Fabric and a sunset

The winter days have been so nice....

This recent sunrise... breath taking! The sky looked on fire. The temps have been in the 50s--60s during the day requiring a sweatshirt or sweater when I walk with Murphy. He loves being out for walks and the weather does not seem to bother him.
I asked Alan to fix one area where a plant was removed by adding a couple of bricks...

Alan did a fine job and even fixed more of the area. Of course his assistant was right there to investigate.

Murphy could not resist laying in the dirt! He loves digging and we are planning to fence around the flower beds and kitchen garden to stop the digging and also him chewing on twigs and stuff. It will be very interesting! I mentioned to Alan that we need an electronic door opener/closer for Murphy. He loves going in and out and I have become his doorman.
Lisa and I finally got to the Quilt shop.

 Could not resist another tiny scissor....

 This is  a kit to make a Burrito roll pillowcase that Lisa will be making....

This lovely print will be the backing and binding for my runner.

New prints for a bathroom valance.
I guess my post will need to be at night or mid morning/day. Murphy has kept me pretty busy. This is one week and all personal business he has done outside...no house accidents! Did I mention the vet mentioned that Murphy has a belly more than he, the vet, would like?! He gained 5 pounds in the month he has been with us.... cutting down on his food already. Anyway, I do not think there is an issue...love his belly!❤❤
Okay, time for my lunch. Alan and Lisa are both working so it is just the boy and me....glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I am feeling so much better! Thank you for your friendship.

Finally ......

Very little sleep last night but woke at 7 AM to see a beautiful sunrise. A lovely way to end the year. Yes, we have finally arrived at the last day of 2018. Tomorrow a new page starts in the year 2019. I will celebrate with my traditional late night shrimp and maybe a sip of sparkling wine. If tonight was last night it would be perfect as I did not fall asleep until 4 AM...but of course I probably will nod off before 10 tonight.
Guess what I learned yesterday. Everyday something new pops up around here. You may remember that I got my new car this past September. So for all these past 3 months I am still learning things. I figured out how to put the radio on rear speakers.... I finally drove one evening and had to find the correct headlight setting.... how to maneuver the drivers seat.... and that brings us to the steering wheel. Yes, the steering wheel. All this time I have been having trouble seeing properly over  the darn thing. I kept adjusting the seat and still was not 100% comfortable. Finally while out to get milk at the market...which I forgot and had to return for.... I discovered that the steering wheel adjusts! Who knew! Finally I am now able to clearly see better and have it adjusted to me. Of course all of this ends when The Brother Alan arrives this Spring...it will all be adjusted back for his comfort. He will be the designated driver while in town.

It is official...today I begin the pack up of decorations. Now to figure what will go where and how it will go and then to get it back onto the shelving unit....I think I will be busy all day! If you are looking for me you certainly know where I will be.
A note.... I wish I had a way to contact some of you … when you leave me a comment and you are new to my blog, and there is no email attached to you that means I cannot respond. I am not with Google+ … please be sure to leave your email if you want a response. You can also email me directly...on the right sidebar.
Okay, I must get a start here or I will be in a turmoil for days to come. Glad we chatted. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. If you will be celebrating this New Years Eve at home like me, I hope you are able to remain awake to usher in the New Year 2019. I will try but make no promises.

I wish you all a very happy New Year ….. 2019

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.

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.

What a glorious sunrise.....

Is this not magnificent or what! The sky is glowing and breath-taking. There ae lots of clouds on the western side but this is too beautiful not to share with you. The temps have been very hot...107+ and today is expected to be 109/110. You know I will be remaining indoors. The little bit of cleaning in the garden and the lanai the other morning caused a moderate back pain but I am fine now....well as fine as I can be. The winds have brought such dust into the area and the dust is a fine as baby powder...gets in everywhere. I have stated another beaded star...this is part of a bead-along that took place last week.

I changed the suggested bead colors to more of my liking and so far I really like it. Each day a portion of the project was released and I am now just going along as are some others. It will be finished this weekend. 

Hard to believe when I received the itinerary for The Brother Alan and Lisa's trip out here in June that it would finally be arrival time...yes, Tuesday is the day! Just in time the temps are suppose to drop a little. It may be around 100! Hopefully not too hot on the day they go horseback riding. I was asked if I was leaving any time for them to  enjoy their vacation....of course. The Brother Alan also has a list of things he needs to do and wants to do. He and Lisa will have plenty of time for this and that.... and me. We are lucky to have one another. Now, I really need another cup of coffee as the first one I had was around 2:30 AM... maybe a piece of toast with this one. So nice to chat with you....thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Now for a health report! I have not heard from Glenda as she and Don just moved but I think she is feeling much better. sis Lynowl is resuming most of her activities so she is also on the mend and Lisa is also feeling better. Thank you all for keeping them in your thoughts. Power in caring for one another! My aunt and uncle in NC are safe from the hurricane.....good news there too.

Magnificent sky

Yesterday I spent a couple of hours at the bead shop...Bead Unique and had the help of owner Zina with my feather pattern. It is still a work in progress..... as the directions and the diagrams do not really match very well. I will work on it this weekend. I do not mind having to take apart and re-do projects...for the most part. It is all part of the learning; that is what I tell me, myself and I. Anyway, it is always pleasurable to sit with Zina and Vickie and bead.

Last evening around sunset I looked out my garage door and the sky was ablaze with fluffy pink ...very pink clouds. It was hot and humid but oh so beautiful. Within minutes of taking this picture, poof! it was all gone and the sun quickly set. You have to be really quick with the camera.
Just took a short walk before the sun really began to heat up the air and the clouds were still hovering about. I look forward to being able to take a longer walk and to sit outside with my morning coffee. Soon, maybe but then again, September is still a hot month here in Arizona. I have no plans for this long holiday weekend...well I will be beading of course. I may try to move the stereo equipment from one spot to another, but I may also wait for Bobby and Dianna who will be here on Tuesday.  It really should be an easy move....but who knows.
I have had a cup of coffee, toast and juice.... now it is time to make the bed and sit in my rocking chair and bead that feather. Glad you had some time to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. You make my day special.
17 days....just 17 days more and The Brother Alan and Lisa will be here! Hip Hip Horray!

Mars and the coyote

I have always been fascinated with the night skies...full moons especially but then there is Venus and Jupiter and of course Mars...

When I look up into the Eastern sky and see this bright planet...I just stare in amazement. This is taken without out use of a telescope...just my camera and a zoom. How spectacular is that. If you click on the picture you will see how almost perfect it is! Round and red and like a spotlight in the sky...Wow!!
Earlier last evening around 7PM I decided to fill the birdbath out front so it would be ready for the morning crowd. It has been around 90 at the start of the day and those Doves and Quail are thirsty. As I click open the lock and look out a coyote runs out of the courtyard and the bunnies scatter. I would like to think I may have inadvertently saved a bunny. The coyote walked around the sidewalk area for a few minutes then took off for another courtyard. My friend Robyn...across the courtyard ….opens her door to ask if I saw him run out....we chat then it is back inside to the cool of the living room. A few hours later and the bunnies return to munch and roam around.

I did a little beading until my hand said enough. The colors do not show as nice as they are...better picture next time. I did look for and did find a beaded Christmas tree earring pattern on line..

Good thing I can follow a graph nd recognize the stitch used because the directions are

 written in Polish. I have the right Delica beads to try it so that is on the plan list this week. Not much on the list; the Post Office and getting ready for the arrival...

one month from yesterday is the count down...The Brother Alan will be here with Lisa....

I have kept the Alan List small, only the most important to do. They arrive late morning Tuesday, September 18th and by Thursday they have time for whatever...of course horseback riding is always on the list. A day in Scottsdale for lunch and who knows what else. Tuesday and Wednesday are "work days".  My list is really not that much but I am glad to have their help.
Off to get some work done around here. I have a couple of friends stopping by today around 1 so I cannot dilly dally. Glad to chat with you and thank you for the kind words and good wishes you have sent me. Thank you for your friendship....makes my day,

Missed storm

The weather alert came in on the phone...Dust storm warning and severe thunder storms in the area..... well, the sky did look threatening and the thunder did sound as well as a flash or two of lightening but not rain … no dust … no storm. I still sent myself to the bedroom! One thing about the storms, the scenery changes quickly and becomes dramatic. The glint of sunset against the tall palm tree fronds is lovely. I secured the garden tools left by the pond and scared a tiny lizard...he actually scared me. It was a quiet evening after all.

If you think it is a new smoke detector you are correct. Yes I did it. This is the one in the hallway outside my bedroom and the lowest one to install. The other two are going to require the higher step ladder and yesterday was not the day with my back still bothering me. They will have to wait... I believe they will require help. While I was finding things to do...like I do not have anything at the ready...I realized while playing music that the 2 wall mounted Polk speakers are not connected to the receiver so they are not needed. There is a Polk sub woofer that also does not work with the stereo...they were part of the home theater. So today they will be disconnected. They have been offered to the couple who will get the system. Remember the sweet little girl from Dianna...

her basil has dried and now looks perfect hanging down from her pot. I picked the piece of basil while it had flowered so the tiny blooms are in perfect proportion. Today I will think about the next bracelet to wrap. I also got the supplies for a tatted ornament ready.  No plans really for the day...except take Bissell for a walk around the place with Swiffer...they need the exercise. Well my friends right now I need breakfast so off I go to accomplish my tasks. Thank you for your kind words and of course for your friendship.

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 ?

A cloudy morning sky

A cloudy start to the day but the temperature is comfortable at around 70. The sun pops out every now and again but I do not mind the clouds. Maybe a splash of rain? The garden loves a cloudy day. Look what is doing well out there....

I just may have a strawberry or two to pick. I will get out the netting and cover it as I do not trust the birds. Speaking of birds, yesterday afternoon there was a pair of Doves hanging around the garden for a short time and I also saw a few Robins out in the courtyard.
Today I plan to pick up my shuttle and try some tatting. The hand swelling is almost gone but a little pain remains. More medicated gel and mo hard labor! I need to do some repair work and painting on the lanai but it will wait.  I am trying to remember my limits but it is oh so hard.
Yesterday I finally remembered to change my telephone number at the market (do not want to loose the discounts!) and then the pharmacy. I also reprinted my "calling cards" and sent out a few note cards to friends and my niece giving my new number. This is the cell number that we had for 12 years and I never remembered it but al of a sudden I am. It is a good thing.
Breakfast finished, bed made and garden tended to so now I can sit back and read and maybe tat. So glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

“Never leave a friend behind. Friends are all we have to get us through this life--and they are the only things from this world that we could hope to see in the next.”
― Dean Koontz, Fear Nothing

Sunday.....and only one day left

As it begins to become morning the sun is just beginning to shine.

Such a golden sky! Still a little chilly but soon all will warm up.
Laundry is swishing and since I did not do any for a few days, another will follow. I have a few things to do in the garden today.
Yesterday Don and I went to Lowe's for irrigation supplies and for lattice to reinforce the gazebo canopy. The canvas top has stretched and was beginning to sag....not now thanks to Don. While there I did find a  few new plants and the start of my herbs

Sweet Basil and chives and a strawberry plant.....if I can keep the birds away I just may get a strawberry or two.
Glenda and I went gallivanting in the afternoon and came home with garden jewelry...

this small trellis will help keep the Red Lips Salvia from falling forward. Then the butterflies...

We would have bought more but it was all we could find! A bit of color here and there.  I also found some little ones that flutter...

This is in one of the house plants and the others will be scattered about in and out.  Whimsy for the garden and me.

Introducing.... Little Snow Flake. This print was a gift from Dianna and I finally found a plain frame to display her. I do not know who the artist is or anything about her except she is cute and a nice addition to my Southwest collection.
Well friends....I have a bit of housework to do and a few plants to settle in their new spots. It was nice to have you visit and chat. Thank you for your kind words and most of all for your friendship.

*oh my goodness, there is only one day left until you know what, I mean you know who arrives!*

Saturday morning happenings....

Don't you just go crazy when you do dumb things? Several times I get the wash ready and forget to close the washer lid...well, on my machine that means that the clothes just sit in water and then it drains and you have to start all over again! So, finally the washer is swishing. Per doctors orders I am not to climb or lift anything over 15 pounds. So......I attempted to retrieve a plastic shoebox that was on a high shelf using my trusty yard stick...oh the shoebox came down alright, good thing I turned my face away because it hit me on the head. Now don't get excited...it only had tatting items in it so I did not get hurt.

I sat at the sewing machine yesterday and have all the body parts for the Tilda doll (finally). She needs to be ironed and then stuffed...but...I cannot pick out fabric for her clothes...I have the fabric but it is in a heavy bin in the garage on a shelf and I cannot get it out do to restrictions. I guess she will be stuffed and naked for a time.

I love trying different origami folds....so I made some paper stars and hearts this week. Not a clue what to do with them but fun anyhow. I never tire of trying and learning. These little stars are puffy one ...I have made flat folded ones many times.
I also found some paper doll cut-outs...

and feathers so of course there were printed out. I need Honey Keith to help me with the printing on cardstock...I seem to be having trouble with it. There is a butterfly there too. Not all my interests ae with needle and thread....
I even found a lovely heart and flower embroidery pattern to make. There is the problem....finding all these interesting things to do and now to find the time to make them.
Before I leave you, I must...... absolutely must show you my morning sky...

.....the beauty of the morning sunrise draws me stand in awe......never do I tire of seeing the amazing beauty of the sunrise.
Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you most of all for your friendship and good wishes for my leg procedures.

Don't forget...The Brother Alan is coming! March 6th...my calendar is marked!

Oh that wind!

In the very early morning hours I was awaken with the sounds of something blowing around the garden.....sounds of things banging. I did not go and check but did wonder what was happening in the garden that I carefully cleaned the day before. Yesterday Glenda and I enjoyed tea in the garden which was fairly clean until the winds tossed about a plant tray, the small trash container and leaves from trees that I do not have. This morning it is still a little windy. Once I have my coffee and toast I will clean up the mess.

Finished my gold bead snowflake...Vivienne from Jennifer Williams book. (She names each of her patterns.) A little fiddly but pretty once done. I am trying to decide which to make next. A good pattern book for sure.

This what the moon looked like yesterday morning...almost at it's full glory. Beautiful against the morning blue sky. I hope the skies remain clear for the full moon on Wednesday evening.
There is still only the one egg in the wall planter and no signs of the Dove couple these last two days....very irresponsible If you ask me. They probably can no t remember that they are building two abodes and where they are!
The sounds of the fresh brewed coffee tell me it is ready for me so I must dash off. So nice to visit with you here at my place. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

A beautiful sunrise

When I look out my backyard toward the East and see this, my heart stops and I need a deep breath. This is as it was taken with no fancy adjustments just as it was....awe inspiring. That is it for me today......

Chestnuts for Christmas!....

It is a chilly morning but oh so beautiful.  I have been awake since 1:30 AM not able to fall back to sleep so I tatted and finally got the snowflake finished...now to start the next one. But first, I need coffee, toast and a fresh orange to start my day. 

On Monday I found out that the Stitching Retreat that I was going to attend in January down in Tucson has been cancelled. So disappointed. Seems they said they wanted one close to home here in Arizona then they did not commit. I may find something else to do and go to in January or maybe February.

Yesterday I worked on my Shutterfly book...long way to go but all the pictures I want are in just need to finish up the pages with comments. Very time consuming but I am sure I will love it when I have it in hand. I also decided to make a special wine bottle

The bottle was a favorite of Denny's....from the Frances Ford Coppola winery. Just battery lights in the bottle with the cork to hold them in place and a cluster of grapes. Looks nice without so much light except it would not photograph well because it is a green bottle.
........and look what I found in the market....

I did not get to have them for Thanksgiving but I will have them for Christmas. They were $6.99 a pound.....so surprised to find them in the market. Now I will hope that they are good.
I really must get that coffee ground and brewing and the toast in the toaster......so off I go. Thank you for coming by and for your kind words and most of all your friendship.
*****Il mio cuore e pieno d'amore****** (my heart is full of love)

A beautiful start to the day

I no sooner uploaded this picture and the morning sky has already changed to another beautiful  color. The first laundry is washing, and my plans for the day ae hopefully going to be busy. I have been a bit lazy of late. Maybe I should say thinking more than I want to. Today I will do and not think so much!
Yesterday I worked on

another Swaddled Baby and another gift. I really will get this finished as it need to get into he mail. It is a flannel body in light pink and white.

These Denny's Angels are ready to wing across here and there. I discovered I need a few addresses. When I had my email issue some of my stored addresses seemed to be "between platforms" as Cox said my problem was! Of course Keith found a way around the problem and now my email is working just fine. Then of course there were a few who emailed me asking for an angel and you know where that saved email is ...yes, between platforms!
I think it is time to change the irrigation day/time so later I will try to figure out how to reset the timer. ... or call Robert to do it. I do try to do for myself but there is always something I can not physically or mentally do. Frustrating.

The Plumeria  is planted using Dianna's directions so we shall wait and see. It actually can take a year before anything really happens. Just  as long as the rooting starts I will be happy. In the meantime, the Snail vine is growing like a weed and the tomato plant

is shooting up. I had to add a stake to the plant. I planted it on September 25th and it has doubled in size and now has many tomatoes. The beans are making good progress as is everything else right now. Very pleased with myself....I know I am being a bragger but remember I never have taken care of the garden before. As for the inside house plants, well I am down from 6 African Violets to 3 and one of the plants that Denny always took care of is quitting on me.  Oh well, it is what it is around here.
When I talked about friends caring, I did not intentionally leave anyone out. It would be hard to name so many friends. So please do not think badly that I did not list you.  Robyn and Dave, Keith and Al ..just to add a few .... you know who you are.
The second laundry is in the wash and the first in the dryer and the third is waiting ....in my feeling oh so me last few days, the laundry did  not get done so today is catch up day. The headache of the last few days seems to be gone. Not sure if the weather changing or just my mind talking to itself was the cause, but today seems like a clear head day.  I am thinking of making some biscotti later.
Your visits are so appreciated as are your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.
"A strong friendship doesn't need daily conversation or being together. As long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends never part."
— Anonymous