Friends and a pod

Whether it is 100 or 108 here is very little difference...it is hot; plain and simple it is hot. Happily I have an automatic car starter. I get the car cooled before getting in to drive. Even parked in the garage out of the direct sun and heat, the interior is too hot for comfort. This quote is from a local source. Obviously when parked in the garage is better, but in a parking lot it can be extremely stifling. I always start the car before leaving the stores.
  “When temperatures outside range from 80 degrees to 100 degrees, the temperature inside a car parked in direct sunlight can quickly climb to between 130 to 172.” 
Back living in Rhode Island it was more for the iced car windows and cold of the winter. Yesterday I picked up Glenda and out for lunch we went.... however, the restaurant that we usually go to has made some changes so next outing will be elsewhere. Believe me there is no shortage of places to go. All your good thoughts for Glenda have certainly helped...she is doing well. As I was just entering the house my cell phone began to ring. It was Robyn from across the courtyard. Normally the verticals in the living room are open by 10... (it was now 1pm) usually earlier. Same for Robyn's front window. The phone call was "just calling to make ..sure you are okay". Simply I had forgotten to open the verticals! We watch out for one another. Robyn and Dave took good care of me when I had my hand surgery.

The green and silver Christmas Pod is finished. A day or two of hand rest is now in order, so I say now. Not sure what I will be beading or making next. I think a Christmas Bauble in red or green. I also need to get out the holiday fabric to make a couple of Origami Stars for gifts. So far I am using from what I currently have on hand. Always a good thing.... gee, sounds like Martha Stewart! Remember she used to say that on her older shows.
Chatting with you is always a pleasure. Glad you had time to visit. Thank you or your kind and caring words and for your friendship. 

One taco ready....

For now one slider is open... but any minute it will again close. Starting the day with temps at 86 climbing to 104-ish. There is swishing in the laundry area and the shark is waiting to swim….me? well I am working to keep my day going. I can remember when I used to get these posts written by 4am! now, well let's just say I have slowed a bit.
Yesterday found me beading...

A Christmas Silver and Green Pod..... one "taco" complete. Someone in the beading world has named each section a taco! Took me all day to bead as I had to rest the eyes and the hand. Actually there is no time limit on this... yet. It is not easy getting a picture of this as this silver is quite bright. Definitely will sparkle  on the tree.
I did plan to make bread yesterday but that did not happen so maybe today is the day. Other than that no plans for the weekend. I was awake early enough to go into the garden to sweep the debris, but the comfort of my bed was too nice. Going out to work in the garden is not for me. The Pond Garden is "wet" again... I am trying to ignore it. Still waiting for the landscaper to stop by for a follow up. There is a faucet at the edge of the garden...wondering if that could be the issue? I should rake some of the rocks away and see if... or I could ignore it for now. Frustrating when you cannot do what seems to be simple. Time for eye 👀drops and another cup of coffee... think I will make it an iced coffee.
I hope you all have a delightful weekend. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. Most of all, thank you for your friendship.
Floating around my mind this morning........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZf41UudAbI&fbclid=IwAR0OeFFMQiAB-w5YUoEi9-L7WY4TKLH0JGHXImlb9Uvn4eVTjIbB15UOMfQ

A star for the 4th

Finished in time for a July 4th celebration! It does not show but the white is white on white fabric that has stars printed on it and the blue reminds of the night sky. I chose the red/white print because it looks like a bandana. I am not fond of fireworks and happily will not have them in our neighborhood. I may hear them form one of 3 stadiums that are not very far away but living in a senior community, it will be quiet. If you are out and about, please be careful and if you have a fur-baby be sure to keep them safe and cuddle them. I will find a nice movie to watch and make some popcorn.

The Pond Garden seems to be drying. I guess as long as I do not have a leak anywhere in the garden then I will just assume that it was from the planting and watering without proper draining. This week I will rake the rocks back and add some decorative items. The birds are loving the fountain and the bunny is still dropping by to trim my plant! 

Sleep was not a friend last night and so my morning has been very slow to start and I expect it to be a lazy day. It may be a movie day all day. Speaking of movies.... I collected 20 more from the bookcase bringing my to go pile to 100. I found a few that I will always keep... good memories. Denny really loved his movies. This one is special.

This case was a special collectors edition.

Filled with all sorts of goodies.

Five discs~~~~directors cut

Holographic Harrison Ford in a magnetic case that is double sided

A folder with 8 director cards explaining the movies scenes

the police car to play with!

This was special to Denny and so to me also. Back to the book shelf.

Time for a second cup of coffee and a bite to eat. Nice having you visit today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Update~~~~ EvaP is status quo. Glenda is doing better.

It is a rest day....

When the temp at 5am is already reading 89, you just know that it will be a hot day..... they say 111, we shall feel it for sure. Feeling it to be a slow do nothing kind of day. Once I fill the front birdbath and the both hummer feeders that will be the extent of outdoor fun.

Voilà, all the beading is complete. Now to think  how to finish it. So many beads! I will check Hobby Lobby for a square frame.... this is abut 5x5. Next will be a couple of Christmas beaded pods for gifts. I also have a Mill Hill kit for a Santa.... for my tree that I would like to get made. Today will be a rest day for my hand and eyes.
The Pond Garden is under going another change. It would appear that I cannot plant in it because the water will not drain nor evaporate quickly enough. What I did not take into consideration is that it is a cement pond...so therefore no drainage. If I want it to be a garden it will require a jack hammer to break up the cement... not going to happen. So, it will be an ornamental garden. Some pots and maybe a few other items.
Today is July 1st and also Canada Day. To my dear friends, Debbie and Laurie in Canada, enjoy the celebration.  Time is moving right along so that means one month less in the count down to The Brother Alan's arrival in October.
Well now, I think another cup of coffee is in order and maybe something to munch. So nice to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind and caring words and thank you for your friendship.
Please keep my friend Glenda in your thoughts as she just had foot surgery. I know what you are thinking...she was here for tea and Pizzelles on Wednesday and surgery on Friday but rest assured, there is no connection with my tea and Pizzelles!

Mud and beads

Whew...yes indeed. The temps they are rising, again. I think it will now remain in the triple digits for the rest of the monsoon season. It was 109 yesterday and today they predict 110. This past week I have noticed that the base of the fountain... in the Pond Garden has been wet. Initially I thought it was from when the Doves and Grackle take a bath and splashed out the water. But no... not that easy. Last Tuesday there were puddles. First I thought a broken irrigation line.... I placed a call to have it checked. Yesterday Robert arrived and after initial check of all of the bubbler risers, they  are working properly and no apparent leaks from the line. Over the next few days... before Tuesday when he returns, I need to remove the rocks covering the area. If not if he has to dig it up they will become buried... not wanting that to happen. We are thinking there may be a possibility for this be waiting is the only option at this time. I have already pulled the irrigation lines. The curse of the pond!

It is not easy to see, but the top edge and corner chili peppers are all beaded. The sides are almost finished and the hat is complete.

When I bought this a few yeas ago, I knew it was with beads but the included project picture does not show just how much is beaded! Lot of them are petite and they are very small. The sky and house area are next today. The horse is looking better but still needs beads. I will do close-ups when I finish.

Just call me the Fix-it Gal.....

The other night as I lay sleeping...isn't that from a song?... anyway, I felt quite warm. I was just was too lazy to get up and turn up the AC. In the morning after awake for a shot time I noticed that it was not coming on. So...…finally took a look. It was off! Now I never touch it so what happened??? The mind thought it can not be that after 2 years this new thing is broken! Obviously because I never look at it, it must have blinked a few days warning the batteries were dead. Having only changed them once, it took a few minutes to remember how to remove the battery case. I was not going to call the gal at the AC place again. As soon as they were in on it came and coolness returned. At the moment, towels are swishing in the laundry area, and I need a cup of coffee and some toast. I enjoyed having you stop by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

An Eva P update: mother fell again.... fracturing her shoulder and due to age (92) surgery is not an option. She will have a brace in place for the next 4-6 weeks to allow it to heal. 

Heartfelt thank you

My heart is full these past few days. The Brother Alan posted on Friday, the 2nd anniversary of My Denny's passing. The many emails and comments left on Facebook and of course here filled my heart with love and friendship. This will always be a hard time for me but made a little easier with all of your caring kind words. ❤
The Pond Garden and fountain is very busy this morning with so many different birds drinking and bathing. A quick walk out to the garden and all is well. We are still in a cool down, low100s and right now it is quite nice outside. There is swishing in the laundry area and the Shark is waiting to swim around the abode. First cup of coffee finished and my bowl of cereal too. Dishes washed and soon coffee beans will be ground for the 2nd cup.

I have been able to stitch On The Range..... really not too much more to do then I will add the beads. Coming along nicely. Stitching is slow due to my eyes..... yes, my eyes. First the issues were with the hand and as that healed my back and the procedure for that has been healing well and now my vision. I need to see an Ophthalmologist and will be looking to find one this week. I have been keeping all of my medical centers close to home, so as there are a few close by,  I will check them out. Right now I am using Sustane Complete and added Retaine MGD with hot compresses during the day. So, with  resting my hand and back and now my eyes, things go slowly for me. Right now nighttime driving is not happening.... not that I did much of it anyway. The doctor also changed my eye prescription but I will wait to fill it until after the Ophthalmologist appointment. Always something to deal with. I know there are others with so much more to deal with, but selfishly right now it is me I am dealing with.
 Friday and yesterday were the if you can drop it why not day. Friday evening I spilled freshly brewed cup of black tea all over the counter and everything that was there of course received a tea bath. Then the sugar bowl joined in. Saturday I knocked over the butter dish thankfully it did not break. It was given to me by Glenda and I love it. It is one of the ones that you fill the bottom half with water ( I pout ice cubes in) and you can leave it out and the butter is always soft and ready to use. Of course during the day, at least 2-3 times I toss the water and ad new ice cubes. Yes, when I scooped up ice there were far too many cubes and they went all over the floor. Normally I only pick up 3 cubes to fit the dish but why did I get a scoop full? So they could go all over the place! Today is so far promising to be a less clumsy day. The plan is to sit and stitch, as soon as my eyes clear up.
Always nice to chat with you. Again, thank you so much for caring and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship. I am so lucky to know you!

The moon .... and me

Sunday evening as I looked out to the sky there it was...another magnificent full moon. I have and probably always will be fascinated by the moon. Every night I look to see where it is and what it looks like and then wonder.... many thoughts.  Right now, however, I am wondering what the day will bring.
We are once again in a "cool down" as the temps will be in the low 100s this week. There are several wildfires already in full swing here in Arizona and the Monsoon season has begun. No matter where you live there are seasonal happenings. We learn to live and adjust to them.
Yesterday was spent with stitching....On The Range

The left edge is almost finished except for the beads of course. They are the last to be added. I had a bit of an issue with the red star in the lower corner... a few Xs were not correct so out they came and back in correctly they went. It was a quiet day around the abode. On the weekends the jets from Luke AF base do not fly and coincidently the birds seemed to take a quiet day also. Very little action at the Pond Garden and fountain. It was a quiet day around the abode.
I did pack up over 80 DVDs...some of them sets … and moved my photos boxes onto the top shelf. Next will be the CDs. I am probably still one of the few who play CDs. Although I watch Netflix, I still like my DVDs too. Just an old fashioned gal I guess.
Stitching and reading have been slow  recently as I am having blurred vison issues especially in my left eye. I know, get it checked. Along with the other this and that that needs attention.  A few issues will be taken care of when The Brother Alan is here as I will need a driver.... as in when they dilate the eyes! I actually dread that. It takes hours for my vision to return to normal. Always something... in "these golden years"!
Well, that is about it for me today. Off to finish the chores because those House Faeries still have not reported for duty; then back to my Mill Hill stitching. It will be a me day. Glad to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and or 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.

Sun-less-day

Ready for the day....almost. Seems like it will be a  s l o w  day today. Right now the sun is partly here... it is almost 80 at 8:15am and should reach the mid 90s later but at the moment the sliders ae open but that will probably change soon. Did someone ask if … yes, all is well in the garden. I need to change one of the sprinkler lines in the pot that will be for my herbs. I usually just buy herbs and this time I thought why not plant seeds. I did pull out the Rosemary plant which was quickly dead. Part of it was that it was not getting the needed water when you replant so I will get another next time out to Lowes. I also need to get more rock to finish the planting area in the garden.

June Origami Star is finished. Look, the little ladybug is peeking out. I love the bright red and yellow in this. I guess I should have or could have fussy cut the ladybug fabric so it would be more prominent, but it is cute this way.
So, I took the 2 eggs out of the abandoned nest. I felt bad but with no one sitting on them they were doomed. I would think it was an inexperienced pair... it does happen... that hopefully will do better the next time. In the last few years there have been at least 10 nestlings and never an issue.
Today my plans are simple. Work on the SW Mill Hill project. There are some things that I should be working on, specifically in the garage, but today is not a work day. If I get up and going early enough one of these days I will be there. It will be an all day task when I do start it so it will require ambition and that is not me today!
The Quails have been scoping out the garden...not going to let them nest here. Funny that they know the Doves are not nesting... speaking of the Doves, a pair was sun bathing in the fountain yesterday like it was their private jacuzzi. A coyote left me a deposit in the driveway.... they drop it anywhere. It's a jungle out here! In the meantime, a few things to do before settling into my stitching spot.
Very nice chatting with you this morning. Thank you or your kind words and emails. I appreciate the time you take to send me emails. Thank you for your friendship... 

Let the water flow!

Yesterday was hot. The sun was very bright and did I mention hot? I was so frustrated with the irrigation. I went out to the garden several times and some of my comments directed  to the system … well, let's just say were not very nice. One thing for sure is, it is a good thing that I did notice that the plants were not getting watered in this heat. They can be a bit pricey to replace. Nothing I tried was fixing the issue. All of a sudden, at 4 PM it was as if my mind began to work. I literally ran out through the lanai and to the Pond Garden... that is what I call it. I opened the control box and flipped the switch. No I mean I really did flip the switch. Somehow it was off. It controls the irrigation system. Voila! Let the water flow. Am I good or what. Yes I am! Do I sound boastful? Sorry but I feel pretty good about now. I have become knowledgeable on so many things that I had no or only limit knowledge of. I can do many things that were so impossible before.  Yes, I learned a lot with the help of Don who taught me how to use the electric screw driver and the drill correctly, how to hang a shelf and how to install the irrigation and how to properly find the studs  in the garage and once found how I should hang the wall rack. With the help of Bobby I was able to have my kitchen counter assembled and fit my new fridge in it's spot and have my kitchen lights changed. Both of these friends always took the time to explain and patience to answer my questions so I could learn and understand. Today I feel capable of doing quite a lot. The anniversary of My Denny's passing is just 20 days away.... 2 years. Earlier today I received a Facebook comment form my aunt; 

 Rose Marie Della Ventura Grace Piccirilli Horton You've done a great job. Denny would be very proud of you. 

Yes indeed. He would be proud. He worried so much about his leaving me knowing how dependent I was on him. I am a stronger person now. Maybe the blood pressure will start to return to normal and the headaches will disappear. There is no stopping me now! 
I am happy to have you drop by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Thank you Aunt Rose Marie for always encouraging me from afar. 

The week that was....

The morning is beginning a bit cool but the entire past week has been almost 20 degrees cooler than normal. Does it mean that we will really heat up soon? It won't be long and the Monsoon season will arrive and dust storms and rain will be expected and with it comes the heat.
Today is the departure day for The Brother Alan and Lisa. A lot has been accomplished and a few hiccups along the way.... nothing that adjustments can not help.

Look at my Plumeria...the "arm" has sprouted leaves! I have high hopes for this plant. I am hoping the Garden Faeries will kiss this plant for me. I had to move it with all the changes for the Pond Garden... and it seems to be liking this spot and having the irrigation added.

The Pond garden is still a work in progress..... Yesterday Alan painted the wrought iron planter a turquoise color that Lisa wanted. I had Alan put the ladder back there and then I mention earlier to Lisa about moving the sun to the area and Alan did. I need to work on the planting...needs something more and I will work on it before the heat of the summer does arrive. This morning I watched as a hummingbird took a shower then a bath in the fountain! Not wanting to startle him, I did not rush to get the camera. That makes it all worth the work.
Yesterday Dianna and Bobby finally got to meet Alan and Lisa! Every time Alan is here, they are away. We had a nice lunch sitting out in the lanai. It was simple; Italian antipasto, tossed salad, various add-ins, fresh bread for sandwiches (store bought) and cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto as well as plain and strawberries followed by custard pie.
Today is sis Lynowl's birthday. Of course with all goings on this week, the package is still sitting on the sidebar in the kitchen! I will make it to the post office today for sure. I did not want to mail it too early because she would have opened it before today and now it will be late.
It has been nice chatting with you but my coffee awaits. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Catching up....

How did it get to be Saturday? It seems like it was just Tuesday and The Brother Alan and Lisa were just arrived. We have been busy….yesterday was Scottsdale day. We enjoy stopping in at The Rusty Spur for a drink then onto roaming around and shopping. We end with a lunch at The Italian Grotto, always a delicious treat. Once we arrived back home...

Alan and I worked on the pond garden. It is not complete but almost there. Nice sounds coming from the 2 tier fountain. A few more adjustments to be made. Potted plants have been moved around and garden lighting too. The color changing spotlight was returned to shine on the Disco Ball making for beautiful shadows in the evening. A lot of tasks were worked on and those that are not finished I can do when the return to RI. I may even call on Bobby to help with one particular task. A few errands and now back home to relax. It is hot out today.... high 80s. Lisa has a little bit of sunburn as she enjoys sitting in the sun. Whatever tan I have is from walking around or the brief time I am working in the garden. I have been advised not to sit in the sun so I do not.
The last few days there have been a couple of tiny "little girl
hummingbirds" fluttering around. The Doves left the nest the other day... 2 eggs there... and finally returned but were away for some time. I am not sure if the eggs are still viable. They need constant warmth and they did not get that. We will see.
I know … it is unusual for me to make late posts, but I was too relaxed having my morning coffee in the garden to come in to post. I have not even worked on beading and now I have a small embroidery project as part of a FB group. Speaking of embroidery....

each of these striped boxes is full of DMC floss....(click the picture to enlarge) and I will be sorting out which to keep and the rest will be going. I already offered to 2 friends and will wait to see how much they would like. The rest will be going to a school. Still working on thinning down my stash of crafts.
That about is it for now. Glad you took time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.