She did it again!

You know that feeling you get sometimes.... stretched this way and that. Wanting to go left but end up in the middle? Tired but have the urge to do anyway... then you know how I feel today. We were comfortably busy at Jo Ann's yesterday but I left there feeling like I put in ten hours instead of 5. But I did leave with a smile... Esther, that's right, she did it again. On Sunday while I was in for the tatting group, she mentioned she found a book for me. I left without seeing her so I did not get the book. Yesterday, however, she held it aside for me....

it was a must have for me. Beads and embroidery... ah, she does know what I like. Having a 50% off coupon works too. I would have bought it anyway.... it really has nice designs and good illustrations. The temptation to try one is there, but alas, it will have to wait. I started my Round Robin piece. It took me a while to find a 4 inch design, but I did. Who knew? I think I shall now keep a folder of these as this project evolves during the next months. This designs uses beads, but I will eliminate them and floss instead.... sounds like a tooth commercial!
I have decided on the hand stitching for the quilt so that will be on the list of to do. I joined Jo's Summer Postcard Blog Hop.... always a fun experience and chance to meet new friends. In all the things Jo has to do, she still finds time to set up adventures for us. My adventures today... let's see, Mr H and I will be seeing his pain management doctor and discuss the findings from the 2 other doctors...     it is a nowhere street at this time. Then I have an HOA meeting tonight. In between these 2 events, I plan to put my feet up and stitch.... and flip through the new book, again. I did get an appointment for my hand, for June 11th... he is booked solid. My hand has been swollen this long, I can wait a little longer. Ice ice ice.... of course being my right hand it is never at rest. I had a customer's husband ask me if I had broken my hand yesterday... said it looked like it. Great, now medical help from a man who was amazed at all the fabric he saw! Well, with that my friends, I think I will sit, feet up, new book in hand...left hand and gently flip pages for awhile. Thank you for visiting today.... hope you have a wonderful day.

A productive weekend

Don't you just love it when you accomplish several things on your list? It is a good feeling to look and see what you did. The top quilt is together, the batting bought and the backing too. As I have mentioned before, this ts the first quilt in 20 years... not perfect, but it is just as I envisioned... so far. Now, what to do with stitching the top! Since some of the blocks are hand embroidered, I do not want to stich on them. I want the back to look as nice, so what to do? I think I will wander around the internet to see what I can find for inspiration. Just when my lit has crossed off lines I add a few more.
Yesterday The Debra and I met up with 3 ladies for tatting lessons....time now for them to practice and hopefully join us next month. Speaking of tatting, I finally washed and blocked Thistle...

A light shade of lavender. I think I may make it into a pincushion...
I may even have the right fabric in one of my bins. Once again, I have the thought now to follow through. There will never be an end to my lists! Do you have lists? There is the market list with all the foods I need, there is the list of other things like paper goods and general items, oh and the list of yard things that Mr H must have , of course we have a list of appointments, and let's not forget the craft list of the must haves for me. Just one big circle around here. I have always been a keeper of lists. They are on the refrigerator, the desk, the computer desk, the craft table.... and when we were planning the big move, they were on the clipboard------

Arizona Bound

May 2004

The month has been productive. We returned from our last vacation in Arizona with an apartment plan. Mr H and I have been going through the house and I have lists of every room and what I think is going with us and what is just going. Mr H has put in for his retirement date as is will take a little time for it to finalize. In stead of me giving my employers a notice, they seem very unhappy about my going so they have given me one! We will soon have a timetable to follow. I have started a file for all the  paperwork. There is a medical folder for Dennis and me, a folder for the pooches; Sherlock and Zoe, one for the banking, the car, utilities and plenty of empty ones to have as needed. We will be driving so I need to secure a truck and a car carrier. We plan to take only one car and sell the other. This is going to be very organized or it will never work. I have to find a way to get EvaP (mom) from stop calling and questioning whether this is a good idea. Sis Lynowl is not so upset anymore. One day at a time.... one day at a time.....
It has been so nice visiting with you today. I will be updating the travel plans for our big move periodically until June...that is when everything really began to move in high gear. Hope you have a great day.

“If you don't know where you are going,
you'll end up someplace else.”
Yogi Berra― 

Looks can be deceiving

Today may be the first day of triple digit weather here in the valley...forecast is for temperature of 100 by 4 PM. Guess this means we are officially on the way to summer.... just pass Spring.... or did it closely follow winter. Spent time yesterday finishing the embroidery part of the quilt and laid it out. So far I have changed the arrangement of the blocks 5 times. I think I have it now.... maybe another look....
Tomorrow is our Tatting Meet Up. I am looking forward to spending time with The Debra and maybe some new tatters. Four ladies have contacted me about meeting us at Jo Ann's. I have not been tatting as much due to the other projects. That is what happens when you do more many needlework projects. I bought my even-weave fabric to start my Round Robin.... hope I do not regret starting this adventure. The Doll is ready to have the backing stitched and then you can meet her. I think Monday will be a very busy day with the sewing machine!

How can such a pretty cactus flower live with such a devil of a plant? Yes, this is the mean cactus that bit my butt not too long ago. Now it is beginning to delight us with flowers. Every time I look at this plant I think how throwing a 2 inch or so piece on the ground grew so quickly.  The original plant is still in the pot and by comparison is so small and offers no blooms.

Another Sunflower opened in the garden and a few roses have appeared...they better do it now before the heat of the summer arrives. Mr H planted so many seeds and yet they only appear here and there and not all reach height and bloom. But when they do, the shine like a bright smile. Still, after 10 years of living here, I continue to enjoy having one flower or anther in bloom year round. Of always having bushes that are green in December.
It has been so nice to have you visit and chat.... have a great day my friends.

Introducing~~~~Natalia Rose

This is Natalia Rose..... she was born on April 26 2014. My niece Elyssa is the mom of this angel. Weighing in at 7 pounds and 10 ounces and 20 inches long. Oh, and the grandpa is none other than The Brother Alan! I am meeting this angel via internet... for now. They live back in Rhode Island. I have 2 Grand Nephews who are in their 20's, so this is number 3 that give me the title of  Grand Aunti...sounds so posh! You know this means that occasionally I shall be posting about this little one.  And yes, the quilt is for her. I will be embroidering another of the squares today. I hope to be able to finish the embroideries this week. With my hand a little sore, I m taking my time. I had forgotten that I enjoyed quilting. Truth be told, I really enjoy all the needlework I do.
I will be hunting through my fabric bins today for the backing for The Doll.... the beading is just how I wanted it to be. I did use what I had originally chosen and somehow it all fits fine. I think I also found a pattern for my Round Robin piece. A bit of a challenge as I do not have many smalls patterns. The design should measure around 4 inches square. I did tell you this is my first Round Robin.... right?
The sound of the washing machine is telling me it will soon be time to empty it, and I desperately need another cup of coffee. It has been so nice chatting with you. Thank you for the kind words. Have a wonderful day.

“Happiness is a warm puppy.”
―or in this case a new baby!