Weekend Fun

 This weekend my brother and sil were with us; we always love spending time with them.  Our oldest daughter, Carrie, opened her home to us on Sunday for a pot-luck lunch. One son-in-law is in Denmark so taking pictures was more of a challenge but we got a few group shots.

 Our church was having a masquerade party on Monday so Carrie's gang dressed up as a pirate family-so very cute.

 Kim was Mother Goose and her girls were Mary had a little lamb,Little Bo Peep, Little Miss Muffet and Hush a bye baby.

Sisters that are looking so much more alike as they get older.  They are both incredible women, daughters, wives and mothers; they are so creative that is just boggles my mind.

We had a great time with my brother and sil~we had wonderful meals, played Qwirkle and took them out to the Poudre Canyon.  No wildlife was spotted and we didn't get rained on so all was good but it would have been nicer if the weather would have been warmer.

Have a wonderful day!  Noreen

Friday Fun

Hi sweeties,  Here is the photo from yesterday and I'm sorry it is a bit difficult to see the comfortor pattern or the lace curtains.  Sometimes zooming in on photos helps but it is Friday and you'all know what that means-I'm off to hunt bargains at garage sales.  One neighborhood in town is having a huge sale and we always find treasures there.  Yippee!!!
My brother and sister-in-love come in tomorrow so my blogging might be sparse this weekend, however I just want to wish everyone a fun and fabulous Memorial Day.  Thank you to those who have given their lives for us and to those fighting for our country. 
Blessings to you today,
Noreen

Happy Thankful Thursday friends,  Laurie is our hostess this week and you can visit her at

http://womentakingastand.blogspot.com/ for more TT posts. 

Today there is much to thank the Lord for~our health, our country, our freedom, our valiant warriors who sacrifice so much to protect us and God's grace that cover all our sins.

I am thankful for morning walks with friends and family, for gardening with my hunk of burning love(sorry I just couldn't resist this and don't know why Elvis's song popped into my mind), for a small town where so many know each other, for the hope of clicking with a new internist-one that is geared more holistically.

I am also thankful for the new comforter set I got last week while hubby was away and the fact that he really likes it. I am thankful for lace curtains in our room because somehow it really feels like home now; you see I've always had window valances and also lace curtains in our home but when we moved into this nest there were already Roman Shades and I didn't feel like we could replace them so I didn't.  Now that we have lace and the shades it looks more like me.    I am so blessed and so grateful to the Lord for all He has given me.

Well, I had a photo of our room and then it disappeared so I'll have to reload later but for now I'm going to get ready for my doctor's appt.  Until tomorrow dear ones, may His hand gently lead and guide you.

Blessings, Noreen

Outdoor Wednesday

Good afternoon dear friends,  This is late because bright and early this morning I took, rather dragged, hubby to Hom* D*po* to take advantage of the incredible plants we saw last weekend.  We came away with about 6 new plants for the front yard and also some landscaping bricks to make a more terraced look.  We also got fresh new shredded bark which gives a nice look.   Hubby is very happy with how it looks and although I've got three new plants to put in the back yard, then after I get the yard weeded I think I'll be done for the summer.  My rose bush and weeping Cherry tree are finally coming back after our late snow; I was concerned that I had lost them. I had planned to take down my autumn looking wreath from the front porch to put up a patriotic banner but now I've got a nest in it and decided I had to leave it be; our robins don't seem to be taking care of their eggs and I doubt they'll hatch and I don't want this to happen again.
Tomorrow is supposed to be nice so I'm hoping to get the rest of the planting done-or maybe hubby will get it done.
Have a great evening. 
Noreen

Angels Watching Over Our Grands

On Sunday hubby and I were at our oldest daughte'rs home in the country.  Hubby was cutting some wood and Carrie and I were standing watching a baby bird on the lawn.  All of the sudden our girl let our a bit of a scream and I was searching for what was upsetting her.  Finally she said "SNAKE"; there slithering across the grass was a 6 foot long glossy snake.  I am not frightened by snakes, so I immediately went over to make sure it didn't have a rattle.  After all, we came from an area that had many rattle snakes and we had to kill them for years.  It wasn't a rattler and this snake was moving quite rapidly, trying to get to the corn fields behind their house.  He made his get away. 

 Yesterday afternoon, our youngest called and said they had a rattle snake in their back yard; I called my hubby at the golf course and told him he was needed.  I also went over to help with the little ones.  After the men had killed the snake, the police finally showed up and after  a few questions, it was determined that it wasn't a rattler but a big Bull snake.  Although  the family doesn't want any snake in their yard at all, this type would be one that would keep the rattlers away.  They live in a suburban neighborhood but there is a farm at the end of their street and apparently the area was known for bull snakes. Their dog, a big(120 lb)Neuf/Lab mix stayed between the snake and the girls and wasn't about to let it near them.  He was the one who alerted mom and dad that something was wrong. Good job Samson.  Below is the actual bull snake(aka gopher snake)and they are known for their resemblance to rattlers.  Without seeing the tail itself or the rattle, you can understand why it was mistaken for a rattler.

So all the grand children had lessons in nature and biology this weekend. For some strange reason, snakes don't bother me and if I had to choose between them and rats I would probably choose a snake.

Now we will always be on the outlook for snakes in both yards.
Love having angels watching over us!
Noreen

Happy Monday

Although I planned to sit down first thing this morning and post, my youngest daughter called and asked if I'd come over to walk with her and the girls-so go I did.  We had a nice walk as the morning was absolutely beautiful and warm.  When we got back my girl and I played a couple of games of Ladderball; she has just purchased the game and her hubby was beating her so she needed practice.  We each won one game.  I headed home and hubby had gotten home from golf so we began working on some projects-mainly making new banisters for our stairs.  When we moved in almost two years ago, we painted the entire inside of the house and took the banisters off so he could redo them.  You know how some projects get put aside and not finished-well that was the case and since my brother and sister of my heart are coming this weekend we wanted them back up.  Hubby did a spectacular job and they now match our hard wood flooring.  After that hubby planted a new "Autumn Blaze" maple we got yesterday; we've wanted one for a couple of years and had planned on going to a really nice nursery where the prices are high but the trees are beautiful but when we spotted one that was tall and nicely shaped for several hundred dollars less, we couldn't pass it up. I would probably have about 6 more trees in the yard if he'd let me.  I'm going to be sewing this afternoon as we are expecting thunder and rain, plus I get the wonderful privilege of going in for my annual mammo. 
We should have two-three days of rain but the weekend is supposed to be warm and spring like-finally!
Hugs to you today.
Noreen

Sunday Truth

May your Sunday filled with the goodness of the Lord and may you walk in His grace today.

From Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, May 22nd:
"When things don't go as you would like, accept the situation immediately.  If you indulge in feelings of regret, they can easily spill over the line into resentment.  Remember that I am sovereign over your circumstances, and humble yourself under My mighty hand.  Rejoice in what I am doing in your life, even though it is beyond your understanding. 
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  In Me you have everything you need, both for this life and for the life yet to come.  Don't let the impact of the world shatter your thinking or draw you away from focusing on Me.  The ultimate challenge is to keep fixing your eyes on Me, no matter what is going on around you.  When I am central in your thinking, you are able to view circumstances from My perspective."

Grace to you this day dear ones.  Noreen

Happy Saturday

From our garden, a promise of new life; they should be hatching any day now.  I have learned so much from my grandkids about robins and their babies.  It is amazing how many worms they have to consume each day; this nest is in a Cyprus and in a difficult place to capture shots but my dear hubby climbed a ladder to get this.  Can you tell that I'm so very happy to have him home.
May you dwell under His Wings this weekend.
Noreen

Happy Friday Friends~I'm doing the happy dance today because my man is boarding a plane for home. When I was younger I really hated his golf trips but I've gotten so used to them that they don't bother me anymore; however if it were constant I might have others feelings.  I'm also happy because my basement wasn't flooded this morning; the water was right up to the window ledge but only a small amount came in despite the fact that I didn't run the pump after ten o'clock last night.
This morning in my inbox I had a daily writing that I want to share with you all.  I don't mean to bring fear into your heart, but I already see the attitude that this is talking about.

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- 5/20/11:
You have been called and set aside for My purposes alone. Do not allow the enemy's persuasion to lead you into worldliness and complacency. You are living in the time of the great falling away where apostasy abounds, and that which is ungodly and unholy will be presented as not only acceptable but desirable. Refuse to compromise the truth. My Word is your standard; measure everything by it, says the Lord.

Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
 
So what do you have planned for the weekend?  I'm going to be vacuuming and making sure everything is spotless for my man, working on the border of the quilt top and maybe hitting a garage sale with my girlfriend-after all it is our standing Friday morning activity.  Whatever you do today, find joy  in your moments and share Life with others.
Be blessed~Noreen

Once again it is that day of the week to highlight those things I am thankful for.  This week has flown by, filled with getting some new plants for the garden and a couple of new items for our home.  Hubby has been gone and so I am always a bit more relaxed when I don't have to worry over meals etc. I would love to say our weather has just been delightful but unfortunately that has not been the case; we've had cold and cloudy days and days where it has rained the whole day and night.  One of the things I'm thankful for is that our window wells did not fill up and flood our basement; I'm also thankful that I was able to get a utility pump for the window wells and this morning I really needed it-the water was just below the window and the pump worked perfectly. I am thankful I have the entire day at home, to clean a bit and to spend most of the day sewing.  It is still raining out so it is a perfect activity.  I am thankful that we are only dealing with rain, not snow, tornados or major flooding like some friends in other parts of the county.
Today I want to say how thankful I am for friends.  I'm not talking acquaintances but true friends. 
"A man of many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother(sister)."Prov.18:24
When we left California I wondered if I'd ever find friends like I had left.  I do want to say that I keep in close contact with my dear friends back in our old state.  Moving, when you are an empty nester, is very challenging in regards to making new friends.  Through the illness of a good friend and neighbor a year ago, I got to know another neighbor-a christian sister and over the past year I have developed such a deep friendship with this gal, Kam.  I am so thankful for her and for the Lord's tenderness and mercy in giving me such a close friend.  Kam and I walk together, go garage-saling and share Life together.  This past week, while hubby has been away, Kam has been so faithful in checking in on me and being there.  Just last night she called to check on our window wells and water level, offering her husbands help if needed.  It was such a gift from the Lord and I treasure it. I am so grateful for the blessings of the Lord and for His hand of protection over me.  What are you thankful for today?
Today Laurie at http://womentakingastand.blogspot.com/ is hosting TT, so please stop by and say hello.
Blessings today,
Noreen

Happy Tuesday to you. How is the weather in your neck of the woods?  We've been having unseasonably cool weather here which has limited my outdoor time.  I did go out Sunday and yesterday and get a few new plants~bleeding heart, lavender, hydranga, dianthus, tomato and some herbs.  I also got a few new things to feather our nest.  When I went out shopping yesterday, I really didn't plan on getting the things I did but when I saw them I knew they would be perfect for our house.  I'm not saying what I got, in the off chance that my hubby reads this; I want it to be a surprise.  Today my day is filled with errands and sewing plus having dinner at my oldest girls home.  The weather in the Sierras is bad right now and hubby might get home a day or two early, so there is a lot that still needs to get done.
I hope you are enjoying life wherever this finds you.  Blessings, Noreen

http://junktojoy1.blogspot.com/2011/05/junk-to-joy-shop-200th-sale-giveaway.html
My dear friend Becky is having a wonderful giveaway at her Etsy shop, Junk to Joy.  Becky is one of the most talented and creative gals I know as well as being an incredible encourger.  Please stop by her place today and say hello and enter her drawing.  You won't be sorry!  Noreen

Happy Friday All,  I've got to share that I am very perplexed today because as I got onto blogger I fully expected to see my TT post from yesterday.  Hummm-it's not here and I'm not sure where it disappeared to.
I do know that yesterday morning blogger was having issues and I couldn't get on mid-day to visit you all. I am just so confused about this and not sure how it could have been taken off, if I didn't do it.  Oh well, guess I'll never know. 
I hope you all had a wonderful TT and are having a great Friday!  I've been busy today-out and about, hitting garage sales and then setting up for our own sale tomorrow.  I just kind of tag onto our daughter's garage sale but they do most of the work.  I also found out that we have robins building a nest in our back yard; so far there are only two beautiful blue eggs and hopefully the grackles won't bother them because they are equal in size.  My dear hubby is leaving tomorrow for an annual golf trip; miss him as I do I still find plenty to keep me busy.  How about you, what is your weekend promising?
Blessings, Noreen

From My Library

My daughter lent me this book she recently read.  I would highly recommend it to you; it is an easy read that shares the story of Joanne Shelter and her work with the Balangao people in the Philippines.  Joanne was a simple farm girl who became a bible translator and served these people  for many years and her testimony of the Lord's power is inspiring.  It reminding me of Jim and Elizabeth Elliott and their work with the Aucas.
This can be found at Amazon.
Enjoy!  Noreen

Tuesday Nugget

"If you learn to trust Me-really trust Me-with your whole being, then nothing can separate you from My peace. Everything you endure can be put to good use by allowing it to train you in trusting Me.  This is how you foil the works of evil, growing in grace through the very adversity that was meant to harm you.  Joseph was a prime example of this divine reversal, declaring to his brothers: "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good."    Do not fear what this day, or any day, may bring your way. Concentrate on trusting Me and on doing what needs to be done.  Relax in My sovereignty, remembering that I go before you, as well as with you, into each day. Fear no evil, for I can bring good out of every situation you will ever encounter."
Sarah Young, Jesus Calling   May 7th.

I love this reminder,especially with all that is going on in our world and in our lives.  There is nothing so big that He can not handle it or save us.  We must continually focus on eyes on Him.
Hugs, Noreen

Good morning dear friends~I hope you all had a wonderful Mothers Day filled with love and joy. Our weekend was very nice and relaxed as I am still fighting this chest cold I've had for the last week.  On Friday, hubby and I went down and got a new 'puter with lots of bells and whistles.  It wasn't what I initially thought we'd get because that one was almost identical as hubby's.  We ended up a Toshiba and so far so good.  I hadn't been on Windows 7 before so it will take some getting used to but that is fine with me. 
Yesterday hubby and I joined our girls and their families for lunch and it was a warm beautiful day. I even played a game of Ladderball with grandson B-he won. 
I've already walked this morning and now am going to run an errand-again it is a warm spring day-yippee!  We are supposed to get rain on Wed. though so I best enjoy the beauty of this day.
Blessings to you.
Noreen

Happy Saturday

Happy Saturday to you.  For some odd reason when I wrote this, I was taken back in time to Saturday mornings and cartoons.  My dad was a grocer and was often gone by the time I got up and my mom usually slept in on Saturdays; really really late.  That meant I was in front of the t.v. watching whatever I wanted.  Those were the days when parents didn't have to worry about what was on t.v..  I think the song I loved most was "Happy Trails to You, until we meet again" and I think it may have been from the show with Gene Audry and Dale Evans.  Those were fun times, times of innocence, times of imaginations and games, of walking fences and climbing trees.
So what are your plans for tomorrow?  Hubby and I are taking lunch(sandwich fixings)over to our oldest girls home because they will be working on their landscape and it will be easier than trying to break away and then get back to it.
Tonight we are going to the Orchestra-our oldest and four of her kiddos will join us and our youngest daughters kids have had to the flu so they had to pass.
Go out and enjoy the weather today and remember those days of innocence.  Blessings, Noreen

Mother's Day

 Happy Thursday to you.  Today Laurie over at http://womentakingastand.blogspot.com/  is hosting TT and her topic is moms, since Sunday is Mother's Day.   Unfortunately, I don't have photos available of my mom that are easy to upload so I'm posting on someone as equally important in my life-my older sister who was a second mom to me.  I will say that when I remember mom, I remember a woman who knelt by her bed every morning to pray for her family. I remember a mom who loved all things Irish-being 100% Irish and a mom who had a tender heart for those in need.

My sister was in high school when I was born and I simply adored her.  She had a big part in raising me and I often told others she was my mom.  Both  my mom and my sister, Dee, are in glory now but I think I have traits from both of them.  I want to honor them both today and say thank you for all that you did for me; I would include my brother here too because he and the sister of my heart have sacrificed so much for me and for our family.  I am a blessed woman indeed.
Make sure you stop by Laurie's place for more TT posts.
Hugs today, Noreen

Happy Wednesday

Recently, our old desktop finally bit the dust-totally.  So for the last several weeks I have been using hubby's which is fine unless we both want to be on it at the same time.  We were talking about getting another desktop but I hate all the cords and mess around the tower etc. so I finally talked hubby into another laptop. I did some research(yes, I'm one of those-lol)and then we went to our local Be*st Bu* store to check them out.  Our clerk wasn't as helpful as I had hoped and I came away a bit confused about which brand to buy.  At first we were focused on Dell and Lenovo; it also became really clear that this was not going to be as inexpensive as I first thought.  Laptops don't come with programs already on them like our old Gateway did, you have to buy them separately-bummer.  Since reviewing all the laptops, I think Toshiba and Asus are coming up as the ones that might meet our needs.  But then we do need a new WIFI modem and Works program so this is not going to be a really cheap shopping trip.  How about you-do you use a desktop or laptop?  I'm excited about the possibility of having another laptop, I can move it around with me and take it on trips.  So what is your favorite brand?  What would you do without on your current computer and what do you wish you had gotten? 
I hope our weather stays nice today and I hope the cough I've had will just disappear-I'm ready for spring weather, spring energy, flowers and flipflops.

Big hugs to you today.  Noreen

Outdoor Tuesday

Our friends, who are winter birds, are back home and so we Rita and I began our weekly walk on Tuesday.  It was such fun to get out early and get our walk in before mid-morning. Last year at this time the weather was warm and Rita always wore sandals which showed off her beautiful California tan and this year she has been bundled up with all our cold weather this spring.  This afternoon I have my weight class to and then plan on sewing later on.  I too am anxious for flip flops and capris but don't know when that will occur.  I do need to start sewing seeds for our flowers-I am anxious to get out and pretty up the yard.  Usually I do most of my planting mid month when my sweet hubby is gone on his annual golf trip-while the cat is away this mouse will play. 
Be blessed this day,  Noreen

She's Back

On of the joys each spring is to see new life all around me and it is no surprise at how excited I get when I see our local red fox appear with young kits.  Last year we were treated to seeing the largest group yet-we had about 6-8 kits which is very unusual for a fox.  This year mama didn't appear when I thought she would and although I saw signs of habitation, we didn't see any babies until yesterday.  The pack is smaller this year with only three kits being seen and they are a tad bit older than last year when they made their appearance.  You can see how mama is watching us as we take pictures. There is nothing that makes me happier than seeing wildlife and this is one of the treasures I hold close. 

On another note, I think Americans are breathing a bit easier today with the announcement of Bin Ladens death.  My heart still aches for those who lost loved ones on 9/11 and pray this might help heal their wounds. I don't think the war on terrorism is over by a long shot but it is a start.

Because of His grace, Noreen