Happy Wednesday

Hi All, I hope your day has started out well and that you are enjoying life!  I went to the gym first thing this morning for an exercise class and then came home and walked with Kam.  Now, I'm headed to my youngest girls house to hang out; I may talk her into going to a couple of quilts stores in town that are having a Leap Year sale.  It is beautiful here today and in the high 40's-not too bad.
Although I was sore yesterday, I feel good about the gym; I'm one of those people that do better if I'm paying for it-be it Weight Watchers or a gym.  If I'm left to exercise on my own, it probably won't happen.  What about you?  Do you find, when you are held accountable to someone, it easier to follow through or are you naturally disciplined with exercise?
Blessings, Noreen

Happy Tueday to you. Today it is a cold, 35 degrees, dreary day and we've already had a few snowflakes falling. I find myself dreaming of springtime and my favorite flowers blooming but let me tell you we are several months away from that.  I had the hardest adjustment, when we first moved here, to not planting until Memorial Day weekend for fear of more frost and snow.  When I'm visiting sites in blogland and seeing beautiful gardens already, it reminds me of living in California.  Our grass is still very brown and most of our trees are bare but I'm thankful that we don't have more snow on the ground right now. 

When I visited our friends in Carmel Valley, I took Aletha a book and she quickly ran and got a book for me, which I started reading yesterday. It is a very easy read with lots of photos of dogs; I am enjoying it.

I could tell that yesterday I stretched some muscles that I haven't used in a while,I'm hoping that they adjust quickly.  Today I will do some chores, quilt and run out to get some dogfood at Wal*art.  I just want to snuggle under a quilt and enjoy being inside.  What about you, are you dreaming of spring weather and flowers?

Joy to you~Noreen

Happy Monday Friends,  I hope you had a wonderful and restful weekend.  Today is the day I start going to our local gym, making the winter accomplish something other than fluffing my feathers.  Last year, I didn't gain any weight during the winter but with our trip to Ca., I have added a few pounds and am anxious to rid myself of it.  With our winter weather we often can't get out to walk, so I found a great membership rate for seniors and will take advantage of it.  I hope to work out between 3-4 times per week; firming up, slimming down and getting back on track with weights.  I had a weight program for one year but then somehow it slipped away. 

Since hubby and I have a vacation planned in the spring and I know we won't be up to our bike riding then, I am hoping that this will help me get ready for nicer weather,capris, swimsuits and more riding this year. A girl can hope, can't she?!

A Very Important Announcement

We all know that after Feb.29th any of our followers who

do not use Google (blog spot) will be dropped from our

followers widget on our sidebars.  Because several blog friends have reminded me of this, I chose to offer a Linky Follower for my friends who do not use Blogger. If this pertains to you, please become a Linky Follower now! It is very easy and because I appreciate

having you as a blogging friend, I would really miss you!

Blessings, Noreen

Family Fun

Happy Friday to you!  We are settling back in, the laundry is done and fridge is filled but I also need to do some housework today.  Before I get too involved in chores, I thought I'd share a couple of photos with you from our trip.  I took my camera and large lens and then barely used it-what a pity.

Although hubby looks like he is napping, he is really watching golf on a big screen t.v. at my brother's house.  Their dog, Izzy, loves to snuggle and she loved us; generally if we were relaxing she was by our side.  Isn't she just adorable!

"Please, a treat please" she seems to be saying.  Those eyes hold so much expression and love.

My big brother and I; as the years pass we look more alike and more Irish, not a bad thing.  The main reason we ventured out to California was to see my dear mil; she has gotten so frail and we just never know how much longer she has, so it was great to see her.  Having her acknowledge me, I'd love to say recognize but I'm not sure about that,  was pure joy.  She had three out of four good days while we were there and I love that hubby got to see her.  I haven't been around anyone with dementia before so wasn't sure how much to engage her in conversation. 
Well, our Reggie did just fine at the kennel and is home and so very happy.  Apparently, when hubby picked him up yesterday, Reggie acted like a puppy.  I guess he really missed us; I'm not telling him about our trip in two months-he wouldn't be happy with us then.
Hope you have a blessed weekend.
Hugs, Noreen

Fun Times with Friends and furbabies

Last week we headed to Carmel Valley to spend two days and nights with dear friends(my best friend in high school); although I didn't get a chance to take photos in Carmel(sorry friends) as Aletha and I were too busy shopping. I absolutely love Carmel, it is so quaint and so dog friendly!  I thought I'd share the photos we took at Aletha's home; of course I need to share pics of her two furbabies.

Tucker is a 13 yr old Jack Russell terrier who still continually wants to play ball; he is always at your feet with a toy.  He is so cute and still in great shape for a senior dog.

This is a pup that only a momma could love-Ruby is just two and a mix of a Chihuahua and wire hair terrier.  Ruby has been entered in an Ugly Dog Contest and didn't win-I wonder what the winner looked like; she has the sweetest temperament and is a love to have around.

Aletha and I on their deck over looking Carmel Valley.  Being at her house is like being at a retreat and it is always so much fun catching up.  Its been a year and a half since we visited last and although they were in the middle of a kitchen remodel, she pampered us with her gourmet dinners/meals.  She is also gluten free and so we were able to have desserts that both of us could eat.

Here are our two babes.  John is on the left with Dave on the right; they actually golfed at a private club and had a great time. One of their neighbors is Bobbie Clampett,PGA player and now an announcer for major tournaments; he not only got them a tee time but also comped the whole round.  The guys were in heaven!

We had such fun with them; Aletha and I were pretty good about not spending too much money.  We used to get into such trouble shopping but now just enjoy our time looking.

We came home to wind gusts of almost 50 miles an hour and cold temps; we even had some hail with the wind during the night. Today was busy-I had my ladies study and my dear man went and got our Reggie from the kennel.  I've got laundry going and we have to hit the store yet but There Is No Place Like Home!

Happy Tuesday to you!  What a whirlwind of a trip we are having; time spent with those we love, doing all sorts of fabulous things.  Sunday found us making our way up to Sonoma County from Silicon Valley, enjoying the sights and visiting hubby's youngest sister.  We have spent two days and nights with our old next door neighbors and best friends~the guys played two rounds of golf while Barbara and I went to three different quilt stores(I didn't buy a thing)and enjoyed a lunch together. She is off working today and I am helping a dear friend cut fabric for a quilt.  I do have to print boarding passes though so thought I'd stop by.  This afternoon we head back to my brother's and will spend the night with them before heading home home tomorrow.  I am looking forward to being back in our nest and getting caught up with you all; I feel like I've missed so much! 
Joy to you, Noreen

Happy Friday to you!  Oh what a beautiful day it is here in northern California.  We have had a great time so far; we arrived on Wednesday and settled in with my brother and sil.  They had fresh crab and artichokes for us that night-so yummy!  We also got to visit hubby's mom in her assisted living facility; I was so blessed because she was so excited to see me.  She has dementia and although I'm not sure if she knew who we were, to see her so animated was so good.  Yesterday hubby hung out with his brother while I went shopping with my sil, Sue.  We walked through Los Gatos, Los Altos and Mt. View; mostly it was just window shopping but the weather was perfect and just being with her made my heart sing.  We had another incredible dinner last night-I'm eating way too much!  Today we head down to Santa Cruz and Carmel for two days to see my best friend from high school. I only see her every year and a half or so, so I can't wait. I know we'll get into mischief of some sort.  I hope you've had a wonderful week and that you are looking forward to the weekend.
Blessings, Noreen

A Good Flick

On Tuesday, hubby and I went to our Tuesday matinee  and since it was Valentine's Day we saw The Vow.  I don't know whether you've heard the story or not, but it is a true story of a married couple who are in an auto accident and the wife suffers a brain injury and loses her memory.  It was an entertaining film and although the ending was not what was expected, there was a post script that gave the true ending.  Even though it was a "chick flick", hubby enjoyed it.  If you are looking for a date movie, try this one.
Have a great Thursday my friends,  Noreen

Yesterday I met my good friend, Avril, for lunch and look what she brought me.  Her mom had seen Caryl and got us two signed copies of her book, Maxdog.  You may remember that I shared with Avril that I was a cyber friend of Caryl and found out that they had been neighbors in South Africa.  After telling Avril about Caryl, she was able to reconnect with Caryl-only a God thing!  I got this just in time for our plane  flight today and can't wait to read this story.  Caryl has touched many lives via her blog, including mine, during a time when I was still grieving the loss of my beloved Sadie.  I will treasure this book always as well as my friendships with both Avril and of course Caryl.  Thank you Caryl for autographing my copy!  A big thank you to Avril and her mom, for sending this book stateside.

Tomorrow we leave our cold Colorado and head to northern California, our old home state; we will be seeing family and then on Friday heading to the area shown below-lovely and beautiful Carmel.  The winter landscape in northern California is always so green and lush-almost like Ireland and we are excited to be going back. 

After Carmel, we will head up north to the wine country to stay with our best friends and neighbors.  Yes, we do miss the beauty of the wine country but not the stress and expense of living there.  We will be taking photos along the way and I hope to be able to borrow a computer to post while we are away. 

I'm not sure how much blog hopping I'll be doing but don't worry, I'll see you when we get back.
Blessings on your week, Noreen

                                           From my heart to yours, Happy Valentine's Day.

May His love richly bless your life today!  Noreen

Greetings Friends,  I hope you had a great weekend and have started out this new week on a good note.  Our weekend was good; when you are retired it seems most days are good!  We watched a little of the Grammy's last night but honestly just fast-forwarded through most of it.  Tomorrow we are planning to go see the movie "The Vow", for our Valentine's Day activity.  When we were young, I always made such a big deal out of this holiday but as we've aged, not so much anymore. We do exchange cards and I guess this year our big treat would be going to Ca. for a week.  Hubby's mom is very frail so we want to make sure we visit her; we never know when it will be our last time.  Aside from that, we will be having a great time with family and friends, spending time in beautiful Carmel and also the wine country where we used to live.  I am excited about girl time with my closest friends and the sister of my heart. 
Today I've already walked and plan to meet another good friend for lunch at a salad bar.  She heads out on a family trip this next weekend so I won't see her for a couple of weeks; we best get caught up before she leaves.  I hope you have a joy filled day!
Noreen

Winter Is Back

Last night it began falling, very lightly, and it continued to fall throughout the night and this morning.  Love it when we can stay inside all day but I also look forward to the sunshine.  We have another month or two of this before we can even hope for spring.

Hubby and I haven't gotten out yet to shovel the driveway or walkways but I know we will. Actually, in our development we can wait until it stops snowing before shoveling the sidewalks, but the longer you wait the more snow you might have thus giving you more work.

I hope you have a warm winter weekend!  Noreen

Happy Friday to you!  This morning has been nice and relaxed and in a bit I will head over to our youngest girls house for a girlie tea party.  Our daughters try to do this every two to three months, with all the granddaughters, for lunch and tea and a few crafts.  I cut out fabric squares for each girl, I think they get nine squares each, and maybe we will talk about how they can put them together for a quilt.  The oldest granddaughters already work on the sewing machine and if it isn't available, they will use glue to put the fabric on another piece of material.  I see some future quilters here, don't you?  While the girls are together, the two boys will be with Papa having guy time. I'm not sure what that means for today but know they'll have a good time. 
I hope your day is filled with contentment and joy and that your weekend is restful.
Blessings, Noreen

Today Iris from Grace Alone is hosting our Thankful Thursday. I am thankful for the ladies who host this theme each week.  It's been awhile since I did a TT post, mainly because Thursday mornings are rushed for me and often I will post on Wed. night and it just slips my mind.  I also have had issues with Internet Explorer so started using Mozilla; all of my favorites arn't there, so it is easy just to forget.  To forget about His blessings, may it never be.  One of the greatest joys in my spirit is when I wake up with a praise song on my lips; today was such a day.  Many of you will immediately know this song, so won't you lift your voice this morning with me.

Edward Hawkins
Oh Happy Day lyrics

Oh, happy day
(oh, happy day)
Oh, happy day
(oh, happy day)
When jesus washed
(when jesus washed)
oh, when he washed
(when jesus washed)
when jesus washed
(when jesus washed)
he washed my sins away!
(oh, happy day)
Ah, happy day
(oh, happy day)
Oh, happy day
(oh, happy day)
oh, happy day
(oh, happy day)
When jesus washed
(when jesus washed)
oh when he washed
(when jesus washed)
when jesus washed
(when jesus washed)
he washed my sins away!
(oh, happy day)
Ah, it's a happy day
(oh, happy day)
(he taught me how)
he taught me how
(to watch)
(fight and pray)
(fight and pray)
(and he'll rejoice)
(in things we say)
(everyday)
Oh, happy day
(oh, happy day)
oh, happy day
(oh, happy day)
When jesus washed
(when jesus washed)
oh, when he washed
(when jesus washed)
when jesus washed
(when jesus washed)
he washed my sins away!
(oh, happy day)
Ah, happy day
(oh, happy day)
(he taught me how)
he taught me how
(to watch)
(fight and pray)
(fight and pray)
(and he'll rejoice)
(in things we say)
(everyday)
Oh, happy day
(oh, happy day)
oh, happy day
(oh, happy day)
(oh, happy day)
repeat
Oh, happy day
(oh, happy day)
Oh, happy day
(oh, happy day)
When jesus washed
(when jesus washed)
oh, when he washed
(when jesus washed)
when jesus washed
(when jesus washed)
he washed my sins away!
(oh, happy day)
Ah, it's a happy day
(oh, happy day)
oh lord
(oh, happy day)
mmm,good god
(oh, happy day)
oh yeah
(oh, happy day)
mmm, lord
(oh, happy day).

 I don't remember when I first heard this song, probably either in elementary school or high school but I still love it.  Maybe it was from the movie  Lillie's of the Field or Sister Act, but I can still picture the scene in my mind.  Hope your heart is singing today.  Don't forget to stop by and say hi to Iris, http://www.eph2810.com.
Joy to you,  Noreen

Another Great Read

This week has flown by with errands, check ups and for me a dental cleaning and check; so Monday I ran to library knowing I might have some space to fill and got this book.  I have read several of Marta Perry's Pleasant Valley books and this was another great one in the series.  In fact, between late Monday and mid day yesterday, I finished it.  She has a new book coming out in May and I am looking forward to it.  If you haven't read any of her books, check her out for yourself and you won't be disappointed. 
As I said, I'm off to the dentist this morning(ugh) and then more errands; tomorrow I have my study, then a luncheon after it, followed by babysitting one set of grands later.  On Friday, our girls are all getting together for a girlie tea; something we try to do every couple of months.  Since the beginning of the year, I have felt like there are more and more errands to run.  Of course if you throw in a trip to see family and friends in our old home state, the months are flying by.  I am so thankful that I am in a position to do these things, especially spending time with our daughters and their children, our beloved grands, and also family and friends.
Remember to savor every minute.  Blessings, Noreen

On A Snowy Day

Since we've never lived in an area with snow before, I'm not sure if their is an over abundance of bird activity or not but this year we've seen so many Robins just hanging around-playing tag and just sitting in the trees. It is so refreshing on a gloomy day to watch so many birds. 

Over the weekend, hubby said come look at the squirrel in the Aspen.  I couldn't believe how high this guy was and of course I kept watching and watching.

I'm not sure what the draw was but he seemed to be having a wonderful time, on the smallest of limbs. At one point, I was sure he was going to plummet to the ground but he didn't.  At least the snow doesn't stop him from having some fun. Of course, later I went out and threw a few nuts out for him that were left from our Christmas dish.  I love almonds, walnuts and pecans but not many others; I figure he won't mind shelling them.
Enjoy your area.  Noreen

Happy Monday to you.  How was your weekend?  Ours was pretty kick back, on Saturday we ran errands and stopped by both our kids homes, worked on a puzzle and I worked on quilting as well.  Yesterday of course, was big game day; neither team was one of ours so we didn't necessarily have a favorite, well hubby was going for New England and I was routing for the Giants because I think Eli is a really nice guy.  The game was good and we loved seeing the new commercials but I sure could have done without Madonna.  Some of the ads were just plain weird.  Watching the game on a big screen makes it seem like you're there and so we enjoyed it.
Not too much on the agenda today, walking is a must though after indulging in chips and layered dip last night.
Have a great day!
 Noreen

Happy Friday Friends,  Our spring like weather disappeared and we started getting snow last evening; I have to say though that this photo was from our last storm in Oct. and this storm hasn't dumped that much snow.
Hubby and I were out first thing this morning, shoveling the driveway and it really wasn't that bad.  Our state can really use the snow, the farmers are so happy because it will help with crops.  We have such a delightful dry winter, with hubby golfing almost every week, that we really can't complain.  We are planning on staying in all day, I'll be cleaning and also working on the quilt while he'll be watching a golf tournament on t.v.
Of course, Sunday is the Super Bowl and it should be a good game to watch. We aren't pulling for either team, as much as we would if it was a favorite team, but still looking forward to seeing who wins.
I hope you have a weekend filled with wonder. 
Blessings, Noreen

Thursday giggles

Hi All, I just saw this commercial when I was watching Dog Whisperer and thought it was so cute. I hope it give you something to smile about. Have a great day; we are going to bundle up here because of the storms that is coming.
Hugs, Noreen

Happy Wednesday friends,  Well we've got a beautiful day here but tomorrow the temps are expected to plummet and snow is due; with having said that, I'm off to walk this morning and then I have an appt. to get my hair cut and colored-it have been 6 mos since I had it colored, so I say it's time. 
I hope you have a wonderful day enjoying life in your neck of the woods.
Joy to you, Noreen