Hello.... it's me!

A week since my last post! Well it has been a busy time. As you can imagine we have been getting organized here and adjusting to the new household. All has been unpacked and put in place. New items added to and changes made here and there. Alan off to work each day.
I must admit to having lost ambition to do and taking advantage of just relaxing. A little bit of reading now and again.
This past weekend, Lisa and I went to the Litchfield Faire...and... there is a new man in the house..

he lives in my bedroom, hanging right by the slider.
A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to repair "Blue Blanket" for a sweet 5 year old I will call "J".

He has had this crocheted blanket since birth and has loved it so very much. What to do? The yarn used is 6+ years old, of course no way to match it....but I love a challenge.

I must say I was pleased with my efforts. The best moment was to hand it back to this beautiful little boy and he immediately scooped it up and clutched it to his chest with a big smile. His mom seemed pleased too.  Thank you Vickie (and here) for trusting me to repair this keepsake.
We had a rain storm very early this morning... around 3:30 complete with thunder and lightening. It did not last very long but enough drench everything. The sun is back, bright and warm. There is swishing in the laundry area and soon I will be sitting out in the lanai. So off I go.... glad to chat with you. Thank you for those who emailed to check up on me.... Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Beads and a boat

Well... I love receiving mail and packages... don't you?

Lovely Catherine sent me an assortment of crystal beads and there are 2 of just what I needed for the dragonfly! Perfect color and size. Thank you so very much Catherine.💖Our blogging community is very caring and helpful.

The weather yesterday morning was delightful. I actually sat outside and did some beading. Following doctor's orders to relax.... not that the pressure is down much. Waiting for the med change to take hold and help. The last several nights we have had Monsoon storms! Although I know how to swim, I thought it best to take precautions. I built a boat! 

There was thunder, lighting, wind and rain. Lots of large puddles too. Dianna called one of the nights to chat while it stormed so I would not have to go into the closet. Technically the Monsoon season has ended so of course that is why the rains are here. Happily I am not in a flood area but there were flash floods here and there. 

 I have a appointment this morning then  maybe just maybe get to sit outside and bead again. The Pink and Blue dragonfly is half finished. I do need to go to JC Penny for a new pair of sneakers, but that should not take long at all. Are you counting? The Brother Alan and Lisa will soon be on the way here. They are driving and Alan sent me the map/path they will take so I can follow the journey. Glad you had time to stop by and visit. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Please keep my friends Glenda and Don in your thoughts.... Sometimes it is all we can do for someone we care about. They have both been very good friends to me. 

Oh the weather outside~~~~

A very grey sky and lots of rain to the East of me on this first day of Autumn.

The weather map looks dismal for sure and we know how I dislike storms. At least this would be a daytime storm and will not bother me so much....I hope. It may not reach us at all. No reason to be out of the house anyway today.  A wait and see of kind of day.

As stormy as it looks, this bloom opened today and has been giving a couple of flowers every so often. So nice to have color all the time. While following the doctor's orders of doing little I was hand busy....

I finished the dragonfly and have another at the ready to start. I do enjoy stitching on perforated paper with beads. I have managed to gather my donation of supplies for Vickie's daughters school. Trying to get through the garage craft storage should be easier as long as the temps remains cooler...under 100. The countdown continues for The Brother Alan's arrival... it really seems to be coming quickly now. The target date is still for October … well, maybe the 16th or 17th. They will be driving across via car unlike Dennis and I did 15 years ago with a Penske truck and car carrier! Once on the road the countdown really begins. The only countdown at the moment is when my coffee will finish brewing. The first cup is the most important! Off I go... Thank you for taking time to visit and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

A new day in the neighborhood

The Monsoon arrived last night and with some force. The wind was strong and the lightening lit up the sky and yes, the thunder was loud and rain fell sideways.

Diana had called ad the storm hit her side first...the East and slowly began to move toward me on the West side. Then...the phone just clicked off! I was getting ready to hibernate in the closet!
I just came in from cleaning some of the debris. The rest will need to dry out first. The hummer feeder was tossed about and finally found. Then, I was treated to a hummingbird bathing...

He was beautiful with the lavender/purple neck. He is a Black-chinned hummer.

Look closely...can you see him? he dipped into the bubbler

All wet!

~~fluttering wings....off to dry in the tree. With this heat and humidity and his size it will not take long. These were taken without zoom...I was standing just 4 feet away. Yesterday morning as I opened my bedroom verticals....

this Spiny Lizard was sunbathing on the wall just outside my window. Just another day in the neighborhood!

Plans for today?.... well only to be creative. I have the quilt ornament details all worked out so now to make it. A text a short time ago tells me that Glenda will be stopping by with  a goodie later today. We share what we bake. Since I do not want to have the oven on, I will probably just make Pizzelles this weekend. 

Glad you had time to visit. I am still having some email sending issues, so if you do not get a response to your comment, give it time! Thank you for you kind words and for your friendship.

There was a storm

Monday night I had to secure myself in the bedroom...verticals closed tightly... why? There was a storm. Did I tell you that I hate nighttime storms? Did I tell you that I am afraid of lightening? Now you know. The wind began to really toss my chimes. Then I heard it...thunder in the distance. Then I heard it again this time closer. When it was just above the house I rattled.Then the rain started to get everything wet. Then it was over. Whew.... I really hate nighttime storms.
I am fully recovered. Yesterday I began to make a Russian Leaves earring....key word began. I changed my mind so many time...like 3.

First there were the blue and clear beads.... then blue with dark blue beads... and finally I chose bronze and copper. Of course this has not been stiffened yet. I will do that after the mate is made. I will surely get a better picture when they are both done. So, if you think I am doing nothing here.....For those who wonder about my not stitching. This year I just lost interest but found other ways to be creative. So far I have mailed away many patterns and linens. I have donated to a local school many patterns and threads and linen and aida cloth. I also donated fabric. I also donated my old sewing machine.When school starts back up in August I will have more for them. I most likely will cross stitch again and still have many patterns, threads and linen still in my stash for then. Thank you for saying you miss seeing that part of my creative juices. I hope you can like what I do now too, and still can enjoy my blog.
I caught a glimpse of the baby doves. I did not want to startle the parent by running back into the house for my camera so I will be sure to have it in hand tomorrow when I go into the garden. I was on my way out to get groceries. Do you shop with a list? I do. I also have the Safeway app on so I can remember to get the sale and free items. Just once I would like to go in and come out with only what is on the lists. While there I spotted Gladiolas...I love Gladiolas. Dennis bought specific vase for when we buy them...

A tall clear vase that will support the long stems. Just look at this color! Everywhere I was in the market someone admired them. Today is May 1st...May Day. Don't have a May Pole but I could organize the courtyard neighbors to circle one of the lamp posts. Anyway, I plan to finish the earrings today. All is ready for the May Origami Star....
Thank you for stopping by and thank you for the kind words.... and for the encouragement. I really think of all of you as friends. Thank you for your friendship.
By the way...… the count down has started. For what? Do you really need to ask! Alan and Lisa will be here May 21st! 

Progress

What a humid morning! There is a chance of storms later today but unfortunately it does not cool the temps at all. It was only 100 yesterday and maybe will be 103 which really is not too bad unless it is the Monsoon time of year. My back is feeling so much better and I am trying to limit what I do and even when I am stitching I can only sit for a short time before I feel pain in my back.

This could have should have been finished, but it is okay. Learning my limits. I sit in a comfortable chair when I craft but like most I think I get in a position and depending on what I am doing I tend to not move too much, and then stiffen. It will be another 2 wrap. Southwest design.
Sometime this weekend I must vacuum and I am ignoring the lanai for now. If I can get the leaf blower down from it's hanging spot in the garage I can make the task easier. I will then change the storage place for it. There are still things that are "Denny's height".  Once I asked why he hung it so high and the response was "to keep it out of your hands" not helping now!
Laundry is swishing and beading is waiting. My Date Nut bars are still waiting for me to make...maybe today will be the day.  I do need to get to the pharmacy to get my eye drops and cancel my Fosamax prescription as it is causing me problems. The doctor will be deciding what to try next. They mentioned an injection which they will administer as I will not give it to myself. I will talk with them at my follow up visit.  Off I go to make the bed and check the laundry. So happy to have you visit with me. Thank you for the kind words and most of all for your friendship. You truly make my day.
How many days??????  Alan and Lisa and I had our chat yesterday making a few plans more definite. Lisa and I will be picking out a new car and of course the new fridge. Then it will be fun for the week. Wish it was a longer visit...one day it will be.

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.

Monsoon storms

The winds always start first around here then the rain came with thunder and of course not long after, the lightening...… it was a loud storm. It lasted for a couple of hours. Early last evening around 6:30PM I decided to get the sump pump and drain the pond...easy and did not take long. Now that the pump[ is out I see where it came apart. Let's hope I can re-attach it with little difficulty. The final bit would be with the shop vac and that would wait until today... not. The rain has cause some real humidity this morning and everything is very wet out there. More importantly my back is aching and near impossible to apply the medicated gel.... need an extra set of hands. The heating pad was helping so maybe back with that today. I will take a couple of OTC pain meds. Too much yard work in one day. It is obvious that I pulled my back out in the last few days. I need a sign in the garden that reminds me that I am not superwoman.

Yesterday morning I returned to the bead shop and sat with them for a few hours … until my back just would not relax. My bracelet is about one third finished... I plan on a 3 wrap. I just love the colors and the process. Using the various beads gives nice texture. I see a few gifts in the making. I very much enjoyed sitting at the shop beading. Zina, the owner is such a great multi tasker... teaching a couple of ladies at another table to make another style bracelet  and helping others pick out supplies and still finding time to answer my questions all the while making sales. When the moment is quiet she tries to work on her own design for a peyote bracelet. I plan to go there for open beading at least once a week.  Vickie who also works there is so pleasant to be around.
Right now though it is time to enjoy my coffee and later to the pharmacy for my prescription refill. Then back to beading. I really need to change out the smoke detectors...but not sure if climbing the step ladder today is a good idea. The pond and garden will need to wait. All about relaxing today. Glad to chat with you. I thank you for your kind words and emails. Thank you also for your friendship.

A new beading project

The morning is starting much cooler than usual and there was rain wind and thunder last evening. More expected later today into the night. So glad that I decided to clean the garden of debris yesterday...less of a mess this morning after winds and rain. The pond water has lowered and I will definitely drain it tomorrow.

Yesterday afternoon as I sat I felt that I needed something to do. What? I have several projects at the ready! No, I wanted...more like needed to be out of the house... so off to the bead shop I travelled. These are the supplies for a wrap bracelet. I have never made one before and this is a really nice project. The owner of the shop, Zina helped me with the bead selection and showed me how to properly get this started.

Here is a close up of my project so far. My button for closure is a dragonfly...of course. I may go today to work on it there. The atmosphere is wonderful there and the owner is very welcoming.
I can see more of these in my future. A great way to use all those extra beads.
I really have been busy with the purging of my stash...

Look at these two old...old knit books! I have been knitting since a child so of course I would have old books. But these must go...as I have not used them since forever.

Here are some cross stitch that are leaving my stash....still more to sort through. Time for all these items to go. If I have not used them by now or already made something then it is time. I hardly ever stitch something twice. I found that I have the complete snowmen of the month collection by Cutis Bohringer. So much to sort yet.
Well, the sun has yet to shine this morning....very dull out there. This brightened my day....

Lisa sent me this picture of herself and the horse she rides...he is beautiful. Lisa loves horses and rides all the time back in RI and that is the one thing she must do each time she is out here. Her smile tells you everything. Speaking of Lisa...she and The Brother Alan will be here soon...39 days.... but who is counting.
Time to do a few household things before beading....I think I will go back to the bead store to work later this morning. Glad to have you stop by and thank you for the kind words and emails. Thank you most of all for your friendship.

A new girl in the house

What was I thinking...well I know what I was doing. Last evening we had another storm....winds ...rain...thunder and of course the lightening. So, I barricaded myself in the bedroom where I can almost completely block out the lightening. The winds rattled everything out in the garden that was not cemented down. So this morning I went out to find and organized the landscape. Filled another trash bag with debris and some tree clippings for pick up tomorrow. There, I feel better about that. I was thinking ...I know sometimes I do not...before going out so I wrapped an ice cold bandana around my neck, had a full cup of iced water and my phone in pocket. I keep a wet bandana or two in plastic sandwich bags in the refrigerator so that when it is hot they are at the ready. It came in handy yesterday when Dianna was here. We took apart the small gazebo and stuffed it into her Kia Soul...off to her back yard now. Then we took down the home theater screen from the living room. As hot as it was we did not feel too bad.

Look at this cutie. Dianna brought her to me and although she isn't really southwest, she is sitting on the shelf next to my computer where I am greeted by her each day. She is holding basil from my garden and when it dries it will hand down from the pot she is holding. Dianna has a duplicate of her....we do share several pieces of identical things. Dianna always thinks of me. We are sisters from different mothers!
Now about the pond. this is just a temporary set back. This pond is important to me and my garden. I probably did not re-attach the tubing tightly enough....the way Don did. I cannot and will not leave it empty...cannot take it apart as it is cemented, built into the ground and attached to the wall. I would not want to have an empty pond. When sitting outside it is a delightful sound listening to the waterfall trickle down. The birds and lizards depend upon it of their water and baths. I depend upon it for relaxing sounds. When we moved here 13 years ago Dennis put a lot of work into getting it operating... it was a thing of pride to him. Many nights The Brother Alan and Lisa enjoy sitting out there with a glass of wine and hearing the sounds.... I do too. So, yes it would be simple to just let it go, but no, I can not....I need it. Now that I can empty it in minutes since I found the sump pump! it is not difficult. Over the weekend I will get it back to running. Thank you for visiting...thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Just me and the pond...again

Last night another monsoon storm rolled in....first the winds which were around 60- 80 miles per hour!, then thunder with rain and lightening. I once again put myself in my bedroom where I can hide from the lightening...maybe it should be sound proof too. The thunder felt like it was on my roof. I shut down all my electronics and kept the flash light at hand when the first flicker of the lights happened. Did not loose lights but the storm rattled on for some time. I really expected to have more debris in the garden but not so. Since it was just about 6 am when I went to check and the sun was not around yet....

I did find the morning moon so bright white against the blue sky. I thought well why not try the pond idea. I know you are saying~~~ "oh no" and you are right. Yesterday I went to Home Depot to get AC filters and the new smoke detectors and I bought a pond plant basket. I know it is not the right size but I just want to see if the idea works. I will check on line to order a larger one.

The idea is that it is covering the well area and will trap most of the larger debris so the pump does not clog and the perforated basket will allow the water to circulate. We shall see how this works. In the meantime.....I thought I should go back in and put a pair of shorts on and my garden sneakers....should not work on the pond in pajamas and my Nike slides. Of course I was right....I slipped at the pond edge...you thought something like this would happen didn't you? All the while a hummer was buzzing about and a few bees.

So, I took a one leg bath! The pond is very slanted from the edge to the center....I did know this. So, the pond is back on and I have showered and it is only 6:45 am. While I was visiting HD I looked at the refrigerators…. saw a couple that liked. My friend Bobby (Dianna's hubby) was working so helped me pick out the smoke detectors. Of course the mounting for the new ones is different than the ones up now. I think it will not be my task to climb a ladder and replace these. Not sure if the AC filters need to be replaced but I will check that today. 

My wind sock and the Dragonfly dangle are all caught up from the winds....the tomato plant broke and now is in the trash....but that is all and not bad to deal with. The temp will be back to 107-ish today and of course some humidity. We expect this with the monsoon season....June to September. I have no errands so I will be sitting inside keeping cool. I think today is a--- look at the craft books and magazines kind of day. I have had enough excitement for the day. Glad you stopped by and I thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. A cup of coffee would be nice...….

After the storm

Around 5:30 PM last evening we had a Monsoon storm...the winds were strong...strong enough to scatter pots and debris around the yard and the rains flooded part of the yard.....puddles everywhere. The wind howled and whipped the trees and bushes. Then around quarter past 6 it ended. Today the sun shines and the forecast is for maybe another event tonight. I do not like these storms and it was worse not having Denny here to tell me to not worry. I also did not have to call him in from the garage doorway or the front yard while he enjoyed the storm under an umbrella.
Remember the beautiful flowers from LuLu and Stan

The lavender roses dried to a lovely mauve and I put them on a mirror that belonged to Denny's mother.

His mother gave me her mirror many years ago before she passed. She told me it was from the early 50's and we loved it...marred and all. I usually rests on my bureau and still will. LuLu and Stan are dear friends from RI...Lu and I worked together before I left to move here. Amazing how a flower will change colors ....still lovely and caring memories from my friends fro Denny.
Today the word is Faith.

Now I have mentioned this before (and occasionally received  negative comments) but we were not religious; yes we were raised, baptized and married in the Catholic church...anyway when I began stitching it I told Denny that I did have Faith that the angels would take care of him for me. He told me they needed to take care of me for him. So, they are taking care of both of us. I put a star with a rhinestone  in the center to signify that there will always be a star in the heavens shining from Denny. The tatted butterfly because he loved to go to the butterfly gardens and the butterflies always landed on him never on me! Yesterday was a very long day and too many hours in the darkness. I have been trying to tat today but the cut on the pad of my right thumb is nagging and sore. I think if it would stop bleeding it will be okay. I am pleased to have you visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement everyday. Thank you for your friendship....Let's have a good day.

Love the stormy sky

Last evening the sky looked ready to

finally give some rain...well, about ten drops fell and that was it...but the clouds were beautiful. Then, looking to the space across...

pale blue with a rainbow. Earlier yesterday morning at 3 AM I was awaken but claps of thunder and a brief shower...probably 1 minute of soft falling rain...and this is suppose to be our monsoon season. Maybe it is East and South of the Valley, but not at my house. So far this morning is overcast and they say no rain coming our way. In the meantime I am keeping busy with my needle punch project....love the new hoop system and also Nikyscreations, Sewing Basket...

I am enjoying this project. My only issue is that the measurements given are not too clear to me. So I will wait until all the stitching is complete and figure out the templates then. I asked at the quilt shop about the numbers given and they were clueless. Not going to give it any more thought at this time.  I started to let my hair grow a bit then as usual I decided to get it cut. I have kept it short for so long that it seems impossible to have it any other way. With this heat it is more comfortable to have it off my neck. The second laundry is in the washer, and I am hungry so I think a piece of seven grain bread and a cup of coffee is in order. thank you for visiting with me and most of all for your friendship and kind words. Enjoy your day.

Framed~~~~~

Yesterday was a nasty day here in The Valley..... monsoon rains and flash floods..... we are south of where the damage was. If you would like to see a video of the flood that encompassed the interstate north of us....http://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/north-phoenix/video-muddy-flood-waters-creep-down-interstate-17-in-phoenix?autoplay=true...(turn down your speaker volume as it was taken from a helicopter)...amazing rescues were performed and road closures still in effect in some areas. The  sky was amazing....

 The clouds were heavy and dramatic. We had to go out in the afternoon and were lucky enough to miss any rains. I did stitch on Elizabeth getting another bloom and more vines done, and managed to frame Grace.....

I think I like it... still deciding so I have not made it permanent yet. (blogger is giving me a challenge with placement and text today! so excuse appearances) Mr H seems to like it this way. I will live with it for a few days to see how I feel about it. Not sure where  it will be put ... hung or not. It is a frame that can be table top or hung. One thing I do like about it is that the dye color on my fabric looks just as I wanted to look. Love messing about with Rit Dyes. I may skip cross stitch today and do a bit of sewing. Found a couple of pincushion patterns I would like to do. A little headache this morning too which does not make cross stitching fun. At the moment, our temps are low and I am able to have the slider open in the kitchen... listening to the pond fountain..... maybe I should just sit outside for awhile and read. The lounge chair on the lanai is beckoning me to do so.....wish you were here to join me. Thank you for spending time with me and for your kind words. Hope you have a wonderful day.

What a week

Sunday night, Mr H put up stick-up notes all over  the place...... the trash pick up.... the re-cycle pickup .... remember to check the pond and feed the fish ... remember Zoe's eye meds..... you would think that I never did anything around here. Well, the truth is, he does spoil me and takes care of all the above.
We arrived at the hospital Monday at 5:15 am...surgery was at 8 am.... basically it went well... then a few complications. Right now things are under control thanks to a wonderful staff and  good doctors. Discharge is not certain yet due to a few of these problems. I miss him so~~~~ hard to wake and not have him next to me. There is Zoe.. she is there but she is looking for Mr H!
When I finally arrived back home from the hospital on Monday night...this is what I found.....

This was a 10 x 10 metal framed gazebo. It was anchored to the bricks with 12 .... 12 anchor spikes.

a mangled mess

Obviously we had a high wind race through and possible a micro burst and it tore up all but 4 of the anchors.

Thanks to dear Ziz who came over to see if she could help...then to Mr Ziz who came over on Tuesday to disassemble the mess and arranged to have it hauled away. I have not told Mr H that his lovely back yard was a disaster ..... at this point he can not have any added stress.

The two fish are doing okay....They are about 8 - 10 inches long..... the storm debris was not spread into the pond.... just all over the yard. Most is already cleaned up.

Stitching.... oh I have been working away on a special piece... can not show it yet as it is a gift. Plenty of time sitting with Mr H.

I miss reading all your blogs and commenting, but I know you all understand my priorities right now. Thank you for all the good wishes. I hope to be back to blog hopping real soon.....