Sunshine & Sqirrels

The sun is finally shining. However, more rain is on the way. This rain is very depressing to me. I like sun and warm weather. Next winter in Tucson!!!

I put out bird food but found all I'm attracting is squirrels. they are very resourcefull.

I've taken up knitting and am having fun learning new things. I started a baby sweater that is beyond my knowledge and have been going to the yarn shop for sit & knit sessions. The ladies that go have inspired me to learn more. One lady is knitting socks for her husband. I don't know if I will go that far. I did a scarf and now have started a hat. Lots of web-sights with free patterns and how to pages.

The ladies at the park have started a Wed am coffee and ??? A few have expressed interest in loom beading. So I told them I could show them how. Lane found kits that have everything we need. I also found the bracelet blanks that I have been looking for. I decided that everyone is getting hand made Christmas gifts. This should keep me busy and out of trouble.

It is Mardi Gras season here. Even Walmart has beads, masks, etc for sale. It is a much bigger deal than I thought. Parades and balls galore!

My water pump needs to be replaced and I need new thermostats on my water heater. I think I have a mouse too!!

Brrrrrr

It has been very cold here at night. In the teens for about 10 days. Coldest it has been in 20 years. Naturally it has to be the year I'm here. I keep looking at the temp in Tucson and get very jealous. But, it is warming up now and should be in the 60's.

My hot water tank was acting up and I replaced the pressure valve but that turned out not to be the problem. I called a repair man and he found that the thermostat was not properly installed. It took him 5 min to fix. But with the cold weather I have been using my holding tank and the pump was making a strange noise. He checked it out and I need a new one. We are waiting for the insurance company to ok it. Either way I need a new one.

I also found mouse dropings and have put a mouse trap in the basement. Hope it catches it. I think they are after the bird food. I need to get a plastic container for it. Birds finally found the feeder. If only the squirrels hadn't. They are eating the seeds faster than I can fill them.

I started a new project. I stopped at a yarn shop and there was the cutest baby sweater. I bought the kit and got home and discovered that I had bitten off more than I can chew. I went back to the store and they are walking me thru it. It is easier than I thought, I just had trouble reading the pattern. I am at another stopping spot and plan on going back to the store Monday. They have a great program on Thursdays it is Snowbird Tea and knitting. I've met some very nice ladies and am inspired for future projects. I think I will knit everyone a Christmas present. There are some easy projects, scasrfs, hats and half gloves. Might even try socks!!!

We started a ladies morning craft time at the park. Hopefully there will be more than just the 2 of us.

Christmas In Fl

Christmas in Florida was very different. Not as warm as I thought it would be. Here are some pics of the park. The owners decorated and some of the residents put up lights, but the weather was to windy to keep up the lights as the awnings had to come in.

Christmas day the owners had coffee and muffins, etc for us. I got up and called everyone I wanted to talk to that day then went for coffee with the other park residents. It was nice to talk to everyone and wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!