Birds and beads

Hot again and getting hotter...into those triple digits. Here it is Friday, where did this week go? Still have not planted the herb seeds...maybe later this morning, or tomorrow. Did some floss sorting...but not too much else. I have been easily distracted lately. Start one thing and then I hear myself saying...oh, look at this or what is this...you know, then getting back to the original task gets lost. Focus, I need to focus.... what was I saying?

On Wednesday afternoon I began beading on the needle case. The directions I was following called for 2mm crystal beads to be used with the 11/0 seed beads. Well all my crystals are larger so I improvised and changed the design to suit what I had on hand.

Thursday I finished it. I painted the bottom and the lid with gold Sharpie. Beading the cap was not an option for me. The beads would eventually wear and loosen when removing and capping the top. I am pleased and see more of these being made... would make a nice gift. The beads are a no name dark blue and of course the gold.
The phone rang yesterday afternoon...a number I did not recognize. I usually do not answer and wait for a message to be left. Instead I automatically picked up. It was a neighbor. Could she stop by.

When she appeared at my gate she handed me a gift bag. "This is a little something for you. You are always so kind and helpful and always so nice. I wanted to say thank you".
Well, I was surprised as I have not known her and her husband very long. Of course, you know that I love chocolates.... all chocolates. Just the other night I was craving a piece of chocolate and there was none...not one chocolate in the house.
Did I ever mention that I am superstitious, very superstitious? Oh I am. Don't  get me wrong, I do not worry about the black cat crossing me or the open umbrella. There are other things...things that will bother me. Like yesterday...the Doves. The first incident was at the living room window ..the bird flew into the window.  A short time later a bird, a Dove, did the same thing to my kitchen slider in the lanai. Later again at the living room window. I may be hanging the rosary beads up soon! Stop snickering and giggling. I could hear Debbie all the way from Canada! I have been this way since childhood. I was told by my maternal Grandpa that his wife for whom I was named was very superstitious. He was such a sweet loving man. Anyway, it is me and no changing it now at this late date/age. A lot of Italians are this way. Like the Maloke...the evil eye. Let's not go there.
Nice to visit with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

King of the Fountain

Okay... it is hot this week. Morning temps have been in the low to mid 70s when I wake.  After a week of comfortable below normal temps, the hot is here. I did a walk about yesterday morning and came back into the AC ASAP. Then took a quick ride to the market for a few needed items and right back inside. My Plumeria is doing so good. One of Dianna's plants is getting ready to bloom. I do not see that happening here...yet, but I will cross my fingers for a bloom.

Today I learned to bead a Puffy Triangle Drop. I just grabbed colors without too much thought and it looks okay. Not sure what I will do with it, but always eager to learn new things.  My next new beading will be a beaded needle case... thanks to Catherine who sent me the wooden needle case and link to learn. I still want to make the bumble bee bead but I am still not fond of the technic in the directions....my bee just did not look very neat. I can be too fussy but what can I say. I will try again.
The Dove nest is still empty...but...

here he is, the King of the Fountain.... the other day one was sunbathing in the bottom tier and one in the top tier... this one is sitting on the top bubbler! The Hummer feeder is still not back in the tree. The ants are still so many. I may try spraying the branch so they cannot or will not cross it to the feeder. This is the first time in 15 years that I ever had an ant problem in a feeder.
Today I have an appointment to have a couple of minor problems with the car fixed. Usually when I am there for service it is only an hour so I just read. It has been good having you to chat with. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Today is the day!

What a crazy weather day yesterday. There were clouds...many clouds  in the sky...then it got a bit darker and some drops fell and then the sun was out then a clap of thunder... back to the clouds. All the while the breeze of the early morning turned into winds and remained. I actually had to close the sliders or put a sweater on!

The bead order from Fire Mountain beads arrived... love how they put a special note in the order. It may be hard to see, but next to the beads at the top there is a small plastic bag with clear petal beads. They were kindly sent to me from Elizabeth Fox who I have met from one of the bead groups. I had asked where to get these little wings for the beaded bumble bee (that is what the beads at the top are for) and next thing I knew we were chatting on messenger and she offered to send me some. A new friend in the beading world. These beads should keep me busy along with the beads sent to me from Catherine.

It was just too windy to clean the garden of debris...now it is triple what there was... so I beaded 

another Butterfly Pod ornament. These are so much fun to bead. Next will be the bumble bee...it is small but oh so cute.

All this wind has tossed lots of pollen in the air. Of course I should have kept the sliders closed... now I have a bit of a sinus issue. My own fault but it is so nice to have cool air flying through the house.  

Guess what? Today is Tuesday.... you do remember right? This is the Tuesday that The Brother Alan and Lisa arrive. Hope they have a good flight...they will cross through the mid states and there have been lots of storms in those states.  The weather this week is going to be very nice...in the high 70s  to low 90s which is perfect. It would be nice if the winds stop.

No matter what the weather, we always enjoy ourselves. 

So, we will keep you informed of our doings this week. Glad to have you visit today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Special thanks for the kind words regarding my post note yesterday. I probably should have been more clear. The date was when we learned of Denny's diagnosis for the few that did not know... Denny passed just 33 days later on June 21 2017. 

Empty nest~~~

A late start to my day yesterday...just did not want to get out of bed and start the day. Finally up and there was swishing in the laundry area and Swiffer and I took a walk around the place. The birdbaths were filled.....and my Plumeria was watered. It is one of the few plants not on the irrigation line.... hope to remedy that soon.
I am enjoying making these Pod Ornaments...

this is part one of three of a second design. I see more of these on my beading tray. This was part of a bead a long that I passed but decided to now make. Need to pick up more delicas for the next Pods. They measure about 2 inches long by 1 1/2 inches before embellishing.
The temps are once again like a "roller coaster" (weather gal's term not mine) going from the 80s to the 90s with a day of 101 coming soon. The weather back on the East Coast is nasty...but when The Brother Alan and Lisa arrive next Tuesday...that is correct...next Tuesday...one week... we will be back in the high 80s. Lisa will have her lounger out and relaxing while The Brother and I keep reminding her to drink water and take sun breaks!
When I went out to the garden yesterday morning the Dove Kids were gone from the nest.

They have not gone far...sitting in the garden. The one in the "back" is the younger and still fairly straggly. I thought about sweeping but did not want to displace them. Imagine, here I am concerned that they would get upset if I cleanned. Maybe tomorrrow. The parent watches from the wall but takes off immediately when I enter the garden area.
Today maybe I will get the 2nd piece of the Pod made. I am in no rush. I prefer to enjoy what I make and not rush through the projects.
It is always so nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and for yourfriendship. *********One Week*****

Busy morning....

I watched the Boston Marathon as I have done for many years before leaving New England. I am always in awe of these athletes … I can barely run across the street! The weather was perfect for them. Here the sun is bright and it is warm and doors are open.... at least until it gets too warm then the fans will be on.
The electrician came this morning.

He installed the security light outside my garage. I will need to check the light angles once it is nightfall. Then I will clean and paint the area from the previous light. When he removed the old light, out scurried a gecko.

Can you spot him? He ran to hide behind the downspout. Not sure where he will be living now.... but most likely will move into the garden where they all come to live.
Yesterday I saw a video on how to bead a round peyote pendant. Why not five it a try, something new. Door bell is ringing...be back asap.
How many people does it take to install a trash can liner? Me to ring Ethel's doorbell to ask to use an electrical outlet, Mark to grind the old rim, Dave to insert the liner, of course I did supervise and then Robyn to carry the hammer back home with Dave.

Was not as difficult as I thought...small; the size of a quarter. Do not pay attention to the colors this was just a learning piece. I would love to learn new projects to bead. Lots of gals have done tape measure covers and such...they look so nice. I like a challenge.

My question to beaders out there...do you need to use a plastic ring in the center?! I will post to one of the bead sites and ask. I will definitely make another but larger.
The temps is already rising (almost noon and 84) so the doors will close and fans on. I am determined to not turn on the AC yet.
Vicki and her husband stopped by the other day to pick up my craft donation to her daughter's school and we took a picture. Stop over to Vicki's blog and see it!
There was swishing and fluffing in the laundry area.... not it will be folding time. Off I go....
Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.