Ahhh....it's cool again

No not outside...it is still triple numbers and muggy. I was siting quietly and stitching the burro when it felt so very hot. I had also just watched a hummer take a bath in the fountain bubbler. The air was not comfortable outside at 109 and inside it was 90! Houston S C Mechanical we have a problem. Within half an hour Brent arrived; up to the roof he climbed and when he returned a few minutes later, voilà, cold air once again filled the abode. It took a little over an hour for the temp to return to the 79 at which it is set but it was still cool air filling the abode. Memories from 2017 began to fill my head when the older AC failed completely and the temps inside were reaching that of out there in hot land.

Burro now has two legs and the third almost done...well none of them are really complete until the beads are added. His rump will also soon be finished. I will miss this project when it is finished... but then I can maybe order the next one.

This is a recent card I received from DebbieB....( missing her emails this week). We both cater to the sweet hummingbirds that visit us all the time. Of course she wrote a nice personal message to me on the inside.  I hope you can read the words okay.... a good reminder for all of us.

Okay my friends, time for me to get that glass of iced Gatorade and start my day.... a little later than normal but that is how it seems to be going today. Slow and easy. Happy to have you stop by and chat. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Ahh.... cool air filling the abode.....ahh.

Keeping busy

Thank you... for those who have been worried about my not posting. Your emails hugged me! I just was just having an off week. Not everyday/week is perfect. The weather has been crazy...very windy. I thought I was going to be joining Dorothy somewhere over the rainbow late yesterday with how windy it was. Anyway, I have kept busy.
If you know me then you know I love my wildlife friends.... but. Yes, but! We have always had a crow or two stop by the front bird bath to wash their food. Most likely the dried bread is from the McDonald's which is a mile East of my abode. It seems they discovered the fountain in the garden. If it were a large fountain maybe not so bad but it is not. Taking bread and swishing it around and then yourself then turns to an almost empty fountain that will not bubble. Leaving unfinished food, well that won't do! Always busy around my garden for sure.

The Cathedral Quilt Snowman ornament is almost complete. Just need to get out to get some trim for it. Each side has a different snowman. I am thinking of making it into a small hanging pouch... I think the little girl who this is for may like it. I can tuck a bit of $$ in and it can still be hung on the tree.

Santa has pants and the start to his boots. Today while I watch tennis the burro will get his legs. Of course there are beads to add to the boots. Looking good.

Time to get back to the Tennis Open and move the swishing into fluffing in the laundry area. Hope you are enjoying the holiday weekend. Thank you for the kind words ad emails... I am okay. Thank you for your friendship.... good friends are treasures.

Spam, mittens and a perch

Finally got out to the garden yesterday morning as the temp was only 87and the sun had not filled the garden yet. I managed to sweep most of the debris and rake back the rocks around the fountain. Since the leak  issued is solved it was time to do so. I even trimmed a little but all of that is on the ground drying out and this weekend I will try to finish. Meantime, the hummer has found a new place to perch....

This are the bells that Bobby and Dianna gave me last Christmas and it hangs in the lanai. A couple of times when the breeze caught it and it swayed, the little guy had to hang on! As hot as it is, the lanai is just a bit cooler than the garden but more importantly it is all shade.
The question I have.... how do I keep a regular email out of the Spam folder?! The last couple of days my emails from DebbieB have been going into that folder. We email everyday and this is the first time it is happening and I have no idea how to correct it. So, now some of my emails are going to outer space...unable to deliver…and some emails are coming in the Spam folder. Last week Dave came across the courtyard to re-boot the router and at least my tablet is running better, and now I will make it  monthly maintenance to do.

As you can see, I have worked on Santa and his burro. He now has mittens and I am adding the beads as I go along. I am loving this project! More on the burro today.
I have the star fabric strips ready to press and then weave also for today...keeping busy since outdoors is out of the question. Vicki and I were to meet this week for lunch but she is not feeling well so that is on hold. I am of now to create....
Glad to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words ad for your friendship.

Here's looking at you

Have I mentioned it has been hot..... now this is not new as I have been here for 15 years now, but this year had caused me problems. We have had 24 days of 110+ temps. Waking with a headache is one that fortunately lifts in a few hours. I think I just miss being in my garden! The other has been issues with my back and my hand. Lucky for me both are doing okay.
The other afternoon I was standing about about 4 feet from a female hummer taking a bath in the fountain bubbler.... she was precious to watch. Sadly for some reason some of my garden plants are not as happy as she was. Oh well, guess we are all waiting for Autumn...or October which ever lands first. Speaking of October...remember who will be arriving?
It is no secret that computers drive me cazy...my keyboard is still typig what it wants... and I have actually typed so slow you could take a nap, and it still omits n, r, t or whatever! ow the #3 is not working … must emember to use the side keyboard.... see what I mean? I really must re-read everything. Now emails are not able to send all the time... unless someone tells me they did not get a response, I have no idea! Today I will call the Geeks and let them check out things.

Santa can now look back at me! I am adding the beads as I finish an area with floss and of course I had to add his beard and mustache. His sidekick will begin today. I must order Mesa Santa!
Just finishing my second cup of coffee...first one was at 4:30. So, off I go to enjoy this coffee before spending the day drinking Gatorade. Glad to have you visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

The fix-it morning

This morning is starting out "cooler"...only 90 but we are still in heat advisory mode. So they said do it early if you need to go out. I went to check the fountain and to top it off...it was empty. The heat yesterday was 114 so evaporate it did. I decided to finally do the cleaning it so needed. It really was quite simple. Only took about a half hour … okay a bit longer but still easy. Now it has clean parts and is full again and so is the front birdbath. So on to the shower...yes I did get a short one in the garden but this was the real one. Must get a bath rug for in front of the sink...powder on tile makes for a slippery floor. Time to turn the computer back on...no internet was the message! Now this was impossible because the tablet is working and the TV is also.  The quick earlier post is now happening a little later than planned. All is working now, inside and outside.

This is the star made yesterday. Robyn and I chose the fabric when she was here...good choice Robyn! I enjoyed our visit.
I finally put gas in the car...yes, the first time since The Brother Alan did so at the end of May! He already knows that I will not be doing this once he arrives..... he already figured this out I am sure. Then since I was already at Fry's for the gas I went in to get laundry detergent.... found out that I ran out when I attempted to do some swishing early yesterday morning...now swishing.

I plan to sit in my comfy chair and stitch on Santa....
Not very much to show but there will be the next time you see it. No red velvet hat for this cowboy! I think I will be adding beads as I go along instead of waiting till the end. In between working on this I will be making a few Christmas colored beaded bauble ornaments. Once I order beads I will get back to a couple of pods too.
Right now I must feed my growling stomach and start the fluffing in the laundry area. Happy to chat with you today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

I'm on a "watch list"...again

This is not the first time I have been on a watch list...the other is when we first moved here to Arizona.... and it was the bank's fault that I was being investigated for bank fraud----but that is another story.
Where did this week disappear to? I blinked and it was Friday!  To be accurate it is Friday afternoon! It is not that I have been on vacation...I only wish I were. Let's see, on Saturday I spent time with Diana and then Bobby took us out for Mexican dinner. Sunday there was a visit from Robyn who brought delicious cookies to have with our coffee and moving to Wednesday and Glenda came by for morning coffee. Oh and there was the visit with the Opthmologist on Tuesday. Busy me. The doctor has me on a watch list for the very suspicious glaucoma diagnosis. For now we are just monitoring. I am okay with that.... for now.
The beading has been keeping me busy... still cannot show you as it is a gift. I need to order some beads to make the horse and paw print pods. They will eventually be gifts too. You may be asking why not show the one I am working on? Well, the person who will be getting it will know because it is very obvious. Anyway, In the meantime I will be working on the Mill Hill Southwest Santa in between.

Robyn thought these 2 fabrics would be a nice origami star so I will be making that this weekend.  This heat and humidity has made me lazy to get out and drive.  Have I mentioned that I am still driving on the full tank of gas that The Brother Alan put in the car before they left at the end of May? Finally at a half tank! What can I say. You do remember that The Brother and Lisa will be here for good by the beginning of October. Almost have a date, and then the countdown will really begin. Preparations on both ends are being taken care of.
At the moment, the computer keyboard is acting up.... just about ready for throwing it out and of course my tablet is misbehaving. Seems electronics only last 3 years or so then it is replacement time.
Well, my friends, no need to worry about me...thank you for your caring emails. Happy you took the time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.

Santa's back...found

Well I am certainly getting a late start to my day. I guess I was tired when I woke at 4am and fell back to sleep…. awake and first cup of coffee down. I do have a few errands to take care of then it is off to Glenda's this afternoon. Although it is very cloudy they say no rain...we shall see.
On Tuesday when Dianna and Bobby were I noticed that one of the Santa earrings was missing. Disappeared…. vanished under the tree.

I had the card with them on one of the branches and now there was only one. We looked and moved packages not once but a few times. This morning I glanced down and there it was...dangling from a lower branch. Amazing how three of us could miss it.

All is ready now, he can deliver his packages in just 11 days...oh my! 11 days.... glad I am finally ready. Actually I will be when I go to mail the last 2 boxes.
I made a lovely...well I can not say yet because it has not yet been received but I really like it and can't wait to show you. Tomorrow a few people should receive their packages and sis if you are reading this you are not getting it yet!
Time to get a move on...things to do.....so nice to have you stop by. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Ho Ho and another Ho

Yesterday was another beautiful day here in The Valley of the Sun. The front door was still open at 8PM. I think we are finally in the Autumn weather. I was busy swishing laundry and baking.

This was a new recipe... I have so many I want to try. It is Honey White Bread. Nice crumb texture and very mellow in taste. Yes, there is honey added. This morning I had it tasted and it was still nice and fresh. The only issue with these homemade breads is that there are best on day one and acceptable on day 2 and so so on day 3. As there is only me here (right now) the bread does not get eaten quickly. But I will still bake even just for me.
The Santa Star is finally finished....2448 beads.

One is for me and the other will be riding the sleigh to sis Lyn. A break from beading for at least a week to rest the right hand from the process. I do love these stars though.
I have a day with no plans.... I will do whatever comes my way. Maybe a little reading. I should however begin to clean the garden during these cool mornings. I should but will I? I might continue going through my cross stitch patterns. Found a couple of Lavender & Lace.... never done and will not be kept.... and one that I made for my niece Elyssa when she was born, might hand on to it. I am serious about de-stashing. Then there is the linen...most are pieces good for smaller projects. I will hold on to some but definitely not most. I have 2 bins that will go down to one for sure. If I have not used it by now or stitched it I know it will not be. Crazy to hold on to when someone else can enjoy having it. Right Jo? She will be getting a particular pattern (more if interested). Well, onto making the bed and getting dressed. I want to get into the storage in the garage to find the next change of sheers for the living room. Then it will be ready for the winter/holidays. So off I go to try to accomplish something. Glad to chat with you and thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

A room with a view

A lovely cool morning here in The Valley. The front door is open and the sliders too. It is actually a little cloudy out there. If you are wondering about my later post.... seems I do not get to blog early anymore. Any way, I was just lazy getting up...then I was checking this and that... one video was wrapping a cabochon bead. Then it was the call to the AC company. They are the nicest people for me to deal with. The thermostat was simple once she told me what to do..... it was not pull forward or twist to the side or lift up. No, on the right side all I needed to do was grip and tilt down. Voila! the batteries are changed and it is not blinking anymore. Another click off the learning list.

A few things….I have been asked about my new stitching area since I am not in the guest bedroom...which is now The Brother Alan's room.

this is in my room. It is the chair that I bought last year. When I am not stitching it is moved slightly back next to the curio facing inward. The table is a folding one which also can go away and the cart wheels out of sight as well. I have a much better view from this chair....

 My room has a large slider which opens to the lanai and then to the garden...as you can see I look out to lovely plants and can easily watch the hummer flit by and the lizard scamper about. I have not seen Oliver the bunny in some time. I really must get out there and sweep up the area.

I actually do not have to turn the chair but if I want to watch some movie while stitching then this is the way it is. 

The Santa is coming along. I should be able to finish him today. Then on to.....? I found another interesting star pattern. It is called Stained Glass Rainbow Diamonds.... it is so pretty. My hand is doing much better with the Gel but I need to remember to apply it more often and take a few breaks. 

Can you believe October is nearly gone? This weekend the rest of the USA changes the clocks back one hour.... we do not... so I become 2 hours earlier than the East Coast. Before we know it Christmas season will be here. This year I will decorate the tree and the house. Last year I was not in the spirit yet. By the way, thank you for the kind messages regarding my last post. I was not looking for sympathy, just venting my feelings.  Some days are going to always be difficult for me but I will not be saying it to anyone any time soon. I will smile on the outside and cry on the inside. To quote a part of something I just read:

"You are handed a new life that you never asked for and that you don't particularly want." I am thankful for the  good people in my life who when they ask how I am doing really do care. Those are my real friends... I thank them and you. Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and your true friendship.

Hello Saturday

The days seem to be flying by. I am not even sure what happened these past day. I did some beading but needed to rest my hand. I think... first hand experience.... that I am developing trigger finger in the ring finger of my right hand.  I had trigger thumb on my left hand some years ago... so I do know. Lots of Voltarin Gel before bed does help during the night and then again before I plan to use the hand crafting. Remember this is the hand that had the tissue damage.... so when it swells more or just hurts, it is time to stoop whatever I am doing.

Just look at these lovely doilies...they were gifted to me by Glenda....some are hand made and others commercially made. A few are Battenberg lace, filet crochet, other crocheted patterns and there are a few whitework. They are white or ecru...sorry that the picture is showing some in another shade. I see a few angels from here.... and who knows what else. I do use doilies around my home.  I used to enjoy crocheting doilies and still have a few that I did not give away.

I know some of you are ready into Autumn, but here in The Valley of Arizona it is still like summer.

This is my Hopsbush getting ready to "flower". They are not really flowers but that is what it has. This bush has grown so much since a year ago. I need to find a better support for the branches which are spreading too wide.
I did a little beading these past few days...key word little. The Santa Star is almost finished, just the last section to make. I am also getting the Reindeer food packets ready.... if this is your first time hearing about them, check here more info.
I absolutely need another cup of coffee before I continue with this and that. Glad to chat with yo today. Thank you for your kind words and for you friendship.

Santa and Reindeer food

This is the morning sky.... looks stormy to me! The hurricane off Mexico is going to affect our weather for sure. We go almost all year without any measurable rain and get zapped in October. Glad I have no place to be except right here today. Yesterday I visited with Dianna and we reviewed (for me) the how to for Shutterfly. I have started another book and seem to have forgotten a lot of the ways. Dianna makes so many she can do them in her sleep.

Another Santa beaded star is almost finished. Love making these cute guys. Just 2 more sections for him. It is getting near the time for Reindeer food packets to be ready and sent out to all he boys and girls who need them. Eli from Rhode Island actually reminded me that he needs a packet! So I will be sending one to his aunti Lisa (my niece) for him in time for Christmas. One is going to Natalia also in Rhode Island too. Do you know someone who needs one? If so, email me with the child's name and address to be sent. I will mail out in time for feeding.
Well, I know a few of you wondered where I have been... thank you for the emails . .. . I am fine, just having one of those days that lasted a few days. Thank you for caring. So nice to hear from you and nice that you take the time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and friendship. The aroma of fresh ground beans fills my kitchen … coffee is brewed and waiting...off I must go.

Ho Ho Ho finish!

The weather has been so nice...cooler, the AC off for days and the sliders open. The sky is very cloudy...maybe some rain in The Valley?
It feels damp… feels like rain in the air and certainly looks it.
Sorry for those in Florida who experienced the hurricane. It was good to read on Facebook that those that I know in the area are all okay.

Santa Star is finished! Loved making this one. The directions were great, the finishing method well designed by Vicki Green of Dragon's Lair Beads. I am ready to make another one. Happy that I have plenty of beads to do so. I really would like to make another Stain Glass Rose star too. I am feeling ambitious to bead if nothing else.
Yesterday there was a huge Dragonfly sitting on my palm tree....but no camera at hand...the Spiny Lizard was scurrying around the garden but no camera at hand. The garden has been the hub of activity. It definitely needs to be swept, but too lazy. I did change the time/days for the irrigation system. So far it looks like I did it correctly. If the weather continues to remain cool I will be able to get out there to clean up. Anticipating the delivery tomorrow of the kitchen work cart. It will be an interesting weekend getting it together. Right now I will concentrate on resting my hand today from the beading project. Reading might be on the agenda. So glad to have you visit today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Friends

A lovely day with cooler weather. The AC is off and the doors were open all day.

A pretty bouquet in a lavender mason jar....
My morning was one of my "off times", tears and feeling sad ( just one of those mornings) but that changed when Dianna and Bobby arrived. After some chatter Bobby got out his tools and removed the small counter top and then slid the refrigerator in better position. He also put a wood top on it for now as I still have not ordered the butcher block top for it. Then he began to remove the drinking water faucet from the kitchen sink. Did I mention that Bobby has a wonderful sense of humor….it was not long before I forget to feel sad. Finally he replaced the florescent light bulbs and let there be light in the kitchen! Now it was time for lunch. I had wanted to take them out for lunch but they said sandwiches would be fine. So, Sunday I went to Fry's and got a selection of Italian meats and rolls for what I call a grinder and he calls a hero.... and for desert...we had sorted Talenti Gelato. How do you say thank you to these two? The warmth of feelings I have for them and from them … no words can be said.

They brought me another Plumeria plant as the one from last year did not survive the heat. I will plant it by the weekend. This is a beautiful charm/necklace that Dianna bought for me. She also bought one for herself.... we match! Very pretty and delicate.

I did manage more beading on Sunday....half a face one hand and boot...getting there. Just 2 more sections and it will be complete.
When we bought the new dining set and server piece, we also bought a work counter which had to be delivered from the manufacturer. Well, I received an email telling me it will arrive on Friday afternoon...in piece! Yes, in 3 sections to be assembled. I better make sure the screwdriver is charged.... hopefully I will be able to assemble this cart. It is 111 pounds, 36x52x18....not a small item for sure. Stay tuned for the results or lack of.
That about covers what is happening around here. Thank you for taking the time to visit and thank you for your kind words and friendship.

Ho Ho almost

My days seem to start later...no rush to get going especially when I have nothing planned. I think I am slowing down. I can enjoy this... not feel like I must be doing something all the time. Yesterday was cool enough to actually turn off the AC and open doors for the morning. Actually so is today.

Glenda was nice enough to pick me up when I dropped the car off to have the auto starter installed on Thursday. Since it would take about 2 hours we went to the mall. I found this beautiful ornament in Dillards….it measures about 5 inches and catches the light or anything else. Can not wait to see it on my Christmas tree under the lights. For now it is on an ornament display hook.... a very tall hook. Speaking of Christmas...

Yesterday I made the first of 5 parts of the Santa Star.... oh my I am loving this pattern. I really enjoy making these dimensional stars. So many great patterns available to purchase. All of them copyrighted to protect the designers. I have also found some free patterns that are very pretty. I do not sell my creations, they are always gifts. You can guess that this will be my weekend project. There is an adorable snowman star that I am thinking of getting...just thinking.
When we left Dillards, I spotted this Cowboy angel in Hallmark...

I had to have it. Dennis bought me a few other pieces from the same artist, Ekholon…. All are signed.  I just thought of him immediately. He now sits with the others in my curio. The statue  to the far right is not an angel but still by the same artist. All of them stand 6 inches tall.

I probably should get a few things done around the hacienda before I settle into my comfy chair to bead. Glad we had the time to chat. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Most of all, thank you for your friendship. 

Sunrise and a ring

Somedays start good and get better.

After posting here yesterday morning I looked out my kitchen window to see a dramatic sunrise. I see them often and never tire of looking to the sky at sunrise or sunset. Then a short time later as I passed the same window....

there was Oliver enjoying his breakfast buffet of Fountain Grass along with his statue  buddy. He is so tiny... so adorable.

I went for my hairdresser appointment and came home to seeing that the mail was delivered.

Pleasant surprise that the beads from Fire Mountain arrived a day early. I may have over ordered but just did not want to run short. Since I have an appointment to have the auto starter put into the car this afternoon, I probably will not start it today....tomorrow will be just fine. The other piece of mail...

When The Brother Alan and Lisa were here we went to Scottsdale for our usual Italian meal and of course some shopping. Alan was buying this ring (Lisa on the left) and also bought a matching one (me on the right) for me. It was being sized and mailed to me. So pretty! Lucky to have such a thoughtful brother. Both of them care for me and about me....lucky am I.

So, today will be kind of boring after yesterday. So far there has been no more rain around here, but the humidity yesterday was awful. Having the starter finally is going to be a big help. Oh, and the kitchen light...finally figured how to remove the cover and the light bulb needs replacing but I could not get it out. I have not even attempted the water system yet. I think this is a weekend project! In the meantime, I will enjoy finishing my coffee and relaxing before swishing some clothes in the washer. Glad we chatted...thank you for the kind words and your friendship.

Let's have a lazy day

Just did not want to get out of bed this morning...definitely going to be a lazy day. Laundry is swishing but not much else. The weather forecast tells of rains coming  later today into the beginning of the week. Right now the sky is overcast. I took the glider and chair cushions into the lanai just in case it does rain. As much as it is welcomed it is dreaded. I hate driving in the rain and have a few things to do out of the house the beginning of the week. One I can put off until another day. The appointment for the installation of the automatic car starter is not one of them.

My stain glass rose star is finished. I was not sure about the pale lavender beads but they do show nicely with the darker color. Looking forward to making a few more. The bead shop is having a bead sale so I should get there and see what I can get. I also  purchased a patter for a Santa Star.  A different designer and it is written differently but I am sure I can figure it out. It is 11 pages ! Some of the beads I have, of course there are always beads to buy with each new project.
I also found a tutorial on making denim feathers that looked interesting and requires no sewing at all...might give that a try. So many great ideas out there. Hoping to go through more of my supplies to see what to eliminate....and where to send what I will not be needing. Some of it will be linen/linen pieces and of course patterns. My cross stitch interest has taken a back seat so why keep all the supplies. Good rainy day project for sure. On a follow up; cable is working just fine so I did cancel the appointment after all what can they do if it is working. Later today I will attempt to fix the kitchen florescent light---and yes I will be very careful. Still thinking the water filter system.
That is about it. Laundry #2 swishing while the first is whirling around the dryer. Time to watch Sherlock Holmes. So good to chat with you and thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Santa has been carded

Slow again this morning.... due to lack of sleep. I think it is the weather pushing me into this mode. The temps have fallen a little during the night and I would think it would be better but it seems that no, it is not. The daytime temps have been lower in the mid 100s and of course lack of rain even though it is still Monsoon time. That last storm here in my area was about 2 weeks ago. One more month of this.

Santa has been carded as the trees also. 2 Santa earrings have been already packaged and ready to fly across the states. I had a request for a tree with both silver and gold instead of the red so I will be trying that to see how it looks. I have mastered these trees now. I found beaded feather earrings to try.... just need to get the colors. I do not think Christmas colors or Santa colors are just right. Guess this means a trip to the bead store.

I already have the beads for the next bracelet that I my start today. Of course these are the main colors and then I will add from what I already have.  Just need to find something for the end...the button part.
A laundry to send swishing and an errand is on the agenda today. I managed to take the leaf blower off the high hook in the garage so that will be this week sometime that the lanai gets a cleaning. Whoa! I just saw something moving about on the lanai. My desk is just next to the sliders....oh my goodness. A tiny, and I do mean tiny bunny is scurrying about! There is a large bunny hutch outside my property and I guess this guy came in for shelter or something.  Just what I need a bunny moving in and leaving bunny poop behind! Well, time to move on so things will get accomplished today. Hard to believe that this month is almost over...but that means the days until The Brother Alan arrive are closer....22 days. Just a few tasks for them to do ….new car and new refrigerator….then it will be their time. Good to visit with you today and all the days that you take the time to stop by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Clouds in the garden and Hershey kisses in the shower...

The morning began at 6 AM with lots of clouds and the temp was below 100.... so out to the garden I went. The disaster was getting the better of me. I hate to see  our garden looking such a mess. The pond is as good as it will be at the moment until I solve the debris in the pump well. I began with the broom and rake and before I knew it I had clippers in hand and filled a yard trash bag...39 gallon size. Now I needed to get into a shower really quick.... I had tidbits of this and that stuck to me and in my hair. Usually the shower runs hot to warm...today it was on cool and it felt really good. Then it happened.... you knew something would didn't you!. I had not eaten at all and had been out of bed since 3:30AM so I began to fell unwell....okay hungry. That feeling you get when you should have eaten hours ago feeling. So there are Hershey with almonds in the bedroom candy dish.... a quick sugar fix. I am feeling much better but still will need to eat and have a cup of coffee but the garden is mostly clean before the next storm arrives. It may very well be tonight.

My new Fire Line cutters arrived yesterday...they are perfect. They are Xuron 9180 and specifically for beading line.  I have ruined scissors trying to cut thread when beading. Nice sharp points and easy to cut. The Fire Line that I ordered from Fire Mountain  is much thinner than what I have been using and by the time I finished the first half of the Santa earring I felt comfortable with it. We shall see when I bead the next half.
Well, my friends I am feeling a little light-headed...not much up there some days… so I think I had better find something to eat and put the feet up for awhile. Glad you came to chat today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Still counting the days until you know who arrives. 

Santa earrings and the Moon and Mars

Now that may have your interest.... first the Santa things...

3 pair completed and one more in the tray. Two have blue eyes and I thought to do a few with black. I really enjoy beading....well, I do enjoy lots of things. With the weather so hot and humid and the garden must be ignored along with the pond something has to have my attention. I promised the mother Eva P a pair but I better wait until December to send them or she will wear them now proclaiming that I made them for her! She is delighted with all the mail she has been receiving and I cannot thank you all enough. I really only expected that  a couple of bloggers would send a card...but you have become what she calls her friends.
Have you been watching the moon?

Even with the clouds surrounding it, it was a sight to see. And while looking at the moon, nearby was the red planet...yes, Mars...

not too bad with just the camera and no telescope. We have a place not too far where My Denny and I would go and they set up telescopes so you can view the sky....I should check to see when they will have another such evening. Denny almost bought a telescope a few years back...not sure what happened with that idea.
The pond is pretty well dried and if only the heat would lessen I could get out there to clean. Of course my incision is still "delicate" with steri-strips and all. Hopefully they will soon be gone but until then I will follow the doctor's orders. The area is so dry and scaly...someone suggested that I use Vitamin E on the scar...any thoughts on this? Years ago after a surgery I was told to use Mederma and it did help a little. Times change and so do products. Surprisingly it is not itchy at all.
Went to Wal-Mart today for my Eight O'clock coffee beans and small filters  and there in the candy aisle was one of the motorized carts...just sitting there right in the middle of the aisle...I guess someone needed it to get to the candy but not to leave! I am probably one of the few who does not have one of those Keurig Coffee machines and fresh grinds beans for my Mr Coffee pot. Wal-Mart is the only place I can get these beans and filters.  Strange things happen there. There were so many parents with and without children getting back to school supplies. All of them with lists in hand. Here in Arizona schools let out in May and some are already back with most returning by August.
Okay, time to find something to have for dinner. The problem is that I am not at all hungry and have not eaten since 10:30 this morning. Something light so I will not starve later.
We are down to 51 days until....The Brother Alan and Lisa arrives. You did not forget did you ?

All I can say is ~~~~hot

We are in a Heat Advisory for the next few days..... the only word is hot. Yesterday was a record for the date at 115 and that is what is expected for today and tomorrow. Needless to say, indoor activity is the plan and I can find plenty to keep me busy. Yesterday my outing was to have the sutures removed...all is well. I did make a quick stop at the bead shop for a few items but it was back to the cool of the abode.

I redid the Santa using a new bead for the shadow and I like the subtle look. Now to make the matching earring and a few more. This time I will be sure to keep a pair for example.
The pond is still on hold and I am not going out there to check because we know I will then try to work on it and after getting sick on Saturday in the heat that will not be a wise move. If we get a break in the oppressive heat over the weekend then I will deal with it. Until then the birds will have to visit the birdbath in the front yard. Right now the air is still and very thick...humid and heavy and 92 at 5:30 am. Lots of clouds and no sunshine...yet.
The Brother Alan and I had a nice chat yesterday...the countdown for his return here is on...55 days. The To Do list has been reviewed... only 3 important items then the time will be for Lisa to get in the horseback riding and whatever else they have planned. My list can be done in a day or so. I am looking forward to their arrival. This time there will be no storms to delay their return to Rhode Island..... except a hurricane (September is the end of the season)…. who can say!
That is about it from here. Glad to chat with you today and always. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship. Thank you also for your concern and good wishes  with the recent medical issue....your support has been fantastic. We do not have to be in the same room to care! 💖

How beautiful a day can be
When kindness touches it!
~George Elliston