I love towers in the spring time....

I love towers in the fall..... Let me start by saying I couldn't resist.

Jeff visits my blog whenever he has the time.
I thought these pictures were so darn cute, I really could not help myself. Sorry honey.

I really do love towers.
Of course, the Eiffel Tower is my favorite but the Tower of London is a close second.
These pictures were taken when Jeff was Annika's age (35 months).
He thought it would be so much fun to live in the Tower of London.
Too cold for me-hehe.

It was winter and it was cold. In fact, Jeff experienced his first snowfall there.
Good memories.

Not the best picture but you get the idea.
I have been going through pictures like a mad woman.
I thought I would put together some sort of album for them (so the girls could see what daddy looked like at their age).
A lot of work but I am enjoying all the memories attached to the photo's.

This little activity inspired me to make a Tower of London flour sack towel.
I love the detail but I especially enjoyed the memories associated with it.

So, thank you Soldier boy (hehe).
Love you to pieces.

Hot, hot, hot

When I think of Arizona, I think of heat. I think just about everyone does.
I'm hear to tell you that there is heat, and there is HEAT.

Like so many around the world, we are having some serious hot weather (even for AZ).
I can't imagine what made the pioneers stop here (must have been heat exhaustion).
It is beautiful but summer is brutal. 115 today.

You know it is hot when.....

• Tommy does not want to chase lizards.
• The lizards are not interested in teasing the dog.
• The cactus are dropping like flies.
• Your laundry comes out of the washer already dry.
• You come out of the shower already dry.
• The hot water heater is turned off but you still have extremely hot water.
• Pool water can burn you.
• you really can bake cookies on your patio.

Only 3 more months of serious heat. Then I will remember why I really do like Arizona.

Stay Cool!

Our house is a very, very, very, fine house.....

If you are over 50, you'll remember this song (Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young).
While this is not our house, I just love the look.
I made this for Jeff and Dorothy's new house.
Dorothy and the ladies are planning a move to Ca. to be near Jeff.
I already miss them (BIG SIGH).
Right now, they are waiting on the paperwork from the Army.
At least Monterey is not that far from Phoenix.
Yay!

I have been working on some projects that I thought I'd share with you.


I learned to sew when I was a Brownie (loved it). I didn't have a sewing machine but a very kind neighbor let me borrow her machine. She had no idea how she inspired me and how much I appreciated her kindness and tolerance. I had so MANY questions and she always took the time to answer them.
I also learned to embroider from this same neighbor (thank you Miss Ann).
She has been gone for many years but the gifts she shared with me live on.

I have fallen in love with machine embroidery. There really is no limit to what can be done.
I have to tell you that I am having a blast!
The pictures above are of a few new items. I hope to have them in my shop later on this week.

My first embroidered pillow. This is a gift for a dear friend. I hope to do more as this was so much FUN.

On a more serious note, yesterday I had an scan on my mesenteric vessels.
Didn't know I had any, didn't know what they were.
There needs to be a program for frequent "scanners", kind of like frequent fliers.
Miles for scans-hehe.
I am sure all is well (I have a peace about it).

Well, I have rambled on long enough.
Have a beautiful day.

A walk back in time

I grew up with the music of Motown (like many of us).
Living in the Detroit area, Motown music was played everywhere (sometimes even at church).

When Jeff was a little guy, he liked to dance.
He wanted to be able to move like Michael (or really anyone-hehe).
Be happy I didn't post the picture of you and your glove, honey.
When he heard the music, he just lit up.
Boy, could he move!

When the filming of the Pepsi commercial took place, we were living in the L.A. area.
We were given tickets to attend the filming which was very interesting.
Not something we would see on a regular basis.
The other day I came across these tickets in a box of "stuff".
I had kind of forgotten about the commercial.
Yesterday I saw the shoot for the first time on the Today Show.
It certainly brought back some memories of a talented young man that had the world in front of him and of the little boy that just wanted to dance.

Happy Bastille Day

Happy Bastille Day to one and all.

I am using the post option for blogger.
I would love to say that I am in France for the celebrations but actually I
hope to be helping Dorothy prepare for their move to Ca.

One way or the other, we will be having our own little "celebration".

Viva la Monterey-hehe.

Sweet Sunday

But they that wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength; they
shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.

(Isaiah 40:31)

I know that many of us are going through challenging times.
This verse is one that I find comfort in.
I hope you do too.

This had me smiling for hours

A good time was had by all

I trust everyone had a marvelous weekend.
Could you hear the screams of joy around here?

Dorothy was able to surprise the ladies with Jeff's arrival.
They thought they were going to the airport to watch the planes take off and land (something they enjoy doing).
She was able to capture the moment on video and of course I cried when I watched it.

Everyone was so excited to see him, you would have thought he had been gone for years!
His brother was so thrilled that he was home even for a short time.
J.W. did end up in the hospital overnight on Sunday but was released on Monday morning so we are thankful.

Jeff flew out on Monday evening and his classes start tomorrow.
Does anyone out there speak Indonesian? Please give a heads up on the difficulty factor.
Maybe I'll try and learn it-NOT!

This is a preview of some goodies that I will be adding when I have the chance.
Many more to come.

I am off and running but truly hope to be able to visit blogland.
I really do miss everyone.

Double the Blessings! Yay, oh yay!

You can tell from the picture that July 4th is going to be FAB around here.

My youngest son will be able to spend the weekend at home with us and I am so grateful.

To top it off, Jeff has a weekend pass and will be back in AZ.
I am doing a big time happy dance.
The girls have no idea he will be flying in.
You will probably be able to hear the screams of joy in your neck of the woods.
I can't wait!

Now, there is a little something that I feel a need to post about (unfortunately).
This is addressed to those "mean spirited" anonymous comments that have been coming in.

You are absolutely right. I don't visit blogs like I used to.
If you, or someone you love has serious chronic illnesses that are time consuming, you know what I am talking about. If you don't have these issues, consider yourself very blessed.
When I am not advocating or helping to take care of my son, I try to take care of my website.
In a perfect world, I could visit all my favorite blogs all day long.
At this time, that is not an option.

Please know that I do appreciate comments but I really don't want my grandchildren to read that junk. There is enough hatred and junk out there without them having to read it on my blog.

O.K, enough said on that!

Everyone, please have a safe and beautiful July4th weekend.
Treasure your time, it really is a gift.