The night before , the night before

   The year is coming to an end and for many of us we look forward to a new year ....a new start. I have been busy at my sewing table...

The are two Prosperity Hen strings hanging in my house, one at the front door and the other at my bedroom slider. They were fun to make.

Although we do not get snow  here in The Valley (Arizona), I do like the look of snow and love snowflakes. These are made with wax paper!

Since I can not run away with the circus, I will bring it to me. Ann Wood is designing a few circus animals and I plan on making them all....this is the first, the elephant and soon to come will be a monkey and a cat.

This is my new Journal that I made to record thoughts and ideas and whatever happens. I will begin on January. I love making Latkans and so bedsides dangling beads there is one that will be a book mark. This will hopefully eliminate my writing notes on scrap paper.

A rocking horse ornament.

Two reindeer made from flannel with skinny twine legs and beads for feet. Thank you Debbie for designing the pattern.

Alejandro just moved in. I just love him....had to have him.

My d-i-l  Andrea and my grandchildren, Devin, Julian and Rosie and their new puppy Millie. They visited the Lobster Pot Christmas Tree in Stonington Ct.

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Murphy ....

Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Beginning to look like Christmas....

 First I want to thank all of you that sent special thoughts to my great-nephew, Antonio. He is out of hospital and holding his own. Still has a way to go, but keeping good thoughts that he will continue to improve.

Every year I try to make a new ornament... for me and to give away. This year it is a star.... a take-off of Ann Wood's Jingle Star. I have added a tag that has room for a name and says, "My star in heaven"...that is the mine for my tree in the center. There is one with a name already on it that will be traveling to... my aunt Rose Marie for uncle Tony. That leaves 2 that will need a home. I have also started another quilt.... one that will be sewn by hand whenever I pick it up...

Squares and rectangles. I am using whatever scrap fabrics from my bin...no selecting just using. Same will be for when i start sewing them together.  that will be as soon as I decide on the layout.

Our sweet Murphy...2 weeks ago at 5am I noticed that his eyes were completely clouded over! He was not having trouble maneuvering around inside or outside. Did not seem to be hurting. I called the vet and Lisa and I took him in. Blood work drawn.... eyes examined. She ruled out glaucoma...a relief. Medication for his eyes and then wait for results. Valley Fever ruled out and the conclusion is that he has high cholesterol. Do not bother to ask how...the answer is that it is my fault. I give him almost everything. Now he is on a diet...prescribed kibble. No more home cooked food. He still gets veggies. Now, back to the eyes. From day one we saw an immediate improvement and by day 4 the eyes were clear! Back to his handsome self. He will return to the vet in a month. I will be on my best behavior. This past few weeks I have not been feeling well...a cold....my diagnosis. Alan and Lisa completely decorated the living room and kitchen trees. Wreaths are hung outside...thank you Alan. Still deciding on some decorations then the mess I made will get cleaned. Normally I would put away as I empty a bin...not allowed to climb....which is good because on Saturday while home alone, I did use the ladder in the garage and somehow missed the last one or two steps....of course we did not tell Alan. Luckily I did not break anything but have a nasty scrape on my elbow. When will I learn! Glad to chat with you but I must get a move on with the mess around here. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Random things

 Well here it is February. In just a few days I will be 75! Goodness that sounds old; then there are days I feel every bit of it. I tell myself that it is just a number. Feelings vary lately.... lazy, energetic, sad--happy and then I take a deep breath and relax. Alan is always telling me to just relax. I must say that Murphy really helps with that. He loves attention...belly rubs... love the feel of this velvet boy! I am fortunate to have a lovely large room...sleep on one side, and sew/craft on he other. Alan calls it my sanctuary. So when the mood is there...

this is the last felt ornament... taking a break from felt. She almost can be called a Kokeshi doll. They are made of wood and have no arms or legs. This is my version.

Just received this great book that I ordered from Anni Downs. This book is great...Anni's designs are great. Looking forward to making one of the patterns. First I want to make a Tiny Doll from a pattern I bought from Ann Down.

Also the cat..... She has so many nice patterns and many are free. Simple and the patterns are well drawn and directions easy to follow. I have 2 other patterns of hers at the ready. One is a dancing bunny and the other 2 sizes of a fat sheep. So many projects on my to do list. I would not want it any other way. Now I said random things...

I do not often go to Subway, but recently Lisa and I did.I usually tear the wrapper and use it to secure the bottom end of my Italian sub. For the first time I read the wrapper....do you see it? Who would eat the wrapper!? 

Murphy has been enrolled in an in home training program which will begin at the end of February. He just does not know it yet. Going to be interesting. As precious as he is, there are a few behaviors that need attention. It is a lifetime program which means after the lessons are accomplished, at any time they will return to address new issues or refine the old one. If you did not realize by now, he is a spoiled pup...and yes it is me who spoils hem. But, sis Lyn is also helping.

Murphy is crazy about boxes of any size and type but also mail. When the mail arrives he has to have a piece to "read". I usually give him all the ones that are addressed to Dennis (yes after 4 years they still arrive). Sis Lyn sent him his own mail. Fed-ex no longer rings the bell. They just leave the boxes at the front door. We love him no matter what! So, I hope you enjoyed random things today. Glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship. Stay tuned for more Random things in the future!

It's murder!

 Definitely winter here in Arizona...chill in the air. Oh I know, compared to other areas we are not really bad. This is a welcome because when it is hot here it is Hot🔥. Hope everyone is doing well. We three are doing okay. Well I am still with the Achilles tendon issue. It is what it is. Soon (after Feb.10th) the surgeon will do a procedure to hopefully ease the pain. Went for blood work today and it was a fasting. I could not wait to get home to have coffee. Today is my day off....no swishing and fluffing, no anything chore related.

Now there are two crows and that is a murder...anytime there are more than one. I tried to add feet...still need practice. What is next on my craft table you ask...well, you will soon see. Lisa and I will be making table mats for the new table that will be arriving for the living room. We also have 3 new lamps coming. so in between my felt activity will be sewing machine work.

Murphy is currently outside yelling at something. Time to get him in for a nap.... might join him. It has been so nice to visit with you, Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Please think about my Uncle Tony who is having a difficult time and also Aunt Rose Marie too. Illness affects the whole family.

Something to crow about

 Today looks to be a cloudy day.... yet no rain in the forecast. The lack of full sun feels relaxing somehow. Murphy is yelling at the goings on in the courtyard...I have been working with him on stopping after the first few yells and when I say "enough". Some days it works and of course when I am buy it doe not. He is a work in progress.

You could say that I have gone to the birds.... and I would agree. I am enjoying the hand stitching of these winged friends. Today I finished the crow. He will have a friend as they usually travel in more than one. Did you know that a few crows are called "a murder of crows"? I have one that visits the garden stopping by for a drink from the fountain. 

The new glue gun is working great. It is a duel temp and very light handed. It has it's own stand...the bright green"foot" but I feel better to have it secured in my stand. I have had this stand since the 80s. It was made for me and serves me well. I plan on an easy day as I have a horrible back ache, Just swishing in the laundry area. I am trying to be more relaxed and less anxious. Have to go now---- Ciao Italia is on and Maryann is making Cialdoni which are similar to cannoli. I am the only one here who likes cannoli. Guess it will be chocolate bundt cake in my oven today. Maybe I will feel creative later.

 Glad we visited. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

For the birds

 Hope everyone is into the swing of the new year... me? still working on it. The winter weather is lovely here. Murphy has enjoyed having the slider open for a time...good to get fresh air in.

Yesterday We Tres Amigos went to Barnes and Noble and I bought Primitive Quilts and projects magazine. The felt applique bird  on the cover caught my eye. Also to make it home with me is a book, Day by Day written by Sister Stan ( I have not heard of her). It is a "treasury of meditation on mindfulness to comfort and inspire". We all need that about now. We then went to Alan and Lisa's favorite "hang out" place. We enjoyed a few appetizers and a drink sitting out on their patio. Then it was home and I enjoyed a dish of ice cream!

Look who is hanging on my ornament tree....Mr Blue Jay. I am really happy how it turned out. Alan commented that he really like the shade of blue.

Also flying in is a robin.

Often in the past back in Rhode Island we hand raised robins. A great feeling to save them and set them free. Not sure what will fly in next but it feels good to be able to create again. I love handwork. Needle and thread in hand.... 

Today I received a hand written thank you note! I know, so old school and I loved it. Thank you cousin Norman. Reviving and maintaining connections is so important. Keeping new connections is right there too.  I still enjoy hand written notes/letters. If you have been a follower for a time you might remember the year of card exchange..was fun and was so nice to receive mail that was personal.

I am feeling a bit off today with a cough and I am trying to catch my nose but it runs fast! Definitely going to be a slow and relaxing day. Happy to chat with you today.Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Just humming my way~~~~

Goodness.... the countdown has begun. I probably speak for many of you, I am quite sure I will not be seeing the new year ring in. We will have a quiet time here.  It will be good to wake to a new year.

I have completely wiped myself out today...chores.... still looking for the House Keeper Fairy.  Swishing in the laundry area, washed the hall and kitchen floors and walked the vac around the living room.  Remember the budgie? well I now have a hummingbird ~~~~~

It is double sided so a bit more fiddly work but I love it. I do need a few more in case this one flies away like budgie will soon do. I thought I was going to make a Blue Jay but the hummer just appeared. I also want to make a few folk art birds. I find handwork relaxing ... as long as I take a few breaks. Do you still have Christmas around your house? Most likely our put away will happen next week on one of Lisa's days off.  Much easier with the both of us working at it. Of course I am sure Murphy will be a great help! 

So nice to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Finally this year will come to an end soon. My wish for the new year is that we have more compassion for one another, take time to be kind to one another and finally better health for everyone.

I am stitching!

Goodness, I think Fall/Winter have arrived. The mornings are really chilly... temp at 50!  The sun is still nice and warm....Murphy enjoys a moment of sunbathing. Hope all is cheery where ever you are. Let us all take a moment to think about those who are not having a good time and say a little prayer. 

Remember the owl...he now has a friend. He almost lost his friend...to Murphy! Somehow it slipped off the sewing table and anything on the floor is automatically Murphy's. I heard a strange noise from his cave...aka under the bed... and there he was. Getting ready to chew it up.. I am so happy to be busy again. I do have to stop to rest the hand but I am getting there. There may be no cross stitch or tatting, but my first love of sewing and embroidery are fine with me.

I am sure you can figure out what is next....but you will need to visit again on December 16th to see, my day for Jo's Advent Calendar Blog Hop. They are all year long and so much fun... also a way to meet new friends.

An update on The Brother Alan... he is doing much better and the swelling has gone down . Eating is still modified but he is quickly improving. As for Murphy; no more glitter poop...so far. We have such an interesting home. Never a dull moment and lots of laughter. What more can we ask for. Time to check the swishing and get the blanket in to fluff. Another cup of coffee is also on the list. Glad to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Please keep Aunt Rose Marie and Uncle Tony in your thoughts. I found out that a cousin has passed away...a hard time of year.

Here I am

 Goodness..... I really have been here but yet not posting and not commenting. I think I am finally feeling myself again. My hand is so much improved, however, the finger is still not yet straight. Let's face it, it may never straighten out. I can deal with it. What is good is that I can sew and embroider and ..... well, I can do almost everything creative as before surgery. Endurance is still not back. I am doing okay!

This package arrived today...from Ann Wood Handmade. So you know her? If not check her out. Her patterns are lovely. I ordered 2 and they were packaged so nice.

These are Mr. Socks (cat) and Tiny Rag Doll. Yes, they are small but detailed and the directions are easy to follow and... she also offers free patterns.

I just made this today while keeping an eye on Alan...more on that... this is one of the freebies. I did construct it differently but all parts are the same. I already have another ready for tomorrow. 

Now about Alan.... a few weeks ago he had surgery for one of his teeth. Things seemed to be going well healing then not. Back to the surgeon for meds. On Wednesday he had to have more surgery. His left side of his face is very swollen and he has a black eye. Today he felt better so of course he attempted to do this and that. Each time I remind him to settle down. Lisa was home early so it became her job to watch him! Seriously, he is doing better but will be on house rest for the next few days. He really is a good patient.

This is what is left of a red glass ornament that had a beaded cover. No I did not break it. Murphy "found" it and decided to take it under my bed.... well there were many many other pieces that had to be vacuumed up. Not sure if ...most likely did... eat any. I now am back on poop watch to see if any shiny red pieces appear. I think maybe he did not eat any because he is acting his normal self. Fingers crossed. 🎄

Well my friends.... seems like my creative side is coming back. I am joyful for sure you have not gone away...glad you visited. Thank you for he kind words and for the friendship.

Special request 💔🙏

Once again I would like to ask for good thoughts for my Uncle Tony, he is not doing well and Aunt Rosemarie needs positive thoughts. As I have been in her place with Dennis, I really do understand what she is experiencing. I wish I was closer to offer support (they are in the Carolina s) but so is their daughter and her family.

Advent Calendar Blog Hop

 Today is December 17th and my turn to post for this year's Advent Blog Hop hosted by Jo  from           Serendipitouss Stitching. (Click the link to visit the other bloggers). The topic for us this year is "Your Favourite Christmas Book". ....Murder for Christmas

This book was published in 1982....not sure when I got it or from where, but it is a mystery book of stories written by 26 authors...short stories.  I can tell you that I have had it for many years. What is nice about this book is that some of the writers I had not read. The pages have yellowed but the stories remain interesting. "Murder for Christmas contains something for every taste--lying, cheating, shoplifting, stealing, spying, kidnapping, and murder---in short, everything to make the holidays bright."

The other request is to post something we have made for the holiday.

This cross stitch angel is titled Magic. It was from a Christmas craft magazine from years ago. Since I gave away all my magazines, I apologize for not knowing who or where she is from. It was the first time that I finished an ornament with ruching. I had the star charm with a rhinestone. Sorry for lack of info, but is someone knows anything about who or where, let me know.

These blog hops for many different occasions are so much fun. Jo does a great job of organizing them. This is her 10th year for the Advent Blog Hop. The only year I missed was the first one in 2011! Be sure to visit Serendipitouss Stitching and see all the other bloggers.

Look at this adorable bird made by lovely Vickie.... and the needle minder. Thank you my friend. The bird is on happy in the tree and the minder on my sewing table.

Murphy is already for Christmas...went to the groomer on Monday. When we picked him up Lisa and I were told there was a handling fee added.... he was a little difficult and his ear got scraped (not very obvious at all) but all was okay. He does not like his ears or feet touched! Maria does a superb job, even with him pulling away. See his red/green collar? Lisa picked it out for him to wear for Christmas. The bell jingles and we can hear him coming...most of the time. Such a handsome boy. Today he has yelled at all the birds that stopped by to bath in the fountain or drink. Very protective of his garden.

We have remained healthy here... I do hope you are all doing well. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

Yesterday would have been Dennis' 75th birthday.... hope the angels had balloons for him.

Almost gone...

 I am not sure if it is the Covid situation or just the holiday season, but days disappear. I am always home as a retiree but it is different when you are home trying to avoid illness. Tomorrow is a new month but not much has changed. Like many other states our Covid numbers have risen.  With Alan and Lisa out in the working world, they are careful and we all stay safe. Hopefully you are all okay. The other day I received a text informing me that a friend had passed. I had not been aware of her health issues (she is  was in RI). This gal was the daughter of my childhood friend Donna who passed in June! So sad for the family, she left a dad and a sister. Any death around the holidays is hard to deal with.

On a happier note, I am keeping as busy as my hands let me. Yes, still and always will have trouble because of the arthritis.

Did you...do you remember making folded books years ago? I do. We used to use the Reader's Digest and make full rounded trees. I saw this on Pinterest (of course)  so I got a book from the Dollar Store and voilà a tree grew! Brought back memories of Girl Scouts in the 50s.

These cute ornaments will soon fly away. The Post Office seems to be in a slow down so the sooner they go the sooner they will arrive. No picture to show yet, but I started the socks for Lisa. I love knitting socks. My goal is to get them completed soon. There are lots of "soons" in my world lately.

Later I will bake Almond Biscotti. We enjoyed fresh baked bread with our past in marinara sauce last night. Alan is a good cook. 

Murphy has a stocking.  It is burlap with applique that I made years ago. I just added his name to it. Surprisingly he has not touched it or our stockings which are hung on the fireplace.

Our gifts are on the mantle this year because Murphy thinks every package is his and enjoys tearing any...I mean any...box or mail into pieces. As a matter of fact, he has not touched the tree at all. 

Well friends, it has been nice chatting with you, but there are chores to do so I can bake. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Stay safe.

Two more days

 Goodness another month flying by. Maybe it is just me loosing the days! I have had a few off days. Thanksgiving was Denny's favorite holiday so each year reminds me of his preparing dinner wearing a Santa hat. Good memories remain forever.

This is a Spirit Doll that I made for my niece Tonya. It is made from Dennis' jeans and all the embellishments have a significance.

Here is the back side. My lovely niece is having a health issue and I wanted her to have something from Dennis and me.... Something to remind her how much we care about her.  I also sent her a hugging pillow

This I posted before.  They were quite the pair when she was young. He had a special nic-name for her. I requested prayers and good thoughts for someone special, this is who they are for. It is difficult to face any issue around the holidays. 

Two more snowman...these with a top hat and snowflake. They are so cute. I love Christmas creating. It was always fun for me to send Reindeer food and a letter to children.... no requests this year. 

Sock yarn...yes... I will be knitting a pair of toeless and heelless socks for Lisa. She chose the yarn and as soon as take a few measurements I will start them.  I only have a few Christmas gifts to get .and then mail it all out. How about you? I just mail a couple of just because gifts out and they have not arrived at their destination. Should have been Monday and Tuesday, but who knows where they are.

With that, time to fluff on was and swish another. Glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Not lost!

 Goodness, time has just passed me by. I have not been idle, no not at all. First, I hope all is well in your home. We are doing fine. Our weather has finally cooled. Murphy is enjoying having the sliders open and pushes through the Magic Screen to go in and out. His favorite place after patrolling the garden is on the glider.

Did you miss me? The days just seem to fly...most of the time. Still wearing a mask when out, still keeping distance actually only out with a purpose. Are you ready for Thanksgiving dinner? We are going unconventional this year. No turkey! Instead we are having an Italian antipasti, fresh fruit, and Lasagna. I will bake a fresh French Country loaf which will go perfectly with the dinner. 

With all the negativity and sheltering in and masks, I said to Alan I can not wait to put out the Christmas cheer around here. "Go ahead"...so Lisa and I started and all is cheerful around here. Lights everywhere....and gifts on the mantel. The mantel you ask? Where else so that Murphy does not attack the gifts! Will take pictures to post. I have also been at the craft table.

I needed a felt Murphy for the tree.  Simple but cute. I also made a Christmas pillowcase finally...

I was not crazy about the fabric but once sewn I do like it. The fabric was a pre-cut package from the quilt shop. The other sewing I can not show until they are received....today and tomorrow they should be delivered. 

I saw these on Pinterest....

They are just tea lights. I put earmuffs and will try a top hat also. Even when not lit they are cute.  There is one more ornament that will be finished today....another Pinterest idea.

Guess I should take care of a few chores. Finish my  food shopping list and craft list. I spent hours looking for my hole punch....it is MIA! 

Nice to have you visit today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Sparkling ribbon....

 Hard to believe it has been cool these past few nights and days. Happy to have the 100s in the past. The high country is getting snow and they are very happy. So what is new around here?

We bought a new printer.... the other still works but we needed an upgrade. As soon as I get familiar with the settings things will be great. Alan seems to be back to a regular schedule which means we have dinner together.  Guess there really is nothing new!

Put these ornaments together but need to get beads. I know, you would think with a cupboard full of beads I would have some. Problem is they are all too small. This Thursday Lisa is off and we will be off...to Hobby Lobby or Michaels for beads. 

Next up is a Christmas pillowcase for my bed. All fabric is ready just need to sew. 

I posted this picture before, but this is the fabric. I will swap out one of the pillowcases for this one. There is one I am not overly fond of. Since I have different fabrics on the bed I will only make for the holidays now. The other thought is to make the small travel size...decisions!

Guess that about covers it. Glad to have you stop by. I am still try to catch up reading the blog list. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.
Murphy is in an uproar...the landscapers are here and they are right outside my bedroom window....it is a ceiling to floor window... and he is going nuts. Must rescue the guy outside so he can finish his raking.......

Before I go....there is someone dear to me who could use a prayer or two...good thoughts please. 🙏

Sunday all day

 The weather outside is frightful cooler than it has been. It is 95 and the forecast says 102 today. Better than the 110+ days. 

Alan is off today and he is cleaning the lanai and garden area. Yes, as you can see in the photo, Murphy must remain inside and is not very happy. Anyway, he had an upset stomach earlier so for now he must stay where I can keep an eye on him. While The Brother Alan is taking care of his chores, I have swished and now it is fluffing in the laundry area. I also have re-organized my work table in preparation for a new project. I did make a couple of new angels. Same directions just different ribbon...

This is the folded ribbon one just in gold and red

This is the larger...just a bit so... in a different ribbon.

This is a larger and different style and ribbon. Since making this, I learned a better way and will try one later. I seem to be in an angel ornament kick this year. I may make a few beaded baubles again in Christmas colors. All gone from last year. 

Yesterday Lisa and I went to JoAnn's for a few more travel pillows and when we arrived it was not allowing anyone in due to an electrical failure. So what are 2 gals to do while waiting? Right across the street is the Arrowhead Mall... of course we went there. Lisa had been looking for a jean skirt and we finally found one she liked and that fit nicely. Happy to visit with you but I must get the fluffing to fold and get ingredients in the bread machine. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Have you noticed...I seem to be able to get a post done later in the morning than before. So look for me later in the day!