The day after......

The Brother Alan and I had a wonderful relaxing couple of days. For him it was back to work today. Just me and Murphy here. A package just arrived from Dear friend LuLu

He is tearing the box apart. The little reindeer is his newest toy and he loves whipping it around to hear the bell inside jingle. Right now the box is a better toy.

Thank you Lu for the Ana Lee Santa who stands 16 inches high!

Thank you Vickie for the pieced quilted tree ornament 

Thank you sis Lynowl for the Crockpot

Thank you Glenda for the beautiful glass window ornament.

Thank you Debbie for this cute Hummingbird swing and the delicious chocolates that Alan and I are enjoying and.....

and this wonderful sounding Dragonfly chime that Alan is looking for a spot to hang it.

All of my gifts have been sent or given with just one waiting to go to it's person. A nice Christmas. It was  the first time in 15 years that Alan and I spent together  for Christmas. Although we had rain for 2 days, Murphy did not mind walking at all. He did have an issue with my carrying an umbrella.

Thank you for taking time to stop by. Thank you for your kind words and 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.

The heat is on.....

This was Monday…. needless to say I have not ventured outside.... We actually had a quick storm the other evening... thunder lightning and rain. You know how I hate nighttime storms.
It was still hot yesterday, not as hot as Monday and I did go for breakfast at Biscuits with Glenda. I appreciate our friendship as she says what I need to hear sometimes....keeping me in check with my thoughts.  Once back home I thought I would do this...then I thought well how about doing … then in the end I did not one thing I thought about. I took the rest of the day off.
I did make the August Origami Star the other day...

When I think of August I think Sunflowers... so here are sunflowers and a deep gold print with greens. My metal display is filling up with only 4 more stars to make. I already know what I will fill the display with each month stating in January.
Were you curious about the "other watch list"..... It all started 15 years ago when we moved here to Arizona from Rhode Island. We had sold our property there and kept in a RI bank until we found a bank here. So, we sat with a banker and between a phone call to RI and filling out papers and signing papers we thought a transfer of funds was on the way. Wrong. The banker had put the request for the money twice. It appeared to the feds that it was us trying to gain more than we had. I still have the letter stating the attempted fraud and that our funds were frozen…. not only the money being transferred but what we had put in the bank already. Luckily I had not put all our money in the bank so we had some to live on. Finally, after a couple of weeks,  the fraud charge was dropped and that banker was not there anymore. I have to remind Alan to close out and take his money out of his accounts before leaving RI and not do the transfer thing! So that is the story.
See how entertaining my blog can be when my crafting is on hold or slow?! Glad you stopped by for the tale … thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.
Hopefully I caught all the typos, as my keyboard is still typing what  it wants! 

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.

No more flipping off....

It was good yesterday to be able to use my hand and not have my finger in pain.. or my hand for that matter.  It is so frustrating not to be able to do everyday things..... then again, it was a little rest.

This was on my beading mat and I got to almost finish this gift pod. I already have another pod, not a gift in the waiting. I am waiting for a designer to lease another cute pod that I will make as gifts. I hope she does it soon..... maybe if I ask her nicely.
Very humid today...at least for us here in The Valley. So far this Monsoon has been lacking. We really need some rain.
Finally went  for my haircut on Thursday evening. Always nice when strangers tell you how nice you look!
I have been enjoying Le Tour de France. The scenery is beautiful. The spectators are crazy....as are the local animals. One recent day a very large cow attempted to go onto the road to join the riders! On Friday, the weather began to change drastically and snow and ice began to fall blocking the roadway on the descent from the mountain so they had to call the race.... many of the riders were upset as it cause the leadership for the stage to change. Looking forward for todays race. I had stopped following the Tour when the issue with Lance Armstrong happened. So many changes since then.
How about an update on mom...aka Eva P...her shoulder brace has been removed and the nurses say she is doing good. Now I am asking for you all to keep Glenda in your thoughts... and The Brother Alan …. both of them are not feeling the greatest right now. Always something isn't it.
Sorry for the short post.... glad that you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Friends and a pod

Whether it is 100 or 108 here is very little difference...it is hot; plain and simple it is hot. Happily I have an automatic car starter. I get the car cooled before getting in to drive. Even parked in the garage out of the direct sun and heat, the interior is too hot for comfort. This quote is from a local source. Obviously when parked in the garage is better, but in a parking lot it can be extremely stifling. I always start the car before leaving the stores.
  “When temperatures outside range from 80 degrees to 100 degrees, the temperature inside a car parked in direct sunlight can quickly climb to between 130 to 172.” 
Back living in Rhode Island it was more for the iced car windows and cold of the winter. Yesterday I picked up Glenda and out for lunch we went.... however, the restaurant that we usually go to has made some changes so next outing will be elsewhere. Believe me there is no shortage of places to go. All your good thoughts for Glenda have certainly helped...she is doing well. As I was just entering the house my cell phone began to ring. It was Robyn from across the courtyard. Normally the verticals in the living room are open by 10... (it was now 1pm) usually earlier. Same for Robyn's front window. The phone call was "just calling to make ..sure you are okay". Simply I had forgotten to open the verticals! We watch out for one another. Robyn and Dave took good care of me when I had my hand surgery.

The green and silver Christmas Pod is finished. A day or two of hand rest is now in order, so I say now. Not sure what I will be beading or making next. I think a Christmas Bauble in red or green. I also need to get out the holiday fabric to make a couple of Origami Stars for gifts. So far I am using from what I currently have on hand. Always a good thing.... gee, sounds like Martha Stewart! Remember she used to say that on her older shows.
Chatting with you is always a pleasure. Glad you had time to visit. Thank you or your kind and caring words and for your friendship. 

Thinking~~~~~

Yesterday started simple enough. After chores  --- how foolish am I?--- I am still waitng for the House Faeries to arrive! Back to my story, I thought I would sit to bead the 3rd pod piece. I am finding that the highly shiny silver delicas can be difficult for me due to my vision issues. Finally I have an appointment with the specialist at the end of the month. Not easy being a new patient as you always have to wait to be seen. Anyway, the phone rang the Bother Alan ring. After our chat it was me placing a call to sis Lynowl. Now this would be a surprise as it is always that she calls me...just the way it has been. Anyway, sharing my conversation that I had with The Brother, we then discussed the issues at hand. One thing always leads to another. I am not sure how we got on the subject but I said something about all my stitched works and special items in my home. The dictionary says that thinking is … "the activity of using your mind to consider something". Well, my mind was in full mode. Many years ago a lady from one of the stitch groups that I belonged to died and her husband sold all of her works, beautiful stitched items in a garage sale! For pennies! No one in the family wanted any of it. Nothing was offered to her stitching friends. What will happen to my framed stitchery? What will happen to my tatting? The beautiful porcelain dolls. What will .... anyway, it really had my mind considering all this. Have you thought of this also? Maybe offering it to others now would be good as I would enjoy knowing that they wanted my creations. The thinking is about over and not for me to concern myself with today. Back to beading.
Tomorrow I will consider something else.... today is out with Glenda for lunch.

So glad I could share these thoughts with you today.....do come back soon. Thank you for your kind words and for you friendship.

A star for the 4th

Finished in time for a July 4th celebration! It does not show but the white is white on white fabric that has stars printed on it and the blue reminds of the night sky. I chose the red/white print because it looks like a bandana. I am not fond of fireworks and happily will not have them in our neighborhood. I may hear them form one of 3 stadiums that are not very far away but living in a senior community, it will be quiet. If you are out and about, please be careful and if you have a fur-baby be sure to keep them safe and cuddle them. I will find a nice movie to watch and make some popcorn.

The Pond Garden seems to be drying. I guess as long as I do not have a leak anywhere in the garden then I will just assume that it was from the planting and watering without proper draining. This week I will rake the rocks back and add some decorative items. The birds are loving the fountain and the bunny is still dropping by to trim my plant! 

Sleep was not a friend last night and so my morning has been very slow to start and I expect it to be a lazy day. It may be a movie day all day. Speaking of movies.... I collected 20 more from the bookcase bringing my to go pile to 100. I found a few that I will always keep... good memories. Denny really loved his movies. This one is special.

This case was a special collectors edition.

Filled with all sorts of goodies.

Five discs~~~~directors cut

Holographic Harrison Ford in a magnetic case that is double sided

A folder with 8 director cards explaining the movies scenes

the police car to play with!

This was special to Denny and so to me also. Back to the book shelf.

Time for a second cup of coffee and a bite to eat. Nice having you visit today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Update~~~~ EvaP is status quo. Glenda is doing better.

It is a rest day....

When the temp at 5am is already reading 89, you just know that it will be a hot day..... they say 111, we shall feel it for sure. Feeling it to be a slow do nothing kind of day. Once I fill the front birdbath and the both hummer feeders that will be the extent of outdoor fun.

Voilà, all the beading is complete. Now to think  how to finish it. So many beads! I will check Hobby Lobby for a square frame.... this is abut 5x5. Next will be a couple of Christmas beaded pods for gifts. I also have a Mill Hill kit for a Santa.... for my tree that I would like to get made. Today will be a rest day for my hand and eyes.
The Pond Garden is under going another change. It would appear that I cannot plant in it because the water will not drain nor evaporate quickly enough. What I did not take into consideration is that it is a cement pond...so therefore no drainage. If I want it to be a garden it will require a jack hammer to break up the cement... not going to happen. So, it will be an ornamental garden. Some pots and maybe a few other items.
Today is July 1st and also Canada Day. To my dear friends, Debbie and Laurie in Canada, enjoy the celebration.  Time is moving right along so that means one month less in the count down to The Brother Alan's arrival in October.
Well now, I think another cup of coffee is in order and maybe something to munch. So nice to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind and caring words and thank you for your friendship.
Please keep my friend Glenda in your thoughts as she just had foot surgery. I know what you are thinking...she was here for tea and Pizzelles on Wednesday and surgery on Friday but rest assured, there is no connection with my tea and Pizzelles!

26,297 days ago....

It was a Monday...the temperature was 10 degrees and it was 26,297 days ago that me myself and I entered the world. First born to Eva and Giuseppe (Joe); I am named after my maternal grandma Grazia (Grace). I was not expected until February 14th.... but I was in a hurry to be me! Actually my mom Eva P was very sick with a terrible cold which resulted in my early arrival. So instead of being Fridays child is loving and giving...I am Mondays child is fair of face.
So many things/events have happened in these years.... I have been very lucky, and now here I am 72 years later.
Saturday I celebrated with friends...

l-r....Robyn, me, Sue and Rachel 

Robyn made a delicious banana cream cake

 We started with a glass of my favorite wine and chatted before settling down to cake and coffee. It was a wonderful couple of hours with friends!

My morning did not start out so pleasant. After making a blog post, I looked out to the lanai....

No, that is not a shiny waxed floor...it is a flood! Remember the irrigation line that was chewed? Well, I should made sure it was aimed in the  opposite direction.... when the system turned on this morning it shot out directly into the lanai! A mess for sure. Guess I will be trying to fix this like no

 These beautiful flowers arrived from sis Lynowl....Spring is in my living room!

Lovely cards are displayed on my mantle. I feel happy.... thank you to Robyn, Rachel, Sue, and Glenda for the cards and of course to sis for the flowers.....

Today will be a quiet day. I will most likely be yelling at the TV during the Super Bowl...Go Patriots! I  have a week to accomplish a few things and that is the plan for now. 

 So glad you stopped  by today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

A vine for the window

So glad to have finished the window.

It is just how I wanted it to be...amazing, I know. We sometimes envision something and in the end it is so different or not as we like. I struggled with the nuts on the vertical mounting. After 14 years they were not coming loose too easily. I was determined to not fall through the window and not fall off the step ladder and with my trusty pair of pliers and a few whacks, the nuts loosen and off they came. Then it was time to  put up the rod brackets. You guessed right if you are thinking I had never done this before. I have come a long way these past 19 months. The brackets went quickly and then for the middle support....I called Glenda for advice and then that too was up.

A quick trip to Michael's after receiving an email with a 60% coupon "good for today only". they had the perfect vine … it is a grapevine style which I attached to the 3 vertical brackets that were left. I had already purchased 3 bunches of lavender sprigs and took them apart to be single sprigs and voilà...finished. The vine will remain and the sprigs changed out for the seasons. The window is pleasing to me and a nice look for the kitchen.
Met up with Dianna and Bobby to get something to eat on Friday night. Good conversation and great company.
The weather today is beautiful ----sorry to The Brother Alan and all in New England area--- and the front door is open and the sun is warm. The birds are chatting and enjoying the hummer feeder. I am thinking of hanging another feeder outside my bedroom window. I am feeling brave with the step ladder. I went to use the drill yesterday and it needed charging and it will be ready to put up a hook. The other drill is ready but I cannot get the screw bit out! It is locked in really tight. So, I can wait.
Happy to chat with you today. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

A window remodelling

None of us is perfect.... our creative pieces should be just what they are...  creative.

Here it is Saturday.... where did this week go? I know I am not alone with this thought...The Brother Alan also feels like the days are whizzing by this month. That could be a good thing... or not. The sun is bright this morning and temps are expected to be really nice. Sorry for those in the storm path...like The Brother Alan. Hope he and Lisa did the New England storm preparedness thing...bread, milk and snacks!
Well, yesterday was the day of determination. I managed to remove the stubborn screws holding the verticals to the window frame. Someone should have taken a picture. Me up on a step ladder with a pair of plyers whacking the nut on the screw to loosen it. 14 years in place and they were not coming off easily. All the time holding onto the wall with the other hand hoping not to go through the window or fall backwards. I did not fall or miss any steps on the ladder on my way down! It is still a work in progress...not finished yet. The window... as well as me!

I left the vertical brackets--for now-- as I may use them for this project. The curtain panels have a vine like pattern on them which fits in with my plans and the fact that this window looks out to the garden. I want to light to enter but not the sun at times and the panel sides can be dropped to cover the window. This is a large window 60 inches high by 72 inches wide. Did I mention that this is the first time that I hung curtain rods? Of course I am sure you already guessed that. A phone call to Glenda to ask about the middle support piece and voilà... done.
Spent time with Dianna and Bobby last evening.... we met for dinner. Always cheerful conversation and hugs. Good to be with friends. Today is an open day...might read, might sit outside, might bead... might even get the window finished. Right now there is fluffing out in the laundry area that needs attention. and I am hungry so breakfast will be served. Happy that you stopped by to chat. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

One more to go.....

Hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas Day festivities. I am thankful to dear friends Dianna and Bobby for including me with their family for the day. They made my difficult day easier.

This gift from them was inspired by my post about The Carol of the Bells. I jingled all the way home form their house! It is out on the lanai and waiting for a good wind to come along.
It is nice when people know what you like when they get you a gift....

This was from Glenda.... I am sure you notice the turquoise hanger...it is from one of my favorite artists. And a lovely plaque that is already on the fridge for me to see and read each day.

Sis Lynowl was paying attention many months ago... while during one of our phone conversations I mentioned that I would like to get a Quesadilla maker. It was delivered in that beautiful green sheer bag! Can not wait to get the supplies to make lunch! I once worked with someone who used to make us lunch  with the same one and the possibilities are endless.
It was a very nice Christmas under my tree...🎅
I was treated to a four bloom for Christmas...

Yes indeed...4..... f o u r   blooms bringing the total to 7 flowers on this amazing plant. There is another lower shoot but I do not think it will amount to much but who knows.
We are on the count down to the end of another year and one more day to note, New Years Day. This means almost time for me to get ready to pack up all the decorations and store them away. Do you make New Year resolutions? I never make resolutions. This year I plan to make a list.... a list of what I hope to do during the coming year. I will have a craft box with patterns and some supplies so that I can just open it and choose a project. The Brother Alan gets a To Do List each time he comes out but this is not for him...he will be happy to know. His fun stuff is the garden, the house and other things. Time to get a move on around here. Coffee is almost finished and the Housework Fairies have not arrived. They seem to be on an extended vacation. Happy to have you visit with me today. thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Busy days.....

Oh I am chilly! It is around 49 out  with expectations of the temp rising to 75 today. Waiting for my coffee to brew and think Eggos will be on my plate soon. I generally have quiet slow days but recently I have been busy. On Friday an Saturday I was with Glenda helping to set up a dinner and then helping with the clean-up...she worked me to the bone ( I told Glenda I was going to tell everyone!!!) Totally enjoyed the time spent.
Then Sunday was my quiet day..... On Monday a call from Dianna set me in motion. Bobby's cat Moochie was sick and he was at work and Dianna needed help getting Moochie to the vet.

The poor kitty was definitely ill, she was a perfect patient never giving the doc any trouble. She has beautiful markings. I will be checking to see how Mooch is doing today...and Bobby. Yesterday was a planned outing with Glenda. We had a nice time galivanting and lunch too. Then a phone call from sis Lynowl to tell me she received a package...of course since I tracked it I already knew. The surprise was that she was trying not to open it! That did not last long and she opened it while we chatted on the phone.  I never sat at the computer at all yesterday and did not answer my emails until last evening. Debbie was worried and she sent out "Car 54 where are you" email.... we are in touch every day. Sorry to worry her but I finally responded so we are back on track today. Definitely no plans for today...I did say that for Monday didn't I? I hope to make a beaded snow globe ornament that was featured in one of the Facebook groups. I will plan my baking for the weekend... not a fan of baking too far ahead. Christmas dinner will be a simple one. 
The fourth flower on the Amaryllis is getting ready to bloom...any day now.

Look at the color of them! Actually looks like popcorn shooting out of the center! Really pleased with this plant and hope they will be available next year again. I have a new lavender plant but have not put it in the ground yet. Yes, here in Arizona winter is still planting and blooming time. Well I can smell the wonderful fresh brewed scent of coffee and I am a bit hungry so off I go. Glad you visited today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Christmas decorating and a gift arrived

Sometimes I sit and think and sometimes I wish I had just moseyed along. I miss having my Denny around and try to remember his words to me...… anyway, the phone rang the other evening and it was sis Lynowl worried about a package that was suppose to arrive for me around the 13th but now it was coming early!...it was arriving Tuesday by 9PM.  You see, sis can not have a package around and not open it immediately. I on the other hand can wait until the "time" …

Yesterday morning a phone call from Across the Courtyard from Robyn to tell me she could see a package left at the front door. There was no ringing of the door bell and this was early. I brought it in and texted sis to let her know it arrived. I opened the big box and this beautiful green silky bag appeared. No, I have not opened or peeked inside. Curious, yes, but I am patient.it sits prettily by the tree.
 I got to decorate again for someone else yesterday afternoon...Glenda. She asked me to add the ribbon (like my tree) to her tree. I was delighted. It was the first time since moving out here that I got to do this. I think I mentioned that I used to help decorate several homes each Christmas back in RI.

Wearing my Beaded Santa earrings, and juggling wire  was telling her that and  in RI I had a nice cobbler style apron to hold all my tools and before I knew it she appeared with this pretty apron...the very style I used to have and gave it to me. Not the I am doing more home decorating, but I will enjoy having it the next time I am juggling this and that while decorating. Her tree is pretty (already was) and some lights put around the other décor. It felt so nice to spread my decorating cheer once again. Today will be a quiet day. I have gathered all the ingredients to make Banana Nut bread and my crochet project will be finished.
Coffee has finished brewing and I think Eggo waffles would be good. Nice chatting with you today. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

I thought the tree was finished!

The  mornings are starting chilly but by afternoon the doors are open and the weather is just fine....low to mid 70s this week. The garden although quite bare compared to early season, it still giving me yellow daisies and Sweet Memory and Fairy Duster blooms. Nice to look out the kitchen window to see this. Speaking of looking out the window... someone has been looking in! Since the tree went up and lit this past weekend I have a hummingbird who stops by the window about 4 feet off the ground and hovers . He glides from side to side (the window is almost floor to ceiling and slider width wide) and then he darts off quickly. It is a sight to see but so far I have been unable to capture him on camera.

A quick stop by visit from Glenda yesterday and this beautiful ornament is now on my tree. Thank you for this blown glass double ornament...it looks pretty with the lights shining through. The red inside is perfect with the sheer red ribbon. I really think I will stop rearranging the tree.... so I say.
I did manage to continue beading the snowflake then realized as I started the send half that I did not finish the first side! So that is a must today. Still have not ventured out to finish my shopping, but will do so soon. Canada's postal strike is upsetting my mailing plans there. Seems like Christmas packages will be arriving late.
An update on Eva P, mom. She did not break any bones with this latest fall but is badly bruised and will be quite sore for awhile yet. The leg is very swollen and will probably require he to be back in a wheelchair for the time being. Thank you for your kind thoughts for her. Just finished my coffee so it will be on to the chores next. Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

An Elf in the garage

This crazy Arizona weather! Oh I know, many states are having crazy weather issues. One day it is quite warm here with the AC on in the car and then the next day the heater is used to get that chill out. Doors open on one day and not the next....short sleeves  then wearing the long sleeve shirt. This week should be around the low to mid 70s...but who knows. Sorry for all those who are having the early snow storms…..be careful out there!
Yesterday an Elf showed up in my garage.

There are 20 boxes here which means I would have climbed the step ladder 20 times up and then down and back up again.... well let's just say too many times. A few of the boxes are not so lightweight (but not too heavy). The phone rang with the offer to come and assist me.... and voilà! a few minutes later and ….
Thank you Glenda for coming by and lending me a hand. I will rethink my storage at the end of the holiday this year. The trees are in the lower cupboard so they are not an issue. The garage storage has already been rearranged once but I see anther day or two of moving things. I can start with putting something else up in the high cupboard and having the decorations in a more accessible spot. Yes, I think I already have it figured out. One last container to get down...the outdoor stuff and I will be ready to work after turkey day....Wow, I just looked at the calendar....Thanksgiving is Thursday!...this Thursday!!!
Yesterday was supervising the finishing of the courtyard transition from grass to rock and then I started another beaded snowflake with white and silver. Today will be washing the window to change the sheers in the living room and that will be ready for the tree placement. The laundry will soon be swishing and a second cup of coffee brewed. The Bissell and I will take a walk and the Swiffer will follow along. That is what I will be doing today....hope your day is not too busy. Nice to chat with you today....thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. 

Snowflake just in time...Brrrr

Well I thought yesterday morning was chilly...this morning it is 49!!! How many of us are not sick with this quick weather change is unknown. The afternoon is only expected to be in the high 60s. Guess I better get the long sleeves and a sweater out when I meet up with Glenda this morning.

I finished the beaded snowflake.... and although it is not perfect it looks good. I think I have the hang of the Brick Stitch and look forward to making this one again. I did not have the silver Delica 11 beads so I used the gold and I do like the look. There are 4 more patterns in the bead along... one each Friday. I will be off to the bead shop this week to get the beads needed. The next one may be a little more than I can do but I will try. I may try to find someone who can sit with me and coach me through this new method. The bead group for this project lists many Sun City gals so I will reach out to them to see who would be willing to help me.
Little sleep last evening, about 2 hours so later may be nap time here. Did I mention that I have the heat on?! Did I mention it is chilly... better word cold?! Guess the shorts and short sleeve tops will be going to the other side of the closet as well as the sandals. On that note I will sit and finish my hot coffee. Maybe a second cup will immediately follow.

A bright spot out in the garden with this yellow daisy and the bright pink Gaura in the back round.
Glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.
Special request: Sis Lynowl is not feeling well again with a nasty cold so send those virtual good wishes her way. 

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.