Tuesday Trivia

Greetings friends, I had planned a trivia game this week but due to a lack of Internet I haven't been able to get on until now. My first question was- if you leave Denver and head west about 800+miles, what city are you likely to end up in....hint is that it is a pavement jungle, one I've never wanted to visit and haven't until we spent Sat. night there. The answer is Las Vegas and I know there are wonderful people living there but frankly it is not my cup of tea. We left Sunday morning and spent a good part of the day driving to Oceanside Ca. Yesterday we went to Legoland-such a fun place!!!! Today we had a relaxed day here and will leave tomorrow.
Hubby and I are heading to Carmel Valley to see our dear friends; the gal and I were best friends in high school and have remained as close over the years. We will only spend a night with them and then head to the Sierra's to stay with some other dear friends in Nevada City. We will finish up our trip at Lake Tahoe celebrating my brother's birthday; he won't officially turn the big 70 until the end of the month but we are so looking forward to spending time with both him and his incredible wife-the sister of my heart. I will be posting photos when I have availability and do plan on changing my blog look to reflect more of autumn when I return home.
Wherever this finds you, know you are cherished for your friendship and I look forward to connecting with you all very soon.
Hugs, Noreen

Happy Friday

Let's all do the happy dance cause it is Friday!!! Don't you just love the colors in the photo above; it screams cool days, warm apple cider, games and cozy indoor activities. Although we don't get this depth of vibrant colors here, my understanding is that the Aspens are glorious in the high places. It will be two weeks before I'm able to venture up to see the colors and also the Elk bugling. If I could, I would jump in a car and make a trip to New England, especially Vermont, New Hampshire and of course Maine. Maybe next year. Next week you my friends will be seeing a change of scenery for this blog but I'm not telling, I want you all to be surprised.

Have a glorious weekend and remember to enjoy each minute, they pass too quickly.
Blessings, Noreen

Good Morning Friends, Once again today is the day we pause to take notice of those blessings in our lives; hopefully it is a pattern that has become a golden thread woven into each of our days.
There are so many things to be grateful for~another day of living, health-regardless of the ups and downs it could always be much worse, loved ones, food on the table, fall weather; you get the idea don't you.
Today I am thankful for my beloved and all he does for us. I am thankful for being able to spend time with friends this week and having a nice evening with our neighbor last night. I am thankful for the love of an old dog and his time with us; when we lost our Sadie on Christmas I truly thought Reggie wouldn't last very long but he just continues on, so faithful and loving.
I am thankful that this week we have taken off from painting, it has been a nice break.

This is our daughter's house and I am thankful that we only have one side left to paint. It looks so clean and fresh and I'm thankful that neither hubby or I had any mishaps while painting up high. I am thankful that I finished that special wall hanging for a special someone-since he reads this occasionally I don't want to mention names or it might give it away. I am thankful that throughout my life, when I've created something, I am able to pour out my heart into it and fill the project with love; which is good because often the project is less than perfect. I will be posting photos of it in a week or so.
Today I am thankful for fall weather. I am thankful that I am off this morning to a ladies study before running errands. I am thankful for you, my friends, for joining me here.
Today please stop, look and listen and give thanks for those things you enjoy.
Hugs, Noreen


For more Thankful Thursday posts please visit Iris at Grace Alone- http://www.eph2810.com/

Autumn Blessings to you. May your world be filled with the majesty of colors.

Happy Tuesday all, Oh what a beautful fall morning today; the sun is shining with promises of warmth later and the air is still crisp. I joined a neighbor for a walk bright and early and now heading to my daughters to join her on errands. Hubby is doing what he loves best-golfing.
When I get back I've got to make some gluten free brownies(Betty Crocker now has gluten free mixes-yippee!)and clean house because we have some friends coming over for dinner.
Sometime in the mix I want to hit Joann's for their sale~all harvest items are 50% off to make way for Christmas(shame on them-it is way too early!) so maybe I'll get a couple of treasures to share.
Have a wonderful day my friends,
Noreen

Birthday Fun

Two of our granddaughters have birthday within days of each other so their is always a family birthday celebration for them and due to hectic schedules the next couple of weeks, we had ours last night. Our missy turns 5, she is truly a princess and such a dear girl. She looks so much like her mamma and I love reflecting on days of old.

Little Miss Sunshine is turning two~where did the days go? One bundle of energy and activity, such joy.

The three girls watching presents being opened; love surrounds our family and brings joy to this nana's heart.

Have you seen anything more beautiful than these blue eyes? Such a doll this grand is who loves to snuggle, which warms my heart.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and that your week has started off well. I spent some time with a friend of mine who recently broke her foot; we were able to sit and talk about quilting and I even got to see one of her projects. Sitting on her deck in the warmth of the fall air was simply delightful and I look forward to more quilting fun with her.

Blessings, Noreen

Treats for the Tweets

Happy Friday to you~o.k. so my title was a bit corny but it sounded fun. Actually, I could have said Tummy Treats for the first photo and Eye Treats for the second but I think you get the idea. I am always in awe of those of you who share your recipes because they always look so yummy and to be honest much of my cooking are meals that are good to eat but maybe not as elegant as some. My hubby is the gourmet cook in our home so in the future I'll have to post some of his dinners for you-he loves the art of arranging a meal on a plate. This dish is Baked Oatmeal and is delicious and easy; you can add in whatever fruit, fresh, frozen or dried, that you like and one of my girls add chocolate chips to hers as well. It is a dish you let sit overnight in the fridge and just pop in the oven in the morning. Enjoy! Baked Oatmeal
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup Agave nectar
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups oats(not instant)
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt(we prefer sea salt)
1 cup milk(regular but rice or almond work as well)
1 cup fruit

Mix all ingredients together. Soak overnight. Baked in a greased 9" pie plate uncovered for 40 min. at 350 degrees. It is better the second day and taste very much like an oatmeal cookie.

My youngest daughter's girls took a bit to get used to it but now want it all the time.


This is a home in our town that I drive by almost daily. I absolutely love the little garden with all the birdhouses, wicker chair and flowers. I had to take a photo of it because it makes me smile.

I pray your weekend is filled with things that make you smile and times spent with those you love.
Hugs, Noreen

Happy Thursday dear friends~ Today I am filled with praise for the mighty hand of God working in His childrens lives, especially mine. Firstly, I am thankful that I got a call yesterday and that my GI specialist didn't not find anything on my ultrasound or in the results of my blood work to indicate why my liver numbers are elevated. He is a bit perplexed but since they were testing me for auto-immune liver diseases and cancer as well as gall bladder disease, I am thankful that nothing showed up. We will wait 3 mos and retest my blood to check on the where the numbers are. Thank you to all those who have been lifting me up!!!!!
This morning I am joining a womens group that will be doing a Beth Moore study. I'm not sure which one, but I've always loved her books and have wanted to get into a study since we moved here.
I am thankful for cooler weather for my hubby painting this morning. I am thankful for angels that can surround him while he is up and down on a ladder painting the trim of the second story.
I am thankful that the good Lord has blessed me with another day to live and love.

For more TT posts please visit Irish at http://www.eph2810.com/

Hugs, Noreen

My granddaughters absolutely loved their shirts and wore them to bed last night. Of course they were already in bed when I got there to take photos and it was a good thing because my battery was dead. So instead of taking photos~this one of our Peanut was taken first thing this morning, my girl and I watched the new release "Letters to Juliet". She was as taken with the scenery as I was. Hubby and I squeezed in a 5 hour painting session and we are home now ready to relax. I've still got some more stitching to do but it should be relatively easy.
Have a wonderful afternoon my friends.
Blessings, Noreen

Greetings on this Tuesday~I pray this finds you abiding and resting in the Shadow on the Most High God. You'll never believe what our youngest and I did last night(hint-it is something I never did in the 60's)-give up? Well, my girl decided she wanted to tie-dye some t-shirts for her girls bed shirts. She asked me why I never did it back in the day and I can't honestly say except I don't think I ever cared for the look, even back then. I did however batik fabric and loved doing that. After having a wonderful light Spinach-Strawberry salad we got to work and it was quite humorous as well as fun. It should be interesting to see how they turn out once they are washed. Today I hope to finish making the binding for the quilt I'm giving away to a very special someone. I will post photos after the fact-don't want to ruin a surprise. Hubby and I may be painting this afternoon when he gets back from golf.
This morning I put on some of my favorite praise music. Do you ever do that? I can tell you it is the very best way to start a day! As the music played I also opened up the word to Psalms-I absolutely love going through them. Words from a song kept echoing through my mind-
"The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice". I decided to share some of the verses I found first and then the lyrics to one of my favorite songs, in fact it is listed on my playlist.
"But as for me, I shall sing of Thy strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Thy lovingkindness in the morning, For Thou hast been my stronghold, And a refuge in the day of my distress.
O my strength, I will sing praises to Thee; For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness." Ps 59:16,17
"O God, Thou are my God; I shall seek Thee earnestly; My soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have beheld Thee in the sanctuary, To see Thy power and Thy Glory."Ps 63:1,2
"But as for me, I will hope continually, And will praise Thee yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Thy righteousness, And of Thy salvation all day long; For I do not know the sum of them. I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord God; I will make mention of Thy righteousness, Thine along."Ps.71:14-16

Lastly here is one of my favorite songs-if you have audio on your 'puter it is the second song on my playlist-listen and enjoy.

I Belong by Kathryn Scott

Not angels, nor demons, no power on earth or heaven
Not distance, nor danger, no trouble now or ever
Nothing can take me from your love
I belong, I belong to you
Not hardship, nor hunger, no pain or depth of sorrow
Not weakness, nor failure, no broken dream or promise.

Have a day walking steadfastly in His presence!
Noreen

Monday Musings

Morning Friends, How was your weekend? I think most of us were pretty somber on Saturday reflecting on that horrendous day nine years ago. I'm so thankful that Saturday went by without any type of attack. Saturday afternoon our sil flew out of state for a week long business trip, actually he flew out of the country and while the cat's away the mice will play, as the saying goes. After dropping him off daughter, her four girls and I headed to Flatiron Mall for a fun time of shopping and girl time. I purchased one birthday present at the Disney store but other than that just enjoyed window shopping. When we are in southern Ca. in a few weeks we will be hitting Carlsbad outlets and let me tell you that if you've never been there they are the most high end outlets I've ever seen. The public restroom is like going into a four star hotel-so very posh. Yesterday my girl,her girls and I went to a local farmer's market and it wasn't a disappointment-the organic vegetables were reasonable and I actually found some gluten free pasta there as well. After that we ran to the paint store to get more trim color and also located the medical facility where I'll be getting some tests done today. I haven't even had water since last night and I don't like going out without my teeth brushed so I'm planning on turning around as soon as it is done and heading home for coffee, breakfast and toothpaste. Hubby will start painting without me today but I'll be there soon.
Have a wonderful fall day.
Blessings, Noreen

They Fought For You

Happy Saturday all, On this day when we stop and reflect on the tragedy of 9/11, the lives lost and just what it did to our country, I think we should stop and also think about those fighting for our freedom. This video came across my in box today and it is very moving, so if you have a few minutes go watch it-it is well worth your time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=KTb6qdPu8JE

Have a wonderful weekend friends and don't forget what a wonderful country we live in and the many freedoms we often take for granted.
Hugs today,
Noreen

Celestial Seasonings Teas

Well we are home from our morning out and I'm here to tell you that if you live in our glorious state or visit, going to the Celestial Teas plant in Boulder is something no one should miss. I've mentioned before that going to Boulder takes me right back to my high school and college days of being a hippie and is something I can often do without. I wasn't sure about the company because I knew it had started back in the day by several hippies. Watching the video on how the plant began did indeed take me back to another era but I was so impressed with their philosophy and ethic in the product of their teas. I loved the fact that they are supporting many people and farms in other areas of the world and also their quality control. I've been to "tea parties" that have a very negative view of this company so I always questioned their quality. After today I'll be one who buys there tea on a regular basis-I love their seasonal teas. We couldn't take photos but I did come away not only with a couple of free samples but with a box of a new Christmas tea called Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride and right now I am sipping on a nice cup of it. It is sugar free but takes like a sugar cookie...go figure. I so enjoyed this tour and factory and will be taking others to visit again.

Friday Fun

Happy Friday to you~ Today hubby and I are joining some good friends and heading down to Celestial Teas in Boulder for a tour if the roads in aren't blocked. This has been on my to-do list all summer-you know exploring areas you haven't been to or going to a place that you've heard about but not experienced. After that we will all go out to lunch. I'll fill you in on the tour later today.
Have a Christ filled day!
Noreen

Good morning to you. What a glorious day it is and how blessed we are to live in such an incredible world of beauty. Today's TT post is on Grace and it is so fitting to be this topic, for God's grace continues to shower down on me and I'm so thankful for it.
Today I'm thankful for the body of Christ, the mighty and faithful prayer warriors I've gotten to know through blogland. I am thankful for all of you who lifted me up in prayer yesterday and are faithfully holding me before the throne.
I am thankful for painting and how much hubby and I are getting done as well as the exercise it gives us.
I am thankful for the new specialist I saw yesterday concerning my on-going problems with my liver. I am thankful he wasn't a doctor who wanted to take out my gall bladder just because I don't need it. I am thankful for tests-yes more blood tests and an ultrasound that are tools to determine what is going on with me. Mostly, I am thankful for my God, the Ultimate Physician and Healer, who is not constrained by human limitations. I am confident that He who began a good work in me will see it through to completion and nothing can separate me from His love and grace.
I am thankful for grace and peace when facing unknowns, for a mind stayed on Him is the only way to deal with the uncertainty of life.
I am so thankful for my hubby and our family; I am thankful that our girls & their families are kidnapping us later this month for a few days of fun in our old state.
Most of all, I am thankful for the blood of the Lamb that was slain for me and you.
How about you, do you have lots to be thankful for?

For more TT posts visit Iris at http://www.eph2810.com/

Blessings today.
Noreen

One of my closest blogging buddies is none other than Becky at Holiday in the Sun. Becky and I have grown close over almost two years now and she is an incredible woman of faith besides being so incredibly talented plus one of the dearest friends I'll ever have. Becky has opened her own Etsy store and as I promised I wanted to highlight it-so friends take a moment and go visit her-you won't be sorry. You might even find some goodies for yourself or a present for someone else plus she is having a giveaway.
http://holidayinthesun-becky.blogspot.com/2010/09/junk-to-joy-fun.html

This afternoon I am seeing a GI specialist about my enzyme numbers and gall bladder. For those who are praying, a big hug to you today. I'll let you know what we figure out.
Love and blessings, Noreen

Life in a small town

To many folks, a population of 20,000 isn't a small town but to those of us who came from a large area in California this is a small town. You know the feeling~folks know you by name at the bank and grocery stores, you can still drive and not face too much traffic and you gather to watch at least two major parades each summer. The structure above is our town hall; it was once,in the 20's a public school, I'm not sure when it became City Hall. I do know that two years ago when we moved here the town was beginning retrofitting it and restoring it to its original beauty. This summer we had a big celebration and even our Governor came to dedicate it. It is now a beautiful monument to the past and present. I just love the architecture!

Here are six of our grands, waiting patiently for the parade yesterday. Many businesses and groups have floats and those participating throw candy to the children. One granddaughter actually sold the majority of her candy to her dad, thus making five dollars.

This float is actually for an ice arena and represents a local ice hockey team. Some of the players live on our street. I will say that the ice hockey team is very family oriented thus making attending games a pleasure.

These were the only photos that turned out due to weather-both incredible winds and also the new spot we were at was facing into the sun. Thankfully, we are not experiencing the winds today like yesterday and hopefully the firefighters down in Boulder have contained the 4 mile fire.

Have a wonderful afternoon my friends.

Tuesday Tidbits

Good morning friends, I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend. We had a good one, a little painting, a little bike riding and wonderful family time. Our oldest and her gang are back from vacation and it is so good to have them home. Love those grands!!!! I have photos from yesterday's parade, just a few, but the internet is taking too much time so I'll have to upload them later. I just got home from a nice walk with a neighbor and am going to go join hubby to paint. I'll be back this afternoon.
Hugs for now,
Noreen

Today and this weekend we will be painting, trying to accomplish as much as possible. Our town has many festivities this weekend, including a hot air balloon ascension, a car show, a craft fair and my all time favorite-a big parade. I'm not sure how much we'll be able to do with our push on painting but we have lots of possibilities. The weather is supposed to be incredible~ September and October are the nicest months here in Colorado. Our oldest and her family return from vacation and I know we'll get to see lots of photos as well as hear lots of stories.
Have a wonderful weekend my friends; hopefully I'll be by your blog checking in.
Hugs, Noreen

Happy Thursday dear friends. I love this day of the week, how about you? Yesterday I had a great day~hubby was of golfing so I got a chance to walk 3 miles with a girlfriend, get a much needed haircut and take my girl and her girls out to lunch. How thankful I am for the Lord's blessings in my life.
Being today is TT, I wanted to thank the Lord for extended family and family roots.
This is my cousin Steve, the one closest in age to me, who I spent time with during my childhood. He was always very gracious when I was visiting his family and would let me tag along, just like a kid sister. I happened to see this photo of Steve at his son's wedding and as my sister-in-law said "doesn't this just scream Ireland". All of us cousins do look Irish but I think Steve looks the most Irish. He has a quick sense of humor and although I don't see him and his wife very often, I enjoy our visits. I am very proud of my heritage and look forward to the day when I can visit my grandparents homeland.