My aquarium

 Finally fish that will live and a tank that needs very little care if any at all. I know, it is not real, but for me that is okay.

they were fun to crochet and set up to "float". The cover has a few sea items and a turtle. 

The shells are from Rhode Island. They are the only ones I have from there.  the sea bottom is aquarium sand sprinkled with "pearls" and sea glass and shells from Bermuda. 

the Brother Alan and Lisa brought them back for me.  I added a string of tiny lights to give it a nice glow at night. I am still thinking the covering for the cover which for now is raffia. I think I will get some green raffia and try it.

Eventually I will catch you up on what i had been doing. Let's start with this cute owl. I made it for my

nephew Antonio. He loves owls because that is the picture that appears when he is talking to his Papa (Alan). 

 My niece Natalia asked for a poncho in her favorite color of purple. 

I made a flower broach and then 2 other broaches so she can change or pin them to anything else. Another project I have enjoyed making...more of them to come.

And now she asked for an afghan made from the same yarn , so that is a project in the making. I love making something special when asked. .... or just because.

Glad you stopped by today. My goal is to post at least every week or two. Thank you for your welcome back to my blogging and your kind words, Thank you for your friendship.

How time flies....

 Hello friends.....I am still here. Time flies in a whirl. Life does have a way of getting in the way. Everyday I keep busy with this and that.

On February 3rd I celebrated my 78the birthday. This box arrived n the post from my sis Lyn. When I lifted the lid it played Happy Birthday and it was filled with a few bags of different popcorn and sour gummies and a sample of cookies. Fun in a box! Alan and Lisa bought me flowers and my request for Alan to cook for my dinner was Shrimp and Lobster Mozambique.  We had an ice cream cake...very nice.The Grand-kids sent me a video birthday wish. Thank you to  those who sent birthday wishes on Facebook and email. It was a nice day.

I made this Valentine Crow (designer, Alaina Carris, Avery Hill Designs) the fabric for the backing and border was originally white back round so I tea dyed it and it was perfect.

i just ordered this kit for making Yorkshire Buttons, from Gina B Silkworks. I can not wait to make some. Today my eyes are blurry so it may have to wait.

 

This little spool doll is waiting for hair and clothes. I remember these from long ago and decided to make one.Clothes will be a dress that is a tube dress.....simple.

Sorry for the absence....I hope to return soon.  Glad that you visited today. Thank you for kind words and thank you for your friendship.

 

Pigs do fly!!!

 Here we are in November. There are 53 days until Christmas and I find myself almost ready. My packages for  mailing  should go out by the first week in December. 

My last post I mentioned how little things pop up to distract  me. Well, truth be told, they are not so little. I am sure in this house there are Pixies living here. Yes, I do believe in all those things. Why do I know this, well here is a list of things that are missing....a kitchen paring knife--one of Lisa's white flip flops--my black feathered crow--Alan's I watch--my resin sculpture of a horse and rider (The End of the Trail)--and now my small book of my passwords. Oh we have look high and low and near and far. These items are someplace in the house....but where? there are other things that go on that disrupt living here; but that is for another post.

Look at my flying pig! Isn't she cute. I think the pink/white check suits her perfectly. Maybe a friend will join her....never know.  I enjoy creating this and that for my room. My room is my special place.

Recently made The Green Man using felt and twigs. I wanted to make one for a long time. When I saw this pattern it was perfect for how I wanted to stitch it. What my eyes see keeps my hands busy for sure. I am lucky to have the time to spend on these projects. 

Our weather here in Arizona is finally changing. the triple digit temperatures have gone away. The bedroom slider is open most days and Murphy loves going in and out. Sometimes he just lays by the slider sniffing the air. For no this is what is happening around here. There is more to share....

Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

Ocober Sue has arrived

 Another month  has gone. Before I know it, it will be a new year! The monsoon season is over here in Arizona. It should mean lower temps...out of 100+ days. Sure will be nice to sit outside.

Sue is collecting pumpkins and squash from the farm. She has a few friends following her! Yes, there is  bat out during the day. Lisa said it was National Bat Day! Soon I will gather all the pieces to plan November. In the meantime, Id will continue to create my Miniature Bedroom Box. It certainly has been fun. I never had a doll house but I would have loved to. The price on them can be quite $$$$. The Room Box is okay. Maybe I will create a sewing room....who knows. Alan has mention he would like me to create a Library room for the bookcase in his office area.

this is  ow I set up for the micro crochet runner...blanket. I use the bowl so the thread unravels neatly and does not end up falling to the floor. the runner is 3 inches so, half done.

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

ps...can hardly believe another post from me!

Thinking small.....

 What happened? I try; but something seems to hold up the posting...actually it is just me. I seem to be dragging my feet. I do know I have slowed down. Not in a rush...rather feeling lazy some days. There was a time that by 9am everything was accomplished...now I would rather linger in bed..... luckily I can. I have nothing that requires immediate attention from me. Love it.

When I say thinking small....it is as in miniature.  a
 Recently while browsing YouTube, I was fascinated with a gal who actually made a Doll house and furniture in 1:12 scale. She is unbelievable....her furniture is perfect as are the accessories. She micro crochets bed blankets and pillows! So, I tried the granny squares.

This will be a bed runner for the doll house "room" I have built.  Instead of a whole house, you can build a room.  It is also referred to as a room box. They can be bought but I decided to make my own with foam core. No, I am not making the furniture, it is simpler to buy. Have a look....

The night stand has 3 draws that open. I made a tissue box and book for the top. The clock is a button! I made the tatted mirror and the bedding.

There is a sheet, duvet and of course pillows

A crocheted pillow and cushion for the chair and of course a craft basket. I made folded fabric, skeins of yarn and knitting needles, and it sits atop a table. The floor is wood that I bought and trimmed to fit.

I added windows that really open and lace curtains.

I found the already made pumpkin at Dollar Tree but made the broom. Plans are to make window boxes for the outside and will have flowers to see from inside the room.  I will add a few books and maybe a vase for the dresser.  I think a teddy bear for the bed. Everything is to scale of 1 : 12.  It has been fun. I forgot how much I like crocheting..... 

Lisa is doing well and has returned to work but only part-time. The Cardiac Therapy continues 3 times a week. Nice to visit today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

There was a lady named Beatrice.....

 Hello my friends. Still slowly sewing on my quilt. I sew a little then I rest my hand and shoulder adding windows  I go along. I was told to wear this sling 27/7 and I am, but counting the days that I may take it off. I am trying to be a good patient.I am learning to slow down.

Next is to attach another strip then windows. I work going around and when I reach the width that I want I will then only add blocks to the top and bottom to make the length. Yesterday I added another Dianna and a piece of fabric from long ago...the 80s. Stop snickering, we all have pieces of fabric that we just save.

There was a lady friend who taught me to quilt. Her name was Beatrice Angell and we met in the early 80s. The piece added in her name is the blue arrow one which is also in the pillow. It is a pattern from the book, Scrap Quilts and called  Star of the Orient. This pillow is sewn by hand and both sides are the Star in different colors. Bea was a beautiful quilter. She also made quilted vests. She encouraged me at all times to try.  Every hand stitch reminds me of Beatrice.

I ordered a 10 yard bolt of muslin from Jo Ann's and it arrived yesterday. I still have yardage from the start, but wanted to be sure to have it on hand to be able to keep going. If you look to the sidebar on the right of my blog page, you will see the names of those who sent pieces of fabric for the quilt. So far one window from each of them is in the quilt. I will continue to add them here and there and write their names on the back. 

Now who do you think sent pink scrapes and a pink poodle????

I am so grateful and happy to include these pieces of fabric from everyone and have their name on the reverse side behind the fabric window they sent. Such a variety to choose from. I still continue not to select a print. I just pick out of the bin and sew it on.
 

I finally found a home for my "older" Singer...the one that served me well for years. It will be given to a sewing student at a small quilt shop that does not have a machine of her own. Happy to help someone out. Erica, the shop owner said she always has someone who can't afford a machine. Lisa and I will take it to the shop later today. Our weather has really heated up...in the high 90s to 100+. I think it is time to make a container of iced coffee. 

There are chores to do but I would rather sew! Glad to show you the quilt and tell you about Beatrice. I wonder what happened to her..... thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Breaking News!

Did you miss my posts? Just had a doctor visit (new PCP) and for the last 2 weeks (since seeing her) my blood pressure is high again but my pulse is too low.... of course it is! Now another BP med is added to make it 3. My lab work shows a couple of concerns . I will be seeing a cardiologist soon. I have been experiencing lightheadedness and dull headaches.... tough getting old. Truth to be told, I have been feeling tired and lack of energy and ambition. Hard for me to believe, but soon I will be 74.... 

Oh wait...that is not the Breaking News. NO. 

Isn't this kitchen towel cute? Lisa bought it for me. We are in love with Gnomes! I keep a towel on display with my mixer for the season/holidays. Love is in the air. Alan and Lisa will be getting married February 9th. They will take a couple of days to stay and wander about in a town just North of us. Murphy and I will hold the home front.. I am happy to say I will be their witness. Wedding bands are bought, dress is bought, shoes and other things to be packed. Dinner reservations are made at one of our favorite restaurants. Tomorrow we will order flowers. We are excited.  Of course there will be pictures to share of the big day.

New craft to practice...paper beads. I know, why? my answer is because. Pictures soon.

Have you seen these...mask guards. They are great. It keeps the mask away from your mouth so you can breathe easier and talk to be understood.  Lisa and I have been wearing one for about a week. It stays in place once you put the mask over it. Looks like a turtle! 

So, I will try more to keep up my blog. Sometimes my feeling down gets control of me. Just the other day I learned that My cousin Ann is in hospital with Covid-19 in the ICU for the past few days. Please keep her in your thoughts. The virus was everyone's concern but then it hit my family with the passing of mom, EvaP and then we began to hear of friends and acquaintances having contracted it and passing.  No longer just strangers or famous people...but our family and friends. Masks and social distancing...please help. Get the vaccine when it is available to you. I will be trying to sign up this coming week. The country has been a crazy place and we must work together.

As always it is so nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship. 

Edit/update

I was asked to list info so a card could be sent to Alan and Lisa. 

Last name.....Piccirilli

17002 N Pinion Lane

Sun City, AZ 85373

One year ago today

 Can you believe it is one year ago today that The Brother Alan and Lisa arrived to set up home with me??? So much has happened. There were adjustments and changes and 2 people added to the home. For 2 years that Dennis had passed I lived alone and did as I pleased. It took just a short time for us to get used to the new arrangements...mostly on my part.  Then we added Murphy. I no longer need to take care of the garden, take out trash and recycle, there is help with other chores and Alan and I share the cooking. One of the other good things for me is that I do not like to drive anymore and now I do not have to.

I wanted a few things done and Alan was able to do them with no trouble. Fencing in the garden to keep Murphy out! New lights here and there.... and this is the latest project....

I hated the verticals in my room. I wanted this look and Alan was able to do it in a day. I now have more privacy from the lanai and garden area. With the weather eventually cooling down the lanai will be used more and as you can see my room opens to it.

Here are a few pictures of changes------

The brick pavers were extended to square off the garden and the fencing goes all around the planting area. The pond was removed after a week of jack hammering.

Our rose and kitchen garden. We did not plant the chives in here and Murphy ate them all!

It wasn't all work....Lisa and Alan lounged in the pool they bought for Murphy who will not go in it!

We made changes around the inside in all rooms to make it ours. I am sure there will be more in time but for now our home is comfy and yes at times like a 3 ring circus but we would not have it any other way.

Murphy has gone from a scruffy puppy 

To a handsome one year old who still acts like a puppy!

Yes, during this past year many things happened. As you may know, this past week we lost our mom. EvaP had been in a nursing facility. Slowly she lost ground; dementia and falls and then Covid. EvaP was 93 and lived a good life. She travelled, she enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her nieces and nephews were important to her...she loved their monthly lunches when she was well. She passed peacefully in her sleep on Sunday morning October 11th, the last of that generation. My cousins and I are now the older ones! Thank you to many of you who sent her cards and letters during her adjustment to the new living arrangements. It really did help.

All in all, so many new things----- many changes happened---- so many changes yet to come---- we are ready. 

Thank you for stopping by and for you kind words and sympathy notes. Thank you for your friendship.