Thankful Thursday

Today I am filled with gratitude that it is a new day, sunny and beautiful, filled with lots of possibilities!
I am so thankful for our little dog Hunter; he fills my life with such joy.  Tuesday evening he was a little off; couldn't pin point anything specific but one thing that really surprised me was that at bedtime, instead of snuggling in next to me, he crawled under the bed-something he has never done.  Yesterday morning Lily was here with family and he seemed fine and even gobbled up his kibble after she left-which in inself if pretty unusual.  After lunch, Hunter began vomiting-a total of 10 times in an hour.  By the six time I was getting worried.  I waited a bit and then called the vet.  In we went; I try to do as much on our own as possible but this seemed serious and I didn't want him to get worse.  Thankfully, he didn't have an obstruction and his blood work was fine; they gave him meds there and to take home.  I can say I believe he is back to normal today. He ate his kibble first thing and his human food will only be boiled chicken in the future.  So very thankful for a vet that is so friendly and a staff that bring understanding to their practice.  I won't say it was cheap by any means, but it could have been worse.  Hubby will be home today so I won't worry about our boy. They sure do get into your heart quickly! 
I'm off to our last session on this study and it should be nice.
I thank you my friends, for praying for our little guy and for me-I was emotionally spent by last night.
Sending love your way!
Noreen & Hunter

Show Shoe Fun II

 

I just love this picture and the polka dot sunglasses!

 

Cousins that are best friends; so very sweet.

 

Brothers enjoying an adventure.  We had such a fun time; this will be an annual trip for us.  It's a great Christmas present that is used and enjoyed by all.
Hoping your day is warm and cozy!
Noreen & Hunter

Snow Shoe Fun

Happy Tuesday! Just in case you thought that the temperature last weekend was comfortable, I thought I'd share some photos of snow shoeing with you, so you could see the reality of it.

 

Son in law all set to go. We started out hoping that all 16 of us could go; it wasn't long though before 8 headed back to the cars-it was just too cold and windy.

 

Our other son in law all set.

 

Love his sense of adventure and joy!

 

She looks just like her mama and big brother.

 

Unfortunately, here is one little who just couldn't handle the cold.
We woke up today to phase two of the winter storms; I will say that it has already stopped snowing and hopefully the little snow we got will melt quickly.  Today, I will be staying inside sewing-something I've been so slow doing lately.  Really want to get my quilt top done and ready to quilt before our girl has her little one.  Tonight we are going to watch the oldest two grandsons rock climb at our local recreation center.  Maybe even go to a burger place that has gluten free buns beforehand.
I hope you are staying warm and avoiding travel if the weather is bad in your area.  Count your blessings today, dear ones. Warm winter hugs from cold, snowy Colorado to each of you.
Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

Mountain Friends

Oh Happy Day, we should be thankful for each new day!

 

We had such a wonderful time up in the mountains this weekend; this was our first sighting of Elk, a bit sweeter because lately when we've gone up to the park, we haven't seen any.

 

This big guy and his friends were right across the street from our condo-isn't he magnificent?

 

Hey there big fella.

 

Love this guys face!  We had a wonderful family time together; only eight of us were able to go snow shoeing but everyone did try; it is just too tough and cold for the littles. I've got photos of the gang for tomorrow.  We had wonderful dinners and played lots of games in the evenings. Saturday evening the snow began to fall and it continued through last night; we headed home mid-morning yesterday, thankful we left early because the roads were pretty dicey.  We found that our home had received 6-8" of new snow, so had to shovel immediately.  I expected it would still be snowing this morning, but the sky is blue and the sun is out.  Colorado got hit pretty bad with the latest storm; we sure need the moisture though.  I hope you had a wonderful weekend and will have a spring in your step today & joy in your heart.
Warm Winter Hugs,
Noreen & Hunter

Snow Shoeing

Happy Friday Folks, Our snow continued until late last night; the farmers will be thankful as I'm sure the ski areas will be as well. This year, for Christmas, we gave our girls families a weekend trip to the mountains; we started this tradition last year. So today we are headed to the high country.
This little guy could be the bunny that loves playing tag with Hunter in our yard; thankfully it is just a game of chase and not "this is dinner".

This is what the entire family will be doing tomorrow; well not the entire family, but those big enough for snow shoes. The rest will be in a back pack or a sled. Last year Kim and her gang choose not to join us; so this year we will have a large group.

Snow shoeing is much easier than cross country skiing but I do notice the elevation difference compared to Ca. We also are planning on playing lots of games and having fun in town. WE all love Estes and RMNP, anytime we are there we have a good time. Hunter will be sharing a "room/kennel" with Lily and Petrol will be there as well. Hopefully the dogs will keep each other company and not miss us too much. Have a wonderful weekend dear ones!

Thankful Thursday

It is already the afternoon and finally the sun is making an appearance.  I am thankful for the warmth inside our home and for the promise of spring. I know many from Kansas  to the East Coast are under winter storm watches; if you are there, I pray for your safety.  Snow started falling lightly last night and it was wet; today we woke up to more snow but hubby said it was dry. I had bible study this morning and had to take my 85 yr old friend, otherwise I would have stayed home.  Besides giving my friend a ride, our leader had been on vacation and she asked me to lead today-so I couldn't very well stay at home-however, if we had blizzard like conditions, you can be sure I would have baled.
I am so thankful for the vehicle we have-a 2000 Explorer that handles the snow perfectly. I am thankful that we have had such a mild winter.  I am thankful that the snow, if it had to hit Az., did so this week instead of in two weeks when we are there soaking up the sunshine and visiting friends.
Bible study was fantastic as always; I love Priscilla Shirer-she is an amazing teacher.  I love the fellowship with the other gals.  I love it that on Thursday mornings, hubby plays senior Racquetball-it keeps him in shape.
If you live in snow country, did you get a huge amount?  It seems there were some blizzards across the plains.  Many schools here were closed for the day; are your schools closed as well?
I hope you are able to stay in and stay warm, but if you venture out that you have angels all around your vehicle.
Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

Bird Watching

It's Outdoor Wednesday and let me tell you that it is cold here today. Hubby got these photos yesterday, while he was playing golf. We always have Bald Eagles winter here and he said he saw so many around the course but we have never seen Heron's nesting before.

 

 

 

 

Don't these bird look incredible up in the "eagle" tree?! These are where the eagles usually nest and we were surprised to see the Heron's there.

 

I think they look like a pair of Lovebirds! We don't have snow yet but it is coming. I am running errands today but staying in this afternoon. From California to the East Coast, lots of friends are getting hammered with storms. I hope you stay warm and safe!
 Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

Good Morning to You! Can you believe we are in the second to the  last week of February?  Seriously, Valentine's Day was just last Thursday and I'm already thinking about putting out March decorations.  The other day it dawned on me, while seeing St.Pat's decorations in blogland, that Easter is really early this year and if I wanted to put out a bit of the green, that I'd better get to it.  The day after our celebration, all my Easter bunnies will appear.  Yesterday I went to a local Marshall's and got some place mats and towels.  I also got some green crystal goblets last summer for the table and I will be watching for items when I'm out and about.
 You all know how I started out the new year going strong with the gym-well it is official, today I cancelled my membership.  Why?  Well, I began the new class in January and immediately started fighting a boil.  Then I also got that head cold that kept me down for two weeks straight. I kept telling myself I needed to get back there but ladies, it just hasn't happened.  After really pondering what to do, giving myself another month or two to get into my routine, I decided that I probably wouldn't go. I do walk about 5-6 times a week and with spring approaching, I will be bike riding too.  My daughters have said I can come use their treadmills if I want.  The monthly fee wasn't very much but why pay if you aren't using it?! I do need to take off about 5 pounds but hopefully if the exercise here kicks up a notch or two, it will come off.  We have a long weekend away in March and I just keep finding excuses-so it is done and I feel that pressure off my back. Thank you to all the dear friends who encouraged me to go-now if you were here and I could go with you, I would.
Hunter and I will be going on a walk shortly and then I am once again heading to Social Security Administration to get my online account active.  As you may recall, I have gone twice and been assured that it was taken care of.  I waited a few weeks to access my account and found out I couldn't get in; then I called in and they said the office workers hadn't asked me the correct questions.  So  glad I decided to check this out(actually it was hubby's idea)the year before I collect; this gal wouldn't be happy if I found it out next year and was delayed getting my benefits. 
Our weather has been sunny but cold and snow is in the forecast for tonight into Thursday-we'll see.
I hope you are getting out and about in your neck of the woods. 
Blessings on your day!
Noreen & Hunter

Play Time

Both Hunter and Lily playing with toys; they are such great companions. Hunter on the right and Lily on the left.

 

Lily has never played with toys; that was, until her last two visits.  I'm not sure if she is just teasing Hunter with his toys or being playful but she now knows what to do with toys.

On Saturday, Hunter has his last beginning obedience class and graduated; yippee.  I wasn't sure we'd continue but after hearing that the trainer will be focusing on off-lead heeling and also getting the pups ready for the CGC test, I decided that we will move on to the intermediate level. We did learn that while putting Hunter in a "stay", he wouldn't release and come when called. Humm. The trainer figured out what was going on.  He has gotten so used to the release word O.K. and so I now need to say 'O.K. Come' to get him to release.  It was so surprising last night, that showed the trainer was 100% accurate, when Lily was on our bed and Hunter was in the hallway waiting for dad but watching Lily and I.  I told Lily down and Hunter immediately dropped-I was so amazed at his quick response, without the use of treats.  When I told him to Come, he just stayed in his position until I say 'O.K. Come'.  Guess our boy is learning more than I thought.  In class yesterday, he also "stayed" in his down while the trainer's young daughter rode in front of the dogs on a bike. Again, I was very impressed; I knew he wouldn't go towards her but figured he might run the other way.  At the end of class we had play time and I can say that he is very timid around the big dogs; of course if I had a Linebacker, for a football team, running full speed at me, I would hide too-which is about as close a scenario that I can come up with.  All three dogs in the class this week are big-one big Shepherd, a big Lab and a good size mix. He does enjoy the social times when they are on leash but when they are having a game of fast  paced running, he stays hidden. All in all, I am impressed with all he has learned.  

If you are off for President's Day, I hope you have a fantastic day!

Joy to you~Noreen & Hunter

The Finale

Steamboat Springs grand finale was a town parade, featuring 100 different groups. I think the highlight though was the flash mob-so very fun to watch. I have to confess we didn't recognize the song but apparently those participating in it had been practicing for many months.

 

A high school marching band on skis.

 

 

 

This was a Flash Mob that half of the town participated in; I hadn't seen one before and it was such fun! Folks of all ages, young and old, were dancing in the street(sounds like a Motown Record doesn't it?!) I had hoped to post a video of the dance but we are having technical difficulties. 

 

Loved seeing the Bernese Mountain Dog Club!
I've had a full day so far~tea with friends first thing and then came home and headed south to meet a friend for lunch.  This is a friend from almost thirty years ago that we reconnected with two years ago.  It was great for the gal and I to get together by ourselves and chat about our current season of life.
I hope you have a wonderful Friday and have a great weekend.  
Blessings to you! Noreen & Hunter