Happy Thursday friends~Do you ever have those mornings that are just a bit slower than others?  This morning I'm feeling a bit tired although I didn't miss any sleep.  Iris is hosting TT so please pop over and say hello.  You can find her at http://www.eph2810.com/ Today, I am especially thankful for this earthly vessel I reside in.  When we are young, we often don't give any thought to the things are body is able to do easily; you know running, playing sports and other various things that are so commonplace. As we age though, we find our limitations and often our bodies can dictate just what things we can participate in and want to participate in.  When hubby and I were first married we not only water skiied every weekend but also laid cement, built fences, put a roof on our home and did whatever was needed.  We played softball, racquet ball, tennis, rode our bikes and hiked.  When I was in my 40's I injured my back and when I asked the doctor how it could have happened he said that it wasn't just this one thing but a host of things I had been doing when I was younger.  I tell you I didn't give a second thought to lifting heavy items such as rocks or cement but I sure paid for it later.
Today, I am thankful for this frail body I reside in with all its peculiarities and weaknesses.  I am thankful for a best friend who needs to walk her dog every day and lets me tag along.  I am thankful for this friend who also does the weight strengthening exercises-some of which we hate-so that our bones won't get any weaker and maybe get stronger.  Love you Kam and am so thankful for you!  I am thankful for my sweet man, who despite continual pain in his neck from bad discs, never complains but will press through the pain to play golf and ride bikes.  I am thankful for two legs that work, for walks in a beautiful area with a view of the Rockies and for long bike rides.  I am thankful for the struggle with gaining a few pounds because it means I have enough to eat each day.  I am thankful for this body, despite the fact that it doesn't look like it did when I was young, it is still functioning well.
I am thankful for life.  Abundant life.  Sanctified Life.  Eternal Life.
How about you? 
Enjoy your day today friends. Noreen

Outdoor Wednesday

Hello to you this fine Wednesday morning.  We've been having temp's in the 90's this week so hubby and I are taking a drive, after I walk, to the high places in search of campgrounds that would work for our whole gang.  I'm hoping that by the time we get back home the house will be sufficiently cool so that I can finish up the binding on the quilt.  Enjoy the weather in your neck of the woods.  Have a terrific day!
Noreen

Happy Tuesday

Good morning friends~I hope that you are having a delightful morning and that you will have a joy-filled day.
When I opened the front blinds this morning, our nest was totally empty-our little birds have flown the coop.
Hubby went out to check for me and proceeded to take down the nest; oh the mess on the house and the wreath is enough to send the wreath to the garage can.  We will see if we can get it clean. 
I hope your week started out well; after my walk and then study yesterday, hubby and I went on an 11 mile bike ride.  It was a splendid day for it-not too hot, in fact we had a few sprinkles on us.  I love living in an area where you can ride that far in an hour or less.  Sunday morning we rode 8 miles in 40 minutes-may not be a record but girls for a gal like me(a senior-when did that happen? and also not in really good shape)it is quite a feat. In fact, so far this month, since the 8th of June we've ridden 90 miles total-almost all of it flat so don't get awed because you could do it too.  When we lived in California, we lived in the hills and it was alot more difficult there. 
Today I will walk, lift weights and finish binding.  How about you?
I love summer!  Tomorrow we will be heading to the high places to check out a campground and maybe do some hiking. 
Sending lots of love your way!
Noreen

Ready to Fly

Athough you can't see all five babies, they are getting ready to fly; today I saw them preening their feathers and as you can see, although very small, they are definitely ready.  I've moved my chair to right below the nest so if they fall they won't land on the porch and might survive.  I/we haven't watched them this long to watch them perish.  I know survival rates aren't very high but still I don't want to be the cause.  Once they are gone for good, my wreath is coming down for a thorough inspection, possible cleaning or possibly a garage can destination.  I've loved watching them but next time I'd just assume the momma chooses a tree but I do think it was a blessing to get to watch them hatch, grow and develop.
May you soar with the eagles today!
Blessings, Noreen

Happy Friday

Hello, I'm so glad you stopped by today; you might have visited earlier but as usual I was out hunting for bargains and then our oldest daughter and her youngins came over for lunch at the lake. The kiddos all played in the sand and it was such fun-the first time we've done it all summer. 
Well, I have to say we had a great time at the concert last night.  We only have one Alan Jackson c.d. but loved his music; one thing especially refreshing about him is his humility.  Our arena was packed and it reminded me of concerts I went to some 40+ yrs ago. 
This weekend we will be going on a bike ride with friends and then I'm not sure what else.  It is warm here today-mid to high 80's but the clouds are moving in so we may have thunder showers later.  What about you?  Any special plans for the weekend? 
Blessings, Noreen

Quietness

Happy Thursday to you friends!  Today's TT theme is hosted by Iris; please make sure you stop and say hello- http://www.eph2810.com/  Have you found that reading TT posts each week helps you to cultivate a heart of gratitude?  I know it always does that for me.  I have to say that this week the Lord has been showing me that I do need to stop and spend more time focused alone on Him. Forget the programs and the lists of things I think I need to accomplish-just to Be Still.  In so many different areas I've heard this message lately.  I love the early morning-o.k. I am not an early bird but as I am still in bed I listen to all the birds chattering outside every day. We have lots of baby birds all around and I love to hear their excitement as their mama comes to feed them.  Isn't that what we should be like as we approach the throne of our Holy and Mighty God?  We should be so excited to spend time with Him that we want to rush to Him continually.

This week I'm thankful that I also am working on the last part of the baby quilt-at least the quilting.  I'm on the outside border and this weekend will get the binding on and then next week get it in the mail. 
I am also thankful that for our anniversary, my dear sweet hubby got us tickets to see Alan Jackson. How fun is that?  We don't go to concerts very often-hardly ever but we both really like Alan's music; this was such a sweet thing for my man to do. 
I'm thankful for the hedge of protection the Lord places around his children.  We've been bike riding quite a bit lately and I am very aware that the older you get the harder you fall.  Makes me much for cautious.  I'm thankful for abundant blessings that flow from His hand.  I am thankful for those anointed to teach the Word and for the Beth Moore study I'm doing.  Love that gal!!! Love how she teaches the Word of God even more.  I'm thankful that today is sunny and promises warmth and for walking almost daily with my neighbor. I am thankful for the five cute baby Finches that have made it so far and will probably begin their flight instructions in the next few days.  They've been so fun to watch that I will miss them when they are gone.
I'm thankful for you!!!!
Noreen

Garden Tour

Before you get any ideas, this is not my yard-I can only dream about it! Last Friday, I went on a garden tour with two blogging buddies and we got to see four yards with incredible design and flowers.  These homes are not mansions or estates, just your normal everyday neighborhood but the owners have taken time to create the most incredible spaces.  So many seating areas-just boggles my mind.

You all know how I love bird houses and these homes did not disappoint!

Lots of different colors used in this yard and themed areas.

Love the wrought iron.

Quilts on the front porch-my heart be still.

                                                              Too Cute!

                                                        Beautiful Peonies; last year hubby and I went to buy some until we saw the price tag on a small clusters-so now I just drool and admire others peoples plants.

                                               I loved this screen porch-wish I had one.  The gal had it decorated so cute.

                                     The other side of the screened porch-wouldn't you love a glass of Iced Tea here?
I did come away with tons of ideas but don't think hubby will let me implement them.

Outdoor Wednesday

Hello friends,  Well on this beautiful Wednesday, I have some wonderful photos to share from a garden tour I took last Friday with two blogging buddies....however Blogger is having an issue right now with uploading them.   I can get them uploaded but they won't load onto my post so like many of you I'm growling.
Hopefully later today I will be able to get them on this post and shaer with you.  Until then, may you bloom where you are planted.
Hugs today,  Noreen

Tuesday Nuggets

Good Morning to you~ Today it would seem I am having a relaxed day at home and that is fine with me.
We were supposed to have sunshine and temps in the 80's which is better than yesterdays cold front that moved through; reminded us of winter.  However, although the day started out bright and sunny, the clouds have moved in and it is windy again and getting cooler; girls I am so ready for summer weather!
As I read my devotional this morning it struck a cord with me and I hope you also hear the Lord's voice in it.

From Sarah Young, "Jesus Calling" for June 21st:
"Wait patiently with Me while I bless you.  Don't rush into My Presence with time-consciousness gnawing at your mind.  I dwell in timelessness: I am, I was, I will always be. For you, time is a protection; you're a frail creature who can handle only twenty-four-hour segments of life.  Time can also be a tyrant, ticking away relentlessly in your mind.  Learn to master time, or it will be your master.
Though you are a time-bound creature, seek to meet Me in timelessness.  As you focus on My Presence, the demands of time and tasks will diminish.  I will bless you and keep you, making My face shine upon you graciously, giving you Peace."
I'm not sure if any one else struggles with issues of time and schedules but I sure do.  In fact, I think this is something the Lord is desiring to really purge me of this summer.  I am always aware of the time and what I should be doing or where I should be going.  You probably all have friends that are punctual-who arrive early or right on time, not a minute late-well that is me.  I've become so tied up in time that I often miss blessings along the way.  So I am trying to relax and let things happen and not worry about the clock. 
Can you relate?
Until He comes,  Noreen

A Baby Only A Mother Would Love

I have promised some photos of the baby house finches and this was the only one that was somewhat clear.

You have to look closely or zoom in, but you can see the birds beaks and eyes.  You can also see that house finches aren't as neat as robins are.  I've learned a lot about the differences between the two birds~robins stay with their young almost continually the first week or so and then fly back often to feed the babies while our momma finch leaves them for most of the day and only returns occasionally.  I was worried about her not getting enough seeds, so I actually bought a "thistle sock"-a type of feeder that is fabric and is filled with Niger thistle which the bigger birds don't like.  I can't tell if it has made a difference or not but I hope so.  As cute as it has been to have them on our front porch, I'm thinking that I may just take that wreath down and clean it but not hang it back up due to the mess they are making.  I do love wildlife but I'm not sure how much longer to expect them to stay.

I hope you had a lovely weekend and that this week dawns bright and beautiful my friends.

Hugs, Noreen

Happy Thursday Friends,  Today Iris at Grace Alone,  http://www.eph2810.com/  is hosting our theme and she has chosen Food.  I think it is a topic that we can all agree to give thanks on, don't you.
I am thankful for the abundance of fresh foods that are available in today's world compared to 50 yrs ago.
I am thankful for the options for organic verses local fruits and veges.  I am thankful for more stores that are offering organic and not charging an arm and a leg for their produce.
I am thankful for fresh fruit and a variety of vegetables.
I am thankful for veges and herbs that grow in our garden and that our daughters grow.
I am thankful for new Gluten Free items that continue to hit the markets, for those of us that can't enjoy regular breads, pasta, grains and cookies.
I am thankful that although my scale has gone up a few pounds, hubby and I have been bike riding and able to ride between 8-14 miles in our little town at least three times a week.
I am thankful that I have the strength and ability to do a variety of exercise so that all the wonderful food doesn't just pack on my waist.
I am thankful for the bread of life and His daily provision for us.
How about you?  What are you thankful for today?
Blessings, Noreen

Just a sample

So many of you know our dear blogging buddy, Debbie, and have mentioned you can't wait to see the quilt I'm making for her.  I usually don't post photos before I'm finished but this morning sent these off to Debbie and thought I'd share them with you.  I decided not to do any intricate quilting designs because of time constraints but the quilting I am doing is covering a good portion of the quilt. Make sure you click on the second photo to get a good look at the quilting. Yes, I still hand quilt and it takes me longer than if I was doing it on a machine or having my daughter machine quilt it for me.
I have taken a machine quilting class but girls, honestly, I so love and prefer hand quilting.  I never mastered machine quilting and with hand quilting I can sit and stitch while watching t.v. at night.  I'm very happy with the overall look of this quilt and know it will match Debbie's items perfectly.
On the baby bird front~yesterday's photo made them look so much bigger than they are.  Last night while mama was away, one of the babies had its head resting on the top of the wreath.  It looked adorable and so very small. I haven't seen the dad at all; the mama is off quite a lot getting food for the three that we've seen.
Hubby will try to get a photo in a couple of days; I'm having so much fun when I look out our window to check on them.
Have a glorious Son-filled Wednesday.
Noreen

Good morning friends,  Well after having a week on wonderful weather this morning we awoke to rain, lightning and thunder.  Weather in Colorado is pretty wacky but really-this reminds me of northern Ca. winters.  So much for walking!    I sure hope mama keeps her baby warm and fed.  I'm not sure that more than one has hatched or is alive-time will tell.  I know this isn't the best photo but I've never seen a bird this young before; hard to believe that it will end up being just a small house finch-with that beak and eyes it looks like it will be a bigger bird.  Today I will do my indoor strength training exercises and then I imagine I will spend most of the day quilting.  Although I'm not doing an intricate design, just your plain Stitch In The Ditch, there is still a lot of stitching to be done.  My goal is to get the quilt in the mail before the end of the month so spending the day quilting is not a bad idea.
Hope you had a very productive day today.
Hugs, Noreen

Happy Monday

What a wonderful time to be alive, don't you agree?   Great news-we have baby house finches; I was beginning to worry about whether they would hatch but last night, while momma was away, I took a peak and low and behold there they were.  Hubby is going to try to get photos today so hopefully I'll be able to post their progress during the coming weeks.
We had a great weekend; went bike riding-so far we've clocked up 8 miles, 10 miles and then yesterday a whopping 12 miles.  I can't wait until my legs show this hard work-some slimming would be nice.  Our dinner with our friends on Saturday was cancelled so hubby and I went out to Biaggi's-and they have gluten free meals.  Mine was incredible and I am so very thankful for restaurants meeting this need.  Today I had my Beth Moore study on Revelation and let me share what an incredible study it is.  You all know how I love Beth's teaching and this study is no different. 
I hope you have a most delightful day!
Blessings, Noreen

Friday Give Away

                                                         
Our winner is number 18, Mary of Visits With Mary;  she has a lovely blog,http://visitswithmary.blogspot.com/, so make sure you stop by and say hello. For some strange reason, every time I use this widget and then post the number it generated disappears.  Don't know what I'm doing wrong-maybe one of you can fill me in. 
Have a wonderful, joy-filled weekend.
Hugs, Noreen

Happy Thursday friends. How is life in your neck of the world?  Yesterday, hubby and I had a wonderful bike ride-8 miles in all and today the only thing reminding me that I haven't ridden is my backside. Last night our weather turned again and we not only had rain, but hail and lightning which made me keep checking the weather channel for any warnings.  There are some areas that are experiencing flooding but so far we aren't having any.  I am thankful for warm weather, especially when the temp. drops 30 degrees in the period of one day.  I am thankful that our house finch hasn't abandoned her nest; in fact this morning there were three little finches(not babies) hanging out on the wreath-I think getting out of the weather.  I am thankful for being able to exercise with my friend this morning.  I am thankful that I will get to sit and quilt today before we head south to have dinner with friends.  I am thankful that the weather this weekend is supposed to be warm again.
I am thankful for the love of family and friends and most importantly my Lord.
Just a reminder, tomorrow I will be drawing a winner for my book giveaway-so if you haven't entered yet, leave me a comment and I'll put your name in the drawing.
Have a blessed day, Noreen 

Outdoor Wednesday

Somehow yesterday just seemed to get away from me.  I had two walks in the morning and it felt great; then ran errands before starting to hand quilt the baby quilt for my good friend in California. 
Over the weekend, at our town garage sale, hubby and I found him a new bike.  Our bikes are almost twenty years old-go figure-where does the time go? Anyway, we have classic mountain bikes because of the terrain we had in Ca.  Now that we live in the flat lands or plains we didn't need that as much anymore, although we still go on dirt trails.  Hubby was noticing that it was not as comfortable to be leaning forward so we had been looking for a more upright bike, which we found at a yard sale.  Yippee!!!  This morning we are going to ride to our Post Office, to drop off some bills and maybe even ride around town a bit.  All in all, it will be about 3-5 miles; I have wanted to get more active and I guess we are.  Tomorrow, Kam and I will walk then come back and do our weight training. 
Our weather is incredible and I love it!!!!
Get out and enjoy the amazing world we live in.   Don't forget to enter the drawing for my giveaway.
Blessings,  Noreen

Last month I posted photos of a Robins nest with four bright blue eggs in it; I was so excited that we would be having baby birds in the yard.  Unfortunately, there was a very bad rainstorm and the mama abandoned her nest, leaving the eggs there and never returning.  About two weeks ago we noticed that a House Finch had built a nest in the wreath that hangs by our front door.  Because I love to see baby birds, I quickly tied a string across our walkway, blocking the front porch to visitors-I didn't want this little bird to become frightened.  Some of you may be laughing at my silliness but I wasn't about to take any chances.  Last night when mama bird was out of the nest, my dear sweet hubby took our camera out to get a photo; it was difficult because of where the nest is built and it was getting to be dusk.  You can well imagine my surprise when I loaded the photo onto the computer-there were five eggs. Sorry about the blurred photo-you'd have to be here to understand.  I haven't researched House Finches to see what is typical but this seems like a lot to me.  I haven't seen the male around much and am wondering if they help as much as the male Robins do?  I am thinking these eggs should begin to hatch any day now and I know mama won't leave very often but we will try to get some photos, if possible.  I know that many birds can be more of a nuisance than a joy(remember my stories last summer about the Grackles) but I love that our Papa shares His creatures with us.

Have a blessed day.

Noreen 

Don't forget my giveaway-if you are interested please make sure to mention it in your comments and I'll enter your name in the drawing.



A Happy Monday Giveaway

Yesterday I had the privilege of hearing Don Piper speak and share his testimony.  I had read the book about three or four years ago and was impacted by it, but honestly friends hearing him share his story in person really impacted me.  His testimony wasn't just a sugar coated story but a real life miracle filled with God's word.  His focus is that Jesus is the Way, The Truth and The Life and no one gets to heaven except through Him.  I have recently read the book "Heaven is for real" and so much of Don's descriptions, which occurred 22 yrs ago, coincide with the story of the little boy.  While I have read criticism of Don's description of heaven, I for one did not take issue with it.  I found him to be an authentic, god fearing man whose love for the Lord shines through every word.
I hadn't planned on buying a book but couldn't pass up the chance to share an autographed copy with you my friends.   So all week I will be holding this open and on Friday I will announce the winner.
All you have to do is leave a comment and I'll enter your name once; if you are a faithful follower I will enter your name a second time.  This is a book that would be a wonderful tool in ministering to those who have lost a loved one.
Blessings on your day.
Noreen

Friday Fun

It's that day of the week again when I hit garage sales and this weekend is spectacular-we have dozens of sales.  They call it Crazy Days and I totally understand why-people go crazy buying and selling things and traffic is crazy.  The only difference today is that I will probably be alone; my bf Kam is having to stay at her house to sell and although she has her sweet sister and mom here who would gladly take me with them, I will probably head out alone.  I had thought about going with my youngest but her hubby,now home from Denmark, and four girls will be going with her.  Hubby sometimes goes with me but he doesn't enjoy this as much as I do, so I think I'll shop til I drop while he watches a golf tournament at our local club. 
Sunday the author, Don Piper, who wrote 90 Minutes in Heaven will be talking at a church around the corner-I'm looking forward to hearing him.  In the afternoon there is a party at the "community farm"(people from our church co-op)with lots of old fashioned games and they are even roasting a pig-yuck. Sorry but I don't eat pork-my body has an issue with it and I've never liked seeing a pig being roasted.  There will also be fresh bbqed chicken as well as lots of side dishes.  It should be a lot of fun. Monday our Beth Moore study on Revelation begins-I'm so looking forward to this!
Our weather finally warmed up yesterday and it truly feels like summer.  Have a glorious weekend.
Noreen

Happy June to you.  Where have the months gone?  Each day seems to fly by and the weeks are going equally as fast.  I always love June because it is the start of summer, both warm weather and fun activities.
Unfortunately here in Colorado June also ushers in the migration of Miller Moths.  Miller Moths are huge moths that neither eat cloths, food or lay eggs but just big and pesty.  They frighten little girls and big girls as well.  If you leave a door or screen open you will be inundated with them.  Thankfully they are on the move to the mountains and will only pester us for a couple of months. 
Today we are supposed to have weather in the high 80's but we are having high clouds today so I'm not sure we will warm up as high as predicted.  We had hoped to go camping next month but due to high flooding from our incredible snow pack, we will be postponing our camping.
I'm not sure what else the summer holds for us but I'm sure it will be fun.
Have a wonderful day!
Blessings, Noreen