HAPPY NEW YEAR

MY WISHES FOR THE COMING YEAR ARE:
1. Good Health
2. World Peace
3. Financial Security
4. More creativity
5. Loving family and friends

No resolutions for me! I never keep them.

I hope everyone has a great 2009 and I wish you health, peace
and love !

HAPPY HANNUKAH

Tonight is the first night of Hannukah.
How things have changed! When I was a child this was the most exciting night of the year. The whole family got together. We ate our traditional dinner of potato latkes, brisket of beef and all the delicious side dishes. Afterwards we would light the menorah, sing songs and than open our first present. Since we got a present for eight nights there was always more to look forward to.

There are no traditions left. My family members (mom, dad, both grandmas, cousins, aunts and uncles) who kept these wonderful traditions alive, are no longer with us. My generation and my grandchildern's generation are no longer observing the holidays. We have so many mixed marriages that Christmas has become the holiday of choice.
It's funny how things work out. When I was young, I always wanted a Christmas tree. I felt a bit left out. Since most of our neigbors and friends
were not Jewish, they got to celebrate all the festivities of Christmas.
Christmas morning was just another day for my family .

Be careful what you ask for. Now I have the tree I wanted, celebrate the holidays with the rest of the world and have no one to participate in what I yearn for now, a real Hannukah celebration.
I'm going to light the first candle by myself! I can still keep the traditons
alive.

MEDALLIONS

These medallions are a sample of what I've been doing during this
winter to keep me from going stir crazy....
Anyway, getting back to my unfinished post from last night.
Bob will not be going to Phoenix this year. I need to decide when I am going...(If at all)
Perhaps I might use the money and apply it towards Art Unraveled this summer or Art and Soul this spring. Decisions, Decisions!!!!!
Everytime I look outside, my trip this winter to a warmer (snow free) climate becomes more inviting.
I wish I could do it all! Maybe I'll win the lottery.....

OOPS

I never got a chance to finish the last blog. Anyway, disregard the last part about Bob not going to Phoenix , and I'll finish tomorrow when I'm not so sleepy.

I'M SICK OF WINTER ALREADY

It's not even Dec. 21, and I'm sick of this climate. Each year my dislike for winter grows stronger.

It seems as if my entire life is revolving around this crappy weather.

Since I really hate to drive while it's snowing, I've been sticking around the house alot. Cabin fever is setting in. We're having another snow and ice storm at the moment. I 've been timing my outings between storms. I guess tomorrow will be another stay at home day... A good day to catch up with house work.

I have been doing alot of tea bag folding The medallions are very pretty and I love the designs that are being created, but again, what do I do with all the finished pieces?

Other than folding paper, I've been trying to needlepoint at night. It seems to put me to sleep. I start with good intensions but end up with very heavy eyelids and I start dozing. Maybe I should do it in the morning instead.

Since Bob decided not to go to Phoenix this year

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Can't believe I made an advent calender. I saw the one Shari made as a sample for the PRC group. I thought it was so cute and decided to make one too! It was fun, but so not me.
This Thanksgiving was a different. I cooked the entire dinner from scratch! It actually turned out delicious. Mia, Paul, Alex and Kay celebrated with Bob and I. The rest of the family was spread out all over the place. That's what happens when there are extended families.
Anyway, it was a nice day and enjoyed the company of who was here..

IT'S SNOWING! They are predicitng 6 to 8 inches. I really hate winter
and have fantasies of being in a warm climate .
Again, Bob and I had plans to be in Phoenix this winter, but unfortunately the economy sucks and we're afraid to spend extra money right now.
If all goes well, we might beable to go for a few weeks in January.

I'm trying to think of positive things to get me through this dull grey period. I'd like to get involved with a creative project that I've never done before. The creative process keeps my mind preoccupied and I love learning new things. All I'm doing right now is stitching a needlepoint canvas, but it's not challenging enough .
A new idea will come my way. It's perculating in my mind.

I guess my issues are nothing in comparison to what happend in India.
It's so sad and my heart goes out to anyone directly involved . My only wish for the Holiday Season is to see PEACE ON EARTH! What a gift that would be.
I don't understand why people have to be so violent.

BACK FROM CHAMBERSBURG PA

Mary and I took Amtrak to Chambersburg Pa. The train ride was not bad at all. Didn't sleep much (even though we had a roomette) . We had a layover in Pittsburg and from there we went to Harrisburg. Terry picked us up at the train station and drove another hour or so to Chambersburg. We spent 3 full days visiting with Terry (photo above). It was nice to spend a couple of days doing art.
The above picture is of Mary and Terry hanging out in a local coffee shop
working on their colored pencil drawings. I sat around observing the people going in and out. It's difficult for me to create in public. I'm too distracted.

Chambersburg is a quaint town in South east Pa. Actually, it reminded
me of New England. The arcitecture was very similar. There were also many Victorian homes which were magnificent. The down town area
had a lot of resale and antique shops as well as restaurants and small businesses. Could I live there? NO. Not enough going on.
Anyway, I'm home. I spent all day yesterday sleeping on the couch to catch up with my lack of sleep.
BACK TO REALITY!

TIME TO BRAG AGAIN

I can not believe my cute little grandson Alex has grown into a handsome young man. The above picture is from his Home Coming Dance.
He will be graduating high school this year (sigh). At the moment he is applying to different colleges . He has already been accepted to two.
I guess I can go on and on as a proud grandma , but I wont. All I can say is he's a good kid!

The election stuff is finally getting to me. Enough is Enough!!!!!
I sure wish it was over so we can get on with our normal lives.
I know one thing, if Obama doesn't win, I want to move to another country..... I can't imagine living here with McCain as President and worse yet, Sarah Palin as a possible president. What is going on? Are people blind? Only three more days and we will know the future of our country.

This week has been filled with creative ideas, but nothing has been executed. I have been cutting up magazines for images. I'm planning to make a mini soul collage deck. It's kind of a challenge to go so small. Actually, I'm going from 5X7 to 2.5X3.5 (ATC size)
I'm also stitching alot. I want to finish a canvas I started many years ago.

I'm off to Pennyslvania this Thursday for a visit with Terry. She is an art friend who moved a couple years ago. Mary G. and I are taking a train and plan to stay about 4 days. It should be relaxing and fun. I'm looking forward to the train ride. There's nothing to do but relax on a train .
I'm sure I'll have stories to tell when I get bcak!

SELF PORTRAITS

I bought the book "Mixed Media Self-Portraits" by Cate Coulacos Prato.

I'm really enjoying it. I even tried some digital portraits as seen above.

I call them "The Young and Old of Me!" In a way, I find this to be self-healing and at the same time a bit self centered. I guess it's just another art form. I'm planning to use other techniques in the book, but with other people. Enough of me!!!!

This week has been a roller coaster ride as far as my financial life is concerned. I keep forgetting I AM retirement age and the small amount of money I do have invested is dwindeling away. I normally don't put any energy or worries into my financial state, but this time I am concerned about what will be left. This is the first time in my life I have to set up a budget and adhere to it.

The Crisis we are all experiencing is no thanks to our current administration and I hope the new president will bring a turn to our economy. GO OBAMA!

I got together with my art friends yesterday. Actually, I'm so glad we are all on the same page as far as our art interests and politics go. I didn't get

much accomplished , we were too busy talking and eating. I believe the socializing is just as important as our art.

It's a beautiful sunny and crisp autumn day. I want to get out and enjoy all the wonderful colors before winter sets in .

I'm beginning to nest and my mind is on warm comforting things.

I'm even making beef stew today in the slow cooker. (It smells so good)

Hot chocolate is even sounding good to me!

MY CRAZY FAMILY

I had the most wonderful time this week-end. My sister Naomi , my niece Rachel and her daughter Stella came to visit from New York.

They wanted to do a week-end in the city. I took the train in on Friday and met them at thier hotel.

We started out shopping on the Magnificent Mile, ate lunch at the Cheese

Cake Factory, and than shopped some more . It was late afternoon when we got back to the Hotel. We took advantage of Happy Hour and spent hours hanging out. My brother Joel, my sister Joni ,her partner David and Mia were there too! Oh, and Riley (my brothers friend) joined us too. He was the life of the Party. He's off the wall!

After hours of drinking and talking we went to eat dinner. Unfortunately most of the restaurants had at least an hour wait so we found a small little Mexican Restaurant and ate and talked more.

Saturday morning we started out by walking to Millenium Park (my first time there) , played in the Bean, took pictures and than went to the Art Institute for a few hours. After that we took the Ferry Taxi to Navy Pier.

We walked around, went on the Ferris Wheel and ate again.

My sister Joni invited everyone over for a Party Saturday Night.

My entire family was there. (17 of us) .

The pictures above indicates how silly we got. We danced, played drums laughed and ate again.

I'm so glad we had the opportunity to be together for a few days. It was so much fun!

We need to make it a point to do this at least once a year. FAMILY IS

TOO IMPORTANT and i am blessed to have three siblings who have made our family larger and more fun to be with.

My mom and dad would have loved seeing us all together having such a good time.

Anyway, it's back to reality!

A BEAUTIFUL DAY

Tuesday 9/23

Shari, Sandy and I decided to take advantage of the wonderful weather we were having and went to Cantigny Park in Winfield. Of course, we stopped to eat lunch first.
The grounds are so beautiful and peaceful. We had a great afternoon,walking, talking,and taking photos of the beautiful plants and flowers.

Today is Bob's birthday! Can't believe he's 66. He's doing what he loves best, Golfing 18 holes.

Wednesday 9/24
I started a new canvas today. I guess I was in the flow. The whole day flew by. Still have alot to do before it's finished.
My friend Kay came over to visit in the evening. We've known each other more than 3o years. It's fun to reminisce and have a few good laughs
over some of the goofy things we did when we were younger.

TIME GONE BY

The last few weeks have been a big blur. Now that my abscessed tooth is healed, I can think clearly again.

The only thing I did was sit in front of the TV and bead. There was no motivation to get out and do things. I felt numb and sorry for myself.

Now that I'm back in the swing of things, I'm looking forward to

creating and participating in the outside world again..

Above are the two bracelets I beaded...

Some of my artwork is being displayed at Gallery 200 in West Chicago

along with other members of WOMENS WISDOM from the Peoples Resource Center. I went to visit the gallery on Saturday. I was very impressed with the display and every one's art work. Most of the projects were taught by Shari. GREAT JOB AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED.

I even sold a piece. The details for the sale are being made.

I wasn't planning to sell. I just wanted to participate and be part of Womens Wisdom. This is an added bonus.

Maybe this will motivate me to do more collage work. I really enjoy it.

The sun is shining the weather is warm and it's the first day of fall.

Time to go out and play!!!!!

IN SPITE OF IT ALL

I decided to bite the bullet and try to forget the cronic tooth ache I've had for the past week. It won't go away. The dentist put me on an anti biotic for the abscess. I see the endodontist tomorrow. Hopefully they will do a root canal so I can get back to a normal life. Whatever that is.
Anyway, in spite of it all I decided get out and to do stuff this weekend. I got together with the Saturday group and did some art. It's nice when a group of women can sit around and talk about anything. The topic of the day was Sarah Palin and the election. Actually, we were on the same page. I'm glad we all had such negative feelings about the McCain-Palin ticket.
Today was the Bead Show. It was OK. It wasn't very big and there was not much I wanted to buy. I purchased a kit for a Nedeble stitch bracelet and a few cabochons that were on sale. It took about 1 hour to get thru the whole show and see everything.
Cindy and I went out to eat afterwards. I was home before 4:00.
This week has been slow as far as creativity goes. I'm just not feeling it.
I sure hope this coming week will be more productive.

JUST HANGING OUT

Nothing very exicitng is happening in my life at the moment.

I seem to be spending alot of time watching the conventions and all the hoop-la . I hate the media vultures and the lies being told. POLITICS SURE IS DIRTY! Even so, it keeps me interested.

GO OBAMA!!!!!!

I have been busy sorting all my graphics . I can't believe how many magazines and books(shame on me) I've cut up. I have a great collection

to go thru when I need a picture for my art work. I seem to have a large

collection of ethnic people. Is that anything new for me?

It seems as if I have spent the past few weeks planning and thinking about what I want to create. I haven't done much as far as manifesting anything. !

Last Tuesday Sandy and I got together and made tiles from polymer clay. It was fun and I plan to do more. The above photo represents some of my tiles.

I've also made some more cloth beads (not worth showing) Now I need to incorporate them into a new project.

I can't believe I broke down and bought the BIND-IT ALL. Hobby Lobby was having a 30% off sale on all their Zutter products. Of course I fell for it.

Time to get dressed and go out in the world. The mornings go too fast!!

HASTE MAKES WASTE

Sandy, Belinda and I got together yesterday to play. We each created a wire bracelet. Had a great time. It's fun getting together with art friends.
We're doing it again next week.

I actually like the way my bracelet turned out. The only problem is that I made it too small. It's even too small for me. I miscalculated the size.

It would probably fit a little girl ( not that she would wear that style).

I'm going to keep it as a reminder to slow down and be patient........

I'm inspired to do another one. MEASURE CAREFULLY!

I ran into Tracy (my daughter in-law) at Culver's today. Shame on me for eating their Hamburger. It was dripping with butter, but oh sooooo good!

The fries were good too and than I stopped at Dairy Queen for a cone.

It feels good to be bad once in awhile!

Anyway, my grandson Alex has an interview on Monday with the Baseball coach at Elmhurst College. It's for a scholarship. Wouldn't that be great! It would take a big financial load off of Keith and Tracy if he gets it. I'm hoping for the best!

I can't believe I'm a grandmother with a grandson starting college. My God, where did the time go?

PLAY DATE

Sandy and I had a good time creating today. We made paper cloth following the instuctions in Berl Taylor's book. Well, I deviated a little.

It was messy but had a ball. They are on the basement floor drying.

We worked downstairs today because we knew it would be messy.

Actually, it wasn't so bad being down there. At least I don't have to worry about ruining anything. All I need is better lighting and dry wall and I'd probably use it more.

They are still very wet and it's difficult to imagine how they will look dry. So far I like what I see.


Above is my newest collage. I did this the other day. I like the saying on it "Soothe My Soul" That's exactly how I felt after my mishaps last week.

Buster is gone. I think I really miss him. He was here for three weeks.
I have some cute pictures of him and Sunny. I'll upload them later.

WHAT A WEEK "OY VEY"

It started out with my garage door deconstructing. A crazy thing! The top panel got hooked on the mechanism and was totally destroyed. We couldn't open or close the door . Bob's car was stuck in the garage all week-end. The repair guy came out on Monday. After a couple hundred dollars, it's working again. The dent is still there . Oh well! No more money out for that...

After a wonderful day out with my friends in Geneva on Thursday, I started driving home and all of a sudden a flat bed truck side swipes me. It ripped off my side view mirror. All that is left are the wires hanging. Anyway ,after an hour of dealing with the police report, I made it home and spent another hour on the phone with Allstate....SIGH I was totally drained after that.

I MUST BE A MAGNET FOR TRUCKS! Second accident this year with semi's.

I was a little nervous driving yesterday. I didn't have my side view mirror to change lanes. I had to do it the good old fashioned way by twisting my head.

OUCH

I bring the car in for an estimate today.

Other than that all is well. Finished another bracelet shown above. Not very clear, but you get the idea.

MORE COLLAGES

The photos above are three more collages I've finished in the past two weeks.

I've noticed that all my art is the same color scheme. I need to deviate and go out of my comfort zone.

Those paints from Tri Art have really got me motivated!!!

FINISHED BRACELET

DONE! This bracelet is for Gloria (Shari's mom). It's a Thank You gift for her hospitality when I was in Naples visiting.

Actually , it turned out better than I thought. I was very critical of it as I was making it. The end product looks good to me. Hope she likes it....

MIRANDA

This has been quite a week. My grandaughter Miranda has been staying with me. It's really been fun, but hectic. I love having her around. She reminds me of when I was young and full of hopes and dreams. She will be 14 in October.
Typical teenager.
I have to compliment all parents who chauffer their kids around. I have spent the past five days driving and picking her up from various activities (not complaining) . She's very social and loves to keep busy.
I hope I haven't been too over protective with her. I make sure I know where she's at and who she's with when she's out..
I'll miss her very much,but not all the driving.
Isn't she pretty? I have a right to brag. It's OK for GRANDMAS to do so.

NEWEST PIECE OF ART

I woke up yesterday morning and felt this urge to do a collage. I wanted to use some of the new transparent paints I bought last week at the EXPO. I can't say enought about them. They are from TRI ARTS. http://www.tri-art.ca/.

I also used their gloss gel and glaze. I'm really happy with the outcome. So far, I think I like it better than Golden products.

Above is a photo of my collage. I'm in the mood to do another one.

It's been kind of a low key week. Haven't done much socially, except meet Shari one day for lunch, and Sandy and Belinda for Breakfast the next day.

It's pretty sad that my social life mainly consists of eating out. Is that a sign of old age?

Art Unraveled is coming up in a few weeks. I think I'm sorry I didn't sign up. Even though I wasn't too happy with most of the classes last year, I

will miss the actual event. This is the first time in three years that I'm not going. I know I won't miss the Arizona heat, although it's been hot and humid here.(NOT COMPLAINING).

WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO

Summer is slipping away. Between the trip to Florida, Barb's visit , the art expo, parties and just everyday living makes time fly.
I finally received my "DIVA CUSTOM CORD MAKER" from the the Fiber Goddess. I ordered it at the Bead and Button Show. It took forever to get.
Above is a sample of what I've been making:

It's kind of mindless, but fun.

I'm still beading. I'm trying to finish the bracelet for Shari's mom. It's been a slow process.

My little flower garden is doing well. I've been faithful to it and am out there watering every day. Hopefully my tomatoes and cukes will be ready soon. Nothing like freshly picked veggies!

I ended up buying stuff at the Art Expo last weekend. New pastels, paints, a Groovy Mouse (just what I need), paper for pastels. That's ENOUGH!

Have I used any of it yet ?, of course not! I still have bottles of paint etc.

that I haven't opened from last year.

It's really a pitty ! Lot's of money spent just for the sake of it. I need to slow down. According to the media, we're in big trouble! I hope they are wrong, and it's all hype. Anyway, I don't want to get into my tyraid about our government. I GET SO ANGRY! We are not stupid!!!!!!!!

PHOTOS OF FINISHED BRACELETS

The pictures are not that clear, but it shows what I have created lately.
It's time for a better camera or learn how to take more time to focus. So what else is new?

BEAD SOUP

A perfect Metaphor for my recent trip to Naples, Florida.

The highlights of the trip were Beading, Bead Stores and eating.

There was a store going out of business. Everything was 60 to 80% off. Shari and I spent all afternoon digging thru bins of beads. WHAT FUN!

We also went to a bead store in Bonita Springs. We took a class and made a Conffetti Bracelet. Will post pictures later!

I beaded at night and I finally finished my Casablanca bead embroidered bracelet.

Shari's mom loved eating out, so we spent much of the time going to restaurants that she reccommended.

We also visited different resale shops. All in all, it was

a fun time.

Now I have to sort through all my new stuff and hopefully use it. Thank goodness BEADS are small. There is always room for one more!

IT'S BEEN AWHILE

I haven't posted in ages. I guess life gets in the way.
Went to the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee with Cindy. Had a great time and spent lots of money. We stayed two days.
I would love to go back to Milwaukee and spend time sightseeing. So far, all I've seen is the downtown area and the convention center.

Of course I'm beading again. I got some great ideas at the show. I'm creating a bracelet from a kit. I'm actutally following the instructions word for word. It 's turning out well.

I'm leaving for Naples, Florida on Saturday. Shari's mom lives there. We are going to visit her for a week. It should be an interesting trip.

I'M HOOKED

Can't get enough of this photo manipulation stuff. Below are more images I've created. I've been leaning new techniques and applying them.

The sun is out, the weather is finally normal and I'm going out to Enjoy it.

My garden is doing well. The flowers are colorful and my vegetable garden

is thriving. I planted tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet basil and arugula. Can't wait to start using it.

THIS IS MY MOST FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR!!!!!!

STILL PLAYING AROUND WITH DIGITAL ART

The pictures below are my newest attempt. Every time I think I'm beginning to learn something, I run into a problem. I guess experimenting is the only way for me to learn.
I have many books on Adobe Photoshop elements, but do I use them? Of course not.




This week-end is Memorial Day. You would never know it! The weather is abnormally cold. I can't believe I'm still walking around with sweaters and socks.

I'm hoping to have my family over Sunday for a Barbeque. I still don't know what I'm going to serve. I have one more day to decide.

Not much else going on or worthy of talking about. Except the economy and the price of gas (OUCH!)

DIGITAL ART ATTEMPT

What fun! I'm just experimenting and learning at the moment. The photos below are a sample of how I intergrated diferent images. I still have a lot
of learning to do.
Somehow, I love the challenge and when I get to the point where I think I've learned enough I move on to something else. I guess that's why I never perfect anything. I don't give it a chance. BOREDOM sets in. This newest obscession will go to the wayside also. I guess it's just who I am!

Barb returned to Phoenix and life is back to normal.
I'm trying not to drive anywhere I don't have to. Instead of going on road trips, I've decided to stay closer to home and just drive when necessary.
The price of gas is ridiculous! I hate contributing to the pockets of thieves!

INSIDE MY BOOK

These are just a few samples of what I did insie my book.
I guess I'm still into GRUNGE.

FINISHED TWO MORE PROJECTS

I pulled out my sewing machine and made a fabric book. It's a combination of fabric and paper. All the pages inside are papers I've made in workshops

the past few years. I believe I used one made by Belinda. She was kind enough to share. This project was fun. I loved sewing on paper. I just might try making something else. Maybe an art quilt.

The funny looking woman is a needlepoint canvas I just finished. That was fun also. This is the canvas I started in Phoenix. It replaced the canvas I planned to do in Tony Minieri's class. This is more whimsical and colorful.

It's called " Monkey Business"

Barb is visiting from Phoenix. It's nice to have her here.

We've been stitching and watching Dancing With The Stars and American Idol at night.

Christian De La Fuente sure is HOT!

Anyway, no big plans this month.

I'm looking forward to the Bead Show in June and maybe some workhops this summer...

IT'S TIME TO START USING WHAT I ALREADY HAVE

I've been going thru my stash again.
I feel guilty that I keep buying stuff when I have so much here.
Aside from needlepointing, my brain has
been busy thinking about making a fabric journal , using fiber , paper and fabric. Of course I'll need to quilt some of it.
My challenge to myself is to only use what I have accumulated and put in the basket. (Attached photo)
Oh, I need to include beads too!
I love the planning stage. I think even more than actually making it. It's exciting and stimulating. The creative juices are flowing.(In every direction)
We will see where this project goes.

Life has been fairly normal. SPRING
has sprung and so has my mood. I think being in Phoenix really helped. We got back just as the weather started improving here. Snow birds have the right idea!!!!

HOME AT LAST!

After three weeks in Phoenix and 6 days on the road, we made it home safe and sound.
It feels good to be home in my own house, but I miss the weather, abundant sun , beautiful flowers and of course Barb. She will be in Chicago next month and twice this summer.
If all goes well ( if I don't change my mind again), we will spend the winter months in Phoenix next year..
I'm trying to catch up with chores and business. I'm almost done. One more thing to do tomorrow and than I can start relaxing.
Attached are pictures of my newest needlepoint I finished and my new collection of heart milagros . Like I need more stuff!

MY NEWEST INTEREST

Since I've been in Phoenix, I've noticed a large amount of Hispanic religious art. Santos, retablos, nichos, milagros. I did a needlepoint heart milagro (below). I actually finished it. It was small and went fairly fast. I want to do another one.

I've also started collecting little metal milagros. The other picture above is from one of my many quests to find milagros and other hispanic artifacts. This is the Pedegral shopping mall in Cave Creek. Went to the "Town Dump" also. What a place! I hit the mother load. I found a wood santo , a tin nicho, an etched tin mirror and of course more milagros. I hope there is room in the car to bring home all my new acquistiions.
I found more milagros in Old Town Scottsdale yesterday.
Went to Stampers Frenzy and Old Town Needleworks! What fun! I needed more time to browse. Bob was outside pacing.
My class is this coming Monday and Tuesday and than I guess we will be heading home. I have mixed emotions. I want my own house, but would like to move it here. If I could only bring my family and friends here, LIFE WOULD BE PERFECT!

NEW CAR FEVER

SOMETHING ABOUT THE ARIZONA SUN! IT MADE ME BUY A NEW CAR... While I was waiting for my CRV to be repaired, I went browsing and sure enough this tangerine Honda Element caught my eye and I had to have it. So far, I love it. Got a very good deal and knew I wouldn't be able to do any better back home. Actually, it feels the same as the CRV. I believe it might be a bit higher.
Life has been great here. Bob and I do something different everyday and we feel very relaxed. Haven't been to the Grand Canyon yet. That's on the agenda for this week. I really am not looking forward to going home. I'm liking it here more and more. I seem to have more energy! There are a ton of houses for sale in Phoenix and surrounding areas. I thought the prices would be crazy, but they are not! Some are very affordable and really nice.
Haven't been doing much art, just stitching, eating, watching movies and touring the area.
I miss my Chicago friends, but not the weather.

EASTER CELEBRATION

Bob spent EASTER with six women and 4 dogs. What a trooper. He did well!!!!! It was chaotic.
Alice and Carol were enjoying cocktails before dinner. Nancy, Martha,.Barb and I were also there on the other side of the bar. We had a delicious dinner and a good time was had by all.
We have been enjoying beautiful weather. I'm so glad we decided to come. Bob has been doing his golf thing every day and I'm stitching, beading, shopping and just relaxing...
My car is still in the repair shop. We were given a Toyota Prius as a rental. It's really a nice car and we're saving on gas. I guess the damage on my CRV was more extensive than we thought.
The repair man couldn't believe we actually drove from Albuqurque to Phoenix without problems. We were probably stupid to do so.
Off to Old Town Scottsdale today!