Farmer's Market delivery

A beautiful morning but I know it will be a hot day. The temp at 5am was 70 and the forecast is for the low 90s. Just got a text from neighbor/friend Al..."are you up?"

For the answer yes.....he came by with this bounty. The string beans are so snappy fresh and the zucchini is just asking to be made into a salad and a frittata. Look at the tomatoes... nice and firm....yum for this weekend.
Went for lab work yesterday along with half the neighborhood, but I sat and read my book and was finally called and out in a few minutes. I should have made an appointment but at least it is done.
Today I am posting the first of My Stash Must Go

This book has never been used...I think I breezed through it twice.... and it has full patterns included. It is still new! Please email (email located on the right sidebar at the top of blog) me if you are interested and I will draw for it mid week. I am trying to spend time each day sorting the stash stuff. While going through this and that I found this project that I started last year around May 9th.....

there are a few projects that got put aside while My Denny was ill so now it is time to finish them. It is French Boutis Scissor Case from Averyclaire Needle Arts. There is not too much more (I think) of the stitching to do. Who knows what else I will find in my stash!
Well, the garden is calling me and I need another cup of coffee....so off I go. So nice to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Today is my day off

I was very busy yesterday...housework, beef stew, pot pies and laundry. So, today is my day off. Well, that is after I change the sheets on my bed and the laundry is done. Then it is ****"La dolce far niente" for me today.
Thank you to those who emailed me to tell me you were interested in my give away....I chose Lynda Ackerson. She plans to stitch this lovely sampler for her younger sister who is a 5 year breast cancer survivor. Congratulations to your sister for this milestone. It will be in the mail this week.
The footstool is fixed! I still would like to find another footstool to use with my rocker and leave this one in my bedroom. The hunt will begin!

We had some light rain late yesterday and of course winds. The garden looks quite shabby today. It will take some time spent to get it back to my organized shabby. I love the wild look of plants but this is more than that. I am glad I thought to pick my beans yesterday morning

and a few tomatoes. I am glad I planted the beans as I have enjoyed them in small pickings so nothing is wasted. Those tomatoes will be in my salad today along side the beef stew.
The laundry is ready for the dryer, the bed needs making and time to have some toast with my coffee. Thank you for taking time to visit with me and for the kind words. Thank you for your friendship.
****Italian for Sweet idleness

Oh beans !

So sorry for all my family and friends along the East Coast. I remember well the winter storms! The Brother Alan had to leave work early yesterday due to the train schedules and the off chance that he would have to overnight in Boston. Took him quite a time to get a train and then to get home. Alan would always call Denny and me on his way home whenever the weather was bad, *Hands free calling* and this way we always knew where he was in case of an emergency. Of course he managed to get stuck in front of his house!
Went into the garden this morning to check on things

I found beans! Okay, I know it is only 6 but I will add them to my salad. Plenty more out there but too small to pick. The Alien Vine is still reaching for the back door

It is just about 4 feet from the door and as you can see from the picture, it is spreading across the path of the arbor and along the ground every which way! Four tomatoes are almost ready and then there is this vibrant spot

Wow is my thought. A few other plants look a bit tired but I will leave them for now. the over night lows have been in the high 30s and then the days are in the high 60 to mid 70s, so the poor things are not sure what to do.
I spent hours yesterday trying---unsuccessfully--- to tat with adding beads with a particular method and after a few  &*^$#*  I gave up. I will not get myself in a tizzy over it. Today will be to relax and tat a snowflake and to read the book sis Lynowl sent me.

Don't forget the giveaway in previous post   https://needlespinsanddragonflies.blogspot.com/2018/01/a-special-giveaway.html. Glad you could visit with me today...always a pleasure to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and friendship. 

A special giveaway

Today was start to clean the craft closet day. I came across a special project the I bought back in 1994. I did not buy it to necessarily stitch it, but to support a cause. All proceeds from the sale of the pattern book went to Breast Cancer Research. Select needlework shops sold it and they are numbered and the sales would end on December 1996...one year. The original prices are still on the book and supplies. ($15.00 and $31.50)

It is called Once Upon a Lifetime....The Tree of Life is the poem. It is signed by Lois and numbered, this is 362/1000.
I have all the threads, embellishments and 28 count Cashel linen.
In May of 1993 she was diagnosed with malignant breast cancer. This was her way of doing something to help research.

I would like to give this to someone who will stitch it. It really is a lovely design. So, if you are really interested in stitching this....please send me an email---ghorton1@cox.net  and tell me why you would like it. I will choose a winner on January 21st.
We all know someone who is affected by cancer of one form or another. This would make a nice memorial for a special someone....or even as it is.

The Tree of Life is Hope..

for Hope, like Life flows

from the bubbling brook of

Curiosity into a rippling

cascade of Discovery.

Change in habits

I am noticing that I have slowed down...you heard it here first. I actually do not rush to get out of bed now just because I am awake. I dilly dally. I am trying to settle in to this new normal finally instead of out do it. Either that or I am as old as I feel most days!
Look what I "found"

Pinocchio plastic glass from Burger King 1994 and it has the box. A difference from the glass collectibles from 1970s to plastic in the 90s. I have several of the Disney movie mugs too.
While in the cupboard

these were from Maxell House coffee. They were $1.00 each with the paper seal from the instant coffee jars. When we were first married Denny drank only instant coffee and it was Maxwell House. They date to the early 1970s. Maxwell House coffee dates to 1892 and the name is from a hotel in Tennessee. Good to the last drop!
Now about yesterday. I was unable to pick up and knit the shawl that was started so long ago. Fist, there seems to be yarn missing...and secondly I could not get the pattern to work out! Frustrated, I put it away. But, I pulled out another project...no... no, not for me to do. When I bought it some time ago at a knitting show I wanted to make it as it is lovely. Now, not interested and want to find it a good pair of hands to knit it.

shades of blue lace yarn.
So, if you are a lace knitter and would like to have this, please leave me a message and it may be yours. If more than one is interested, I will draw a name....1 week from today.
Swept the yard earlier this morning and decided it is still too hot to be out there so I will be inside with iced water and cucumbers with lemon slices today. Alice and I will watch a movie and stitch. Poor neglected Alice....I am taking a tatting break.
14 days to The Brother Alan. My email from him this morning is that he is planning meals!
thank you for stopping by and for the kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship.

On the sewing table...

I have been busy this morning. Laundry #2 in the washer, pattern pinned and cut....

Making a surprise for a special little girl. If you guessed Natalia you are correct. I just love the butterflies on the yellow background. Reminds me of Spring. While at the sewing shop ( a small fabric shop in the neighborhood) I spotted these gals...

Tweezers...they are so cute. (sorry the picture is not better, but using indoor lighting) Do you use them in your needlework/crafting projects? I do and have several "regular" types but these just called my name. One will be for me and the other will be leaving. Where do you ask? That depends on a few things....if you would like the "Blonde Gal" leave me a comment telling me if you do use tweezers and if you do not why you would like her to move in with you.  I will draw from the comments next week.  Our weather has been delightful...yesterday it was in the mid 80's as it will be today and all week. Spring is in my back yard. In my kitchen...

this lovely lady is all in bloom....I do not know the name of this African Violet but her iridescent petals glisten in the light. Several of my violets are blooming. I have a couple who remain stubborn and do nothing. They are all in the same window box and receive the same watering and light.... who knows. I am off to get back to the sewing project and am really happy you had some time to stop by. Thank you for your valued friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.

Time to clean out

Spent the last 2 days looking through the closet of stash..... why do we collect patterns that we will never stitch? Even if they are freebies, does not mean they will become projects. So, I am tossing and hope to gift a few things....

This is a complete set of Flip Its; January to December and some still have the charms but unfortunately some do not. Where they have gone is a mystery. I have never stitched any of them and if by now this is so, it is never going to happen. They need a new home....any takers?????
While looking through the smalls, I also found these

never stitched and never to be by me....they would like to be real so they also need a new home.....
The plan is to revisit every month or so all the items in the craft closet...next up will be magazines.... so if you are looking for some stash, look here and let me know if you are interested.
Laundry number 2 is in the wash and maybe we will do a number 3 this morning. I definitely need another cup of coffee and my feet up. Did a bit on Red yesterday...the wolf is getting a tail. Almost finished with it. I must start on a few Christmas ornaments....I had hoped to have a few completed by now... the thought was there. It sure has been nice having you visit with me today....thank you for the kind words....have a wonderful day.

I need a relaxing day

Remember last week or so I mentioned beads.....

They arrived from Red Panda Beads.... the pattern is another Deb Roberti called Stackers.  The same beads are used in all 3 bracelets only in different patterns. I am always amazed at how designers get it all right. These were quick to make. Darn that Betsy for sending tempting emails! She always writes a personal note on the shipping invoice and I love the little freebie beads she send... 2 more crystal hearts this time.
Mr H and I went to Butterfly World in Scottsdale yesterday...fun with butterflies.

 We began the visit with a 3D movie called "Flight of the Butterflies"...wonderful experience. A stop to see the Butterfly Emergence Gallery....I did skip the ant and bee exhibit...then into the conservatory.... I was amazed at how many children were afraid of the butterflies! The humidity was high  and mist was everywhere and lots of fluttering of color. Some landed here and there, and a few took a ride on Mr H....

It was a fun few hours. Afterwards we stopped at The Cheesecake Factory for bites.... Firecracker Shrimp, Pita Pizza and Calamari...we took cheesecake home for later. One of my favorites place to eat.
Oh, and Lelia, Stitches of Life will be receiving the Needle Lace book from my drawing. I am sure she will figure out how to twist thread and needle together to make flowers. No plans for today...I know I say that often... but I should say, hope Mr H does not have plans today so I can relax and maybe stitch for awhile. I am off most of the week.... hope you will have some relaxing time today.... glad you stopped by. I thank you for your kind words and friendship....

All for a picture

First let me tell you I have been too busy for my likes! I still have not been able to finish my Thistle tatted motif, did a bit and I do mean a bit of stitching on Alphabet Doll, and I made a stuffed bear. None of this is part of the busy things. Anyway, while doing this or that I made a few attempts at Needle Flower making. Remember the book I bought...

beside the fact I do not seem able to do this, I have now lost interest in even trying ...so it is up for grabs....that's right. One of you may want this lovely book... if so, please leave a comment on this post saying you would like the book. If more than one of you ask, then I will draw for the winner.... on Saturday.  I do not want this nice new book sitting in my bookcase looking pretty.....
Now, let me say that I know many of you, like me, will try really hard sometimes to get just the right picture. We try this angle and that angle and sometimes the stupid angle. I fit into this this last category this morning.  Over the week-end I sewed a lovely floral bear for a gift.... so, before mailing her off today I wanted a picture.

Do you see these prickly barbs on the cactus.... do you see how they protrude from the tip of the paddle end... do you know what happens if you should back-up into them.... well, trust me.... it is very painful and very difficult to remove this type of fine barb. Are you wondering what I did? I positioned the stuffed bear in the garden and then squatted down to take the picture and ouch! I let out a yell and discovered that I got a lot too close to this cactus and my butt was full of barbs! I found my self trying to get up and only could feel the barbs rubbing into me. Did I mention that I am in thin cotton pajamas?  Did I mention that although this happened about 20 feet outside my bedroom slider and Mr H did not hear me yell so is still asleep. What to do.... First, how to remove the pajamas and and underwear. That done, I thought of packing tape and proceeded to stick pieces to my butt and gently peal them off. Most of the barbs came off in the first try. I have repeated this now several times and I have a feeling there are still some very fine prickles still there. I have washed till I am water logged...all I know is, take my advice...do not try this picture taking method at home! In fact, if there are cacti in your garden do not back into them! Did I mention that it will be a very long day at work if I can not get them all out?
This is not the post I had thought of for today, but then I did not know I would have a close encounter of the painful kind. If you have stopped laughing at me yet, enjoy your day...I am not sure about mine.

New friends

Let me introduce you to

These 2 charming elves have moved in but have no names! They are friendly, smartly dressed and adorable. He in his wool plaid trimmed burlap jacket and she in her plaid fur trimmed wool dress. But what to call them? So, Mr H suggested I post them here and ask you to help. We will choose the names and there will be a small gift to the godparent who names them. They stand about 12 inches tall, have bendable arms and legs just had to come home with me. We found them  when we stopped at a store that had wonderful Christmas items on our way back home Wednesday. Originally we stopped because they had sent an email for snowmen but these beat out that purchase! Don't they bring a smile to your face? We can always use a smile.... So, put on your thinking caps and comment with your choice for names..... we will choose their names on Thanksgiving Day. Now elves are known for their mischievous behavior, but this couple just want to sit together and smile.
I am fighting a cold...just a little off kilter kind of cold.... started over the counter cold stuff...it helped me get through the day yesterday and I am hoping it will again today. Hope all is well at your place and I am so glad you did stop to visit. Now don't worry, I have covered my face when sneezing and with the occasional coughing. I am using lots of hand sanitizer and lots of tissues. Have a great day.

What must you think of me ?!

I can not believe what I have done forgot to do! I am ashamed of me myself and I....my only explanation is that we have lost it this past week. Jo Ann's has been very busy, I come home and crash, I am thinking but obviously I missed this one! Oh dear, how do I say I goofed...I guess I just did. I know, you are asking "what is she babbling about". My give away! I forgot to post about it ...this past Sunday...I am a week late. I wondered what the pieces of paper on the desk were for. I just kept moving them aside. Then while sitting here at the computer desk I looked over at the desk and picked one up....a name! The others had names on them too. Now I remember! I put these names in the box and pulled out these three for my anniversary give away. What will become of me next! So here are the 3 names I pulled out last Sunday....

Anne from Dolls Musings

Vickie from A Stitcher's Story

Lee from Notes from Under the Mountain

I will send you all an email for your mailing address.....

Now that I have confessed to my forgetfulness, I will return to my chair to stitch...that always relaxes me. Maybe I will find me myself and I there waiting for me......

Some friends to brag about

What a lovely morning.... outside. Inside it is a little off...another one of those days when I am coming and going in the same step! I have one wash drying one in the washer and some hung to dry, so I guess part of me is functioning. Mr H has a doctor appointment this morning... I am going in for 1 PM today. Yesterday was our stitch group...

A class was held over the last few months...needlepoint... and these are some of the finished works framed. The top left is the teacher/member Anne assisting Helen the top center is Mary who is just beginning her piece. and the center is (back row, l-r) Helen, Nancy, Linda, Ziz. The gals seated are (l-r) Jane Anne and Jeanne. I do not do needlepoint and I know the time spent and the patience they all have.  While we are on the subject of groups, the tatting group The Debra and I are hoping to organize seems to have some interest. Yes! One of my co-workers, a customer and Mary from the group above all are interested. So now we are 5.
Well, my friends, my stomach is telling me just coffee is not going to do it so I best find a breakfast to settle it down. Remember the drawing ....leave me a note saying that you want to be in the draw which will be this Sunday. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your time with me...have a great day.
(just an update: the recipient of my BBD piece finally acknowledge receiving it...it arrived a few weeks ago.)

I am so lucky

Look at these 2 sweet Autumn Faeries.... the green gal just joined my household.... faces are just too sweet. Although it does not really seem like Autumn here in the Arizona desert...yet... I thought I would start to put some around. I must say that today is starting out lovely. The kitchen slider is open and there is a small breeze. Oh wait.... the air just came on so I guess the slider gets closed. Just when you think it is an open door day. Soon... that's what I keep telling me myself and I.
Mr H is getting ready for football and I will settle down to stitch. I am at a standstill with the the Pink Doll because the thread for the dress has not arrived yet. Here I try to support my local shop...oh well. as you know I have other things in the basket to work on. Tomorrow is our monthly stitch group and I look forward to seeing the gals.Guess what?, I think The Debra and I have 2 gals wanting to join our Tat and Chat. I really did not expect to find gals so soon. Yesterday I picked up ...

my Southwest  Pots.  I am always pleased with my framer Don. He is so good at choosing just the right mats and frame. This piece was finished some time ago but just decided to get it framed. Could it be the 65% coupon and also adding my employee discount that made my timing now? I love the museum glass also...hardly can set the glass.
How lucky I am to have found all of....Monday will be 3years that I have been blogging and I still say it is the best decision I made. It seems that you know just what to say when I am having an off day, you certainly can make me smile if there are tears in my eyes and always I can count on encouragement. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate the emails as well as the public comments. To celebrate, of course it means a giveaway. No hoops to jump through...just leave me a comment telling me you want to drop your name in the drawing. I will pick 3 names next Sunday.
Have a great day....

Grover says....and a coyote

Last night was a good sleep night. We did hear from the vet late Saturday afternoon. Ms Zoe's infection is gone and no known issues. Really good news. Of course her memory pattern is still off.... very selective hearing and such. So, for now we have her back to her normal self.
Went out the garage door to get the newspaper...

This guy was there to greet me. Contrary to what people think, they really do not bother you unless they are threatened... or hungry. He did give me a good look before trotting off.

And Grover says...the winners are~~~~~Cross Stitcher #252...chiara (thegreytail) and Just Cross
Stitch...Nic (Obsessive Cross Stitcher) and Cross Stitcher #251...lanybleu (lanybleu Stitches. So please email you addresses so I can send these out  to you. Thank you all for entering. About Grover.... we bought him many years ago and he looks it! for the boys. They loved Sesame Street and this hand puppet spent lots of time with guidance from Mr H talking to tour boys. He has been much loved. Now he resided s in my sewing room and every time I see him I remember all the times he chatted with my boys.

Work got in the way of stitching yesterday and forget about last night. Today promises to be a good stitch day.. maybe a few other projects thrown in. As I type this, I am hearing the Gamble Quails with there 8 babies roaming around the yard... I don't dare try to capture a photo as they have very keen eyesight and will be gone in a flash leaving the babies behind for awhile. Then I will have to listen to their soulful cries looking for mama and papa! Not gonna happen! I really enjoyed you stopping by today. Have a great day.

Sounds of the pond and a giveaway

What a lovely morning... I am sure I will have to close the slider soon, but for now, the temp is not up there. The sound of gurgling water from the little pond is so soothing. I must introduce you to a fellow who is hanging around quite a bit....

This handsome fellow is about 10 inches from nose to tail tip. He has a black band under his chin and then a band of turquoise and pale yellow for his belly... there have been times that he is just outside my bedroom window when I open the verticals! Quite a sight.

Moving on....I bet some of you do this: you are in a check out line and pick up a magazine only to find that you already have it or after buying it without thumbing through it, you discover you really do not want it. Well------- here is what I did in the last few weeks....

Just look! Here are not one, but 3 that I do not wish to keep. So......... if you are interested in having one, leave me a comment for which one you like... you can list all three, then I will send out you choice with a little something added. Who knows, you may be the only one commenting and get all three. I will draw on Saturday night, June 9th.

I spent part of my morning with the Geek guy... somehow I lost several pictures that I took yesterday.... he could not find them so they are somewhere within my computer..... that is all. Thank you for stopping by today and sharing your time with me.... thank you for the kind thoughts you send my way and email....have a great day.

A Review and a giveaway

Oh look what I have created. I was offered the opportunity to receive and review
My Memories Suite digital Scrapbooking and of course I accepted. Now first I will tell you the download is easy and the selections are great. I have not done much scrapbooking at all and I am a little software challenged, but I was able to create a few pages....like this one

this will be a birthday card for my sis Lynowl

The possibilities to create albums and pages are many. There are even free downloads that are available. As I mentioned, I am software challenged and as soon as I sent Liz a question, I received an answer. Great to know there is help when you need it. There areresources.... videos and tutorials to guide you along. I know that I will enjoy using this new program. I am sure you will want to find your creative juices too.

Now not only did I receive the program, but a $10 voucher as well to use in the My Memories Suite  store. Now the good news is that I am able to host a giveaway for this scrapbook software  program!

Here are the rules:

1. Be a follower...if someone new mentions that they saw this posted on your blog you will get another entry.

2.Visit the My Memories website --click here-- and choose your favorite digital pack or layout and comment here telling me the one you liked.

3.To have more chances, follow My Memories Suite on their blog, or on Facebook, or on Twitter and then post another comment here telling me where you are following My Memories Suite.

And don't forget, you also will receive a $10 voucher to purchase a digital scrapbooking software.

The drawing will be June 3rd....don't miss this fun opportunity.

And the winner is~~~~~

October has arrived and I am hoping the lower temps do too. I really miss sitting outside in the early morn with my coffee and the daily newspaper. If the temps permit I also enjoy stitching outdoors. Usually the hummingbird flutters overhead making little noises and distracting me.... then there are the lizards who scurry around.... once in awhile the coyote walks through... so pleasant.

Getting ready to mail out my Secret Pen Pal letter today and also my Designer Exchange piece. Sadly, this group will not continue. I will post a picture of what I send and of course what I receive as soon as they arrive here and there.

Before I tell you who won ... I know ... but ... I just want to tell you a short tale.
One year ago when I started this blog it was just for me to write down my daily thought and document my needlework. Oh of course I thought it would be wonderful if anyone would read it and could they possibly want to join my journey? Well, write and post pictures and they do drop in and return! I never dreamed that I would be involved in exchanges and give aways and the such. It has been wonderful meeting all of you. It is nice to know that someone cares how we feel, what we are doing and takes the time to tell you.
That stated... the winner is ....... ...... .......Kaye from Kitten Stitches. Kaye, I will email you.......

Here is wishing all of you a wonderful new month and a great day.

It's a sunshine day....

Actually, it is almost always a sunshine day here in the West Valley. It was just comfortable enough ... if  only for a little while .... for me to have my coffee outside this morning and started to read a good book. First I should begin by telling you that early yesterday morning there was  movie on called The 19th Wife. I am glad that I decided to watch it... it was very good. So this morning I downloaded the book to my e-reader and began the story. Glad I did too... so I have taken a stitch break for the morning to read.

Here is where I left off my BBD bird...

just love the color of the flower! I think next I will put his eye in and add the legs... anyway, I am enjoying this as I do all of BBD projects.
 I received a wonderful package from Dawn's give away....I will post a picture tomorrow. Thank you Dawn.

Have you decided to enter my anniversay give away? Check out Friday's post....

Thank yu for taking the time to visit with me....enjoy your day.

One Year and many more to go~~~~

One year ago I started my blog. It has been wonderful. I have enjoyed meeting so many wonderful friends. I have been a bit pre-occupied of recent days .... but I am having a give away.. yes... it is simple .....
1 ... open to my followers
2 ... leave a comment here telling me why you follow my blog
The goodies will be specially selected according to the winner. Selection will be Ocotber 1st.

Out for the 4th

Mr H and I went out to eat for the 4th.......

One of my favorite places~~~~The Cheesecake Factory. I love the tops of the columns and the overall decor. Of course I really go for the desserts!!!! I had a Shrimp and pasta dish that was so delish! We always take our cheesecake home to enjoy later. I had Dulce de Leche Caramel  --- what a name---and Mr H had the Fresh Banana. Yum! we don't go to the fireworks...but by the look of the cars already gathering for the 9:30PM display, it was going to be crowded.

Denise from Riverside Stitching had won my 100th Follower give away....you may recognize a few sneak items from a previous posting. I always include a postcard from Arizona in my packages. She likes blues so there was plenty of that for her. I am looking forward to seeing the ornament completed.
I have been busy stitching on my summer exchange piece which is almost finished and of I picked up my day 7 challenge piece. I can hardly believe that this is the last of the projects. Oh there are some final finishing to a few, but the stitching part will soon be done. Then I can start on a few new pieces. Do you remember which is day 7? Let's go to my other place so you can see.
I have work today...I think...that is if do not call me off. Whatever your day holds, I hope it is fun. Thank you for taking the time to stop by.