Getting ready for Autumn

One thing about living in Arizona, specifically The Valley, seasons do not change very much. Oh you get to see the occasional tree drop leaves or change colors a bit for autumn, but the seasons just become one big one with just the temperatures changing. It is still in the 90's and the tress around my neighborhood do not seem to look any different... so inside is where I make the change....

A little of the leaves and candles in the front window... and the Fairies on the fireplace...and a touch of photo magic for whimsey. Soon Mr H will gladly  happily  with coaxing put the pumpkin display outside. I will try to get him to do that this weekend.... key word is try. If I start to do it, he will of course finish it...I know how to get it done! I have kept busy this week stitching 2 ornaments and half way through a third for exchanges. I really like them all. I also went for my first of two sewing demos for my new machine. Oh I know, it is really a simple machine, but they offer them and recommend that you take them so I am.

This was what we did besides learning how to properly clean the machine... seeing as I have only sewn once and that was straight stitching it seemed silly. There are only 5 in the group so it does not drag along which is nice. I sewed ribbing to the top of a neckline, made a button hole sewed on tricot with a stretch stitch and learned how to sew properly on heavy denim as well as blind stitch a hem. We used a nifty tool to help sew on the thick part of the denim...so I did purchase that, not that I plan to sew much denim. This coming Tuesday after work will be the 2nd class. I must admit that I am glad that I am attending, This is after all a new machine to me after 30 years and things have changed. This week Sweet Jeanne and I went to Hobby Lobby and lunch on Monday and got together to stitch on Wednesday. It is always pleasant to spend time with her. She is just about to add her name to the bottom of her sampler. It is looking so nice and I can't wait to show you how it looks. I guess that catches up what I have been up to. I am sure so many of you have had a busy week also. I am off to work today... would love a day home to stitch. So nice to have you drop by. Whatever your plans for today, have a great day.

Enjoying the beautiful morning

It is just lovely outside this morning...I have been sitting outside on the lanai for a few hours. At first, just sitting...

listening to the water in the pond.... catching glimpses of the fish. They hide more than not when I approach, but when Mr H is out they quickly have learned to come to the surface because he drops in food. Just a small pond, but delightful. Then I had a tiny visitor ...

this little fellow entertained me with his fluttering about....to the feeder then to the bushes before landing here. Love watching them dart about the yard sometimes hovering just a few inches in front of us.
Finally I settled down to some stitching...coffee and basket.

I have several ornament that must get done.... I have two to work on here and finished a tatted one the other day and planning for another in my mind. Mr H will watch a few football games while I stay outside.... probably moving to the front later. The temp is just 75 and expected to be around 93 today...nice....but it is still quite hot in the sun. I might even manage to read a little while sitting outside. Obviously I enjoy your visiting with me, but sitting here is not getting the stitching accomplished...and the sounds of the pond are calling to me.....so I will return to my chair on the lanai and finish my coffee....glad you did stop by. Hope you have a wonderful day.

I love Marigolds

Yesterday was a really nice day. The temperature was down and Mr H decided we should visit the Wells Fargo Museum. It is small, free and really very nice. Wonderful original artifacts from stagecoach passengers.... well worth the trip into Phoenix. From there we stopped at a nursery...Mr H can not resist stopping when we pass one! I picked out some herbs and of course marigolds...

Mr H put the chives, parsley and mint in a hanging basket and the marigolds are in a pot just outside the lanai. I choose bright yellow marigolds because they glow in the sunshine!
The final stop on our journey was to stop for lunch... of course. There is this small hot dog place in Phoenix..it is called, The Great Dane Dog House. Not much of a place to draw your attention, but the Vienna beef dogs are really good.
Once we arrived back home it was time to pick out a couple of

 ornament to stitch.... finally found 2 that I will do once I gather the supplies. This will be my weekend project if and this is a big if, I do not get sidetracked.  I have so many too many projects lined up. At least I have sometime before they need to be sent here or there. My want to do list is very long and I keep adding all the time. You know the saying----eyes too big for your stomach?... mine is eyes too big for stitching time. I am off to work today...too bad...it is glorious outside...I could be sitting on the lanai or the front porch stitching....As always, it is so nice to have you visit here with me. I thank you for the kind words and friendship.... have a good day.

Pumpkins for Cathey day

Today is "Pumpkins for Cathey" sponsored by Daffycat so be sure to visit and read all about it.

So, here is my pumpkin! Mr H bought this for me a few years back at a Scottsdale Fair. It is of course purple and made of glass. It is so pretty. I have not seen that fair again or I would probably have another one!
My threads for The Pink Doll have arrived so I can start on it... but I also have a few Christmas ornaments to do, I have a new tatting pattern to try, I have just so many hours and only one of me. I suppose Mr H would tell you one of me is enough! And besides, there is a new pattern being released by The Primitive Hare that I want must order as soon as it is available. I dream of being able to do it all... a dream is a wish your heart makes.....that tune is dancing in my head right now.
I have the day off so you can find me stitching somewhere around here.... maybe even outside on the lanai if it is another fair morning. Thank you for stopping by and don't forget to go to Daffycat's when you leave here. Have a great day.