain and it certainly does feel like it will.
Yesterday Honey, AKA Keith, came by and I got a few computer lessons. He makes it all so simple! He also moved my fabric bin for me. So the doll will get some clothes....still in the stuff her stages. Then we watched some of the Olympics before he headed home. The chicken and escarole soup did get made but not the Pizzelles and we know I will be a bit loopy this afternoon so not today either. I will be off to see The Wizard doctor later this morning for the right leg procedure then I will have matching set.  The steri-strip from the incision came off and of course there was a little bleeding. I remembered all the medical supplies I had to get when Denny was ill and sure enough, I had steri-strips so I am all patched up.
I guess I should talk about the Dove couple.

Doves mate for life....which is good but also sad if something happens to one of them. They have a great system for raising their 2 younglings. One is with the nest at all times. He sits on the nest during the day and then they switch off and she remains for the evening. Once the babies feather out then they can be left for periods during the day. I do not know when they decide that their mate is gone and it is time to move on, and how long they remain by themselves. It seems that is what happened here with my Dove pair. One returns everyday and sits before flying off. The one egg will never be nurtured. I will remove it so that maybe another pair may come along and stay. As sad as it is, it is what nature is all about. When you open your garden to all you must accept that.
Glenda will be taking me again today and it will be the last of her escorting. I so appreciate her as my friend. Glad you stopped by and I thank you for your kind words and for caring about me. Thank you for your friendship.

****22 days but who's counting!**** 

A brisk windy day...

I did hear some racket out in the darkness of the garden in the wee hours this morning but did not check until it was light out. I had no plans to open the doors and meander out in the dark windy night. One umbrella fell over, some pots rolled around and the glider cover found it's way out from the potting shelf. All is secure now and I will be staying indoors. The temps are expected to be in the normal for this time of year which has not happened at all. Rain forecast for parts of the week!

There was some pink thread left on the shuttle so I tatted another of Gloria Nelson's With all my Heart. This time I added gold and a pearl beads. These are quick to do and a good way to use up left over shuttle thread. I think there is a shuttle with some lavender....

Remember the little white chair I bought? Well Hannah is sitting waiting for Easter with some potted tatted Easter eggs.  Once March arrives the eggs will hang on the Snowflake branch and they will find another spot to rest. I got lazy yesterday and did not work on anything. Truth be told, my leg was bothering me. Just so you do not think I am a cry-baby...well, maybe a little....

This is my right leg...bruised, swollen and very sore. Glenda stopped by to bring me her delicious homemade salsa yesterday and suggested that I remove the ace wrap and drop the stocking for a bit...it did relieve some of the pain and last night I was able to sleep without both of them. Still very sore and sleep was not the best. Tomorrow we get to bruise up the left leg.
Laundry #2 is fluffing in the dryer and I will soon begin making chicken soup with escarole. I am not sure how ambitious  I will be later but I do want some Pizzelles. We will see.
Glad to have time to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.
I am counting...The Brother will be here March 6th....

Saturday morning happenings....

Don't you just go crazy when you do dumb things? Several times I get the wash ready and forget to close the washer lid...well, on my machine that means that the clothes just sit in water and then it drains and you have to start all over again! So, finally the washer is swishing. Per doctors orders I am not to climb or lift anything over 15 pounds. So......I attempted to retrieve a plastic shoebox that was on a high shelf using my trusty yard stick...oh the shoebox came down alright, good thing I turned my face away because it hit me on the head. Now don't get excited...it only had tatting items in it so I did not get hurt.

I sat at the sewing machine yesterday and have all the body parts for the Tilda doll (finally). She needs to be ironed and then stuffed...but...I cannot pick out fabric for her clothes...I have the fabric but it is in a heavy bin in the garage on a shelf and I cannot get it out do to restrictions. I guess she will be stuffed and naked for a time.

I love trying different origami folds....so I made some paper stars and hearts this week. Not a clue what to do with them but fun anyhow. I never tire of trying and learning. These little stars are puffy one ...I have made flat folded ones many times.
I also found some paper doll cut-outs...

and feathers so of course there were printed out. I need Honey Keith to help me with the printing on cardstock...I seem to be having trouble with it. There is a butterfly there too. Not all my interests ae with needle and thread....
I even found a lovely heart and flower embroidery pattern to make. There is the problem....finding all these interesting things to do and now to find the time to make them.
Before I leave you, I must...... absolutely must show you my morning sky...

.....the beauty of the morning sunrise draws me stand in awe......never do I tire of seeing the amazing beauty of the sunrise.
Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship and good wishes for my leg procedures.

Don't forget...The Brother Alan is coming! March 6th...my calendar is marked!

S l o o o w day

Such a slow day this morning...hard to get going even if there really is no place to be going. Not a good sleep night with my leg so sore. Once I get up for the ice pack then I am awake for some time and then it starts over again! Okay, no complaining!
The sun is bright and the garden is full of color and the little waterfall is sounding lovely...but the doors are not yet open as it is still a bit nippy out there. The coffee just finished brewing so I will enjoy it while it is hot.

These are 2 of my favorite cook books....I bought these both when Denny and I married in 1970. I drove him crazy with the Jell-O and pudding recipes in the books. Stained from so much use, I think I will look up a few recipes to make. I made lots of tilted Jell-O cups and whipped Jell-O too.

This is a Holiday Tree that Denny bought late 2016 and so far it is still growing new shoots. I would like to move it to another spot but not sure how it would adapt. So for now I shall be careful not to brush by the very sharp needles.

In just a few days the alien Snail Vine is attempting to take over my globe....not going to happen. I must remember to clip it.
Did anyone watch the Olympics last evening? I did for just a short time. My stomach did flip-flops seeing the skiers go down and flip and twist and turn. I saw a little of the skating too. Will see if I am interested enough to watch this evening.
In the meantime, coffee, ice and hopefully I will do something constructive today. Thank you for the caring emails. Thank you for the kind words and most of all your friendship.
Did I mention The Brother Alan and Lisa are coming...25 more days.

Oh what a day

Today will definitely be one of those days....nothing much will probably get done. Procedure #2 was yesterday on the right leg again. This time it was front and up to the high inner calf area. So......yes the ice has been on frequently and the ache is strong from the knee upwards. Thanks to dear friend Glenda for accompanying me as my designated driver so I could take the prescribed meds. This time it had some pain with the procedure and I am sure it would have been worse if not for the meds. Feeling loopy helps! Monday is the last and it will be the left leg.
Before heading off yesterday I was determined to get some tatting in....(Glenda reminds me not to tat after the doctor!) This will be another tatted heart...but not today.

Although it is quick and easy I doubt that I will be able to concentrate on much today. I did visit the garden as I do each morning

Red Lips Salvia is blooming nicely. The hummer enjoys visiting it and buzzed me as I was talking the picture. I noticed that the alien Snail Vine is once again attaching itself to it and well as the tomato plant so I will need to trim that later.

I must say that the Snail Vine is spectacular this time around....clusters of the pretty flowers are many. I even noticed that my Lavender plant is beginning to have blooms.
Still no sign of the Doves.....
I did bake Tuesday afternoon, a batch of Almond Biscotti. The Pizzelles will wait until the weekend. The Jell-O is waiting on the counter to be made, later. Just now I will have another cup of coffee and get ready to take my morning walk...doctor's orders. Your visit is always nice and thank you for your kind words and most of all your friendship.
PS...it is a good thing that I did proof read this...you would not known what I was saying...I almost didn't! Rest...rest...think I will rest.

Start the count down

A beautiful morning and I just managed a walk, not the 30 minutes, but nevertheless a walk. The garden has been checked...the ducks are floating just fine and one of the grasses has some new growth. All in all it looks pretty good out there.
I am thinking of getting my hair cut today, that is if the gal is working...if not then the weekend. Every so often I let my hair grow out thinking I will get a new style but then just fall back to the one that I usually have and one that is wash and wear....simple. Tomorrow is the next procedure so today will be a drink water all day; adding lemons and cucumbers and maybe some fresh strawberries. Dear friend Glenda will be the designated driver for me and lucky to have her. Here it is 9 AM and I am thinking about pizza! I think I will have to settle for French toast this early...maybe for lunch. My other thought is making almond biscotti today as I did promise Glenda I would last week.

This guy, The Brother Alan and Lisa will be here in one month...yes they  arrives on March 6th for a week....let the count down begin! I have a Bro- To- Do list ready...not too long but I don't want him to get bored by all the good weather and sunshine..... coming form the East Coast and winter and all.
 No sightings of the Doves so I guess they have moved on elsewhere. I will leave their 2 nests just in case....
I am really craving that pizza now so I best have my breakfast. Glad to chat with you and thank you for the kind words and friendship. I will not be posting tomorrow most likely because tranquillizers and typing are  not a good mix with me!