Good Morning to you.  I had a wonderful day yesterday; it was bright and sunny, the morning was spent at the park with two of the grands while their mama did standardized tests with the older two.  I came home and had lunch with hubby before we took off to run errands.  Yesterday afternoon, Hunter was not acting like himself at all and last night he seemed really uncomfortable.  He did sleep all night but this morning he got sick.  Oh no, I hope it isn't like last time.  The only thing I can think of is that he has been sampling little gifts left from the birds.  I've checked the yard for bunny poop and didn't see any,  but that could be a possibility too.  Silly dog! I would think that animals would not eat those things that make them sick.  I'm going to keep an eye on him today and make sure he is back to normal.  The two grands I watched yesterday are coming over this morning, because it is so cold out today.  Bright and pretty but freezing; the weather man said it would be 30 degrees colder today and twenty degrees colder tomorrow.  Got to love how quickly the weather can change.  I hope you have a wonderful, warm day!
Hugs,
Noreen & Hunter

Memories

Happy Monday to you! It is so good to be back at home and settling into our normal routine. Hunter and I will head out shortly for a walk, as it never materialized yesterday-the poor boy ended up getting a bath instead. I wanted to share the table and lamp that hubby and I got, from his mom's house. Much of the furniture wasn't our style and so it went to auction; but these two pieces are waiting for us at my brother's house. We will be back out in September to watch the America's Cup race in San Francisco. As much as I love our home state, it is so nice to go back to Los Altos and the northern bay area and spend time. I do love all the trees and flowers; in fact, I come home thinking I could plant about a dozen trees in our back yard.

As you can see the table is inlaid-so very beautiful.  Hubby doesn't remember when his parents got this table, only that it has always been in the living room.  The lamp is old as well and very pretty.  We are not sure where we will put this when we get it home-possibly the table in our living room and the lamp in the family room.  It is so special to have pieces of furniture that your parents had; we have my parents dining room set.   I am happy to say that all the legal things got taken care of and although there is probably 9 more months of taxes etc., the rest is over-yippee. 
After our walk this morning, I'm running to my girls house to help with her kiddos. I also hope to work in the yard a bit as well.  Spring is coming; it is going to be warm today but snow is due on Wed. 
I hope you have a wonderful day, dear ones.
Blessings, Noreen & Hunter

Sunday Blessings

We are back home and it feels so good! We loved every minute spent in norther Ca., but as the saying goes, "there is no place like home".  I had the best intentions of getting around to blogland, but it just never happened.  We are constantly on the go; I've missed you my friends.
Now that we are home, we've got papers-both newspapers and legal papers, mail and documents all over our dining room table. The laundry is in the wash and I've got a grocery list that I need to complete before I head to the store.  Hunter is waiting for a walk and due to the wonderful food we had while away, I've got to get on my bike today as well. If that isn't enough, the garden is calling me to come and begin preparations for spring planting.  Unfortunately, we are scheduled to have snow on Wednesday; this also means that I can't get to into the garden too much yet. 
I hope you had a wonderful week.  Did I mention it is so good to be home?!  Hunter is settling back into our routine too.
Have a blessed Sunday; give thanks for all the things and people in your life!
xxxooo Noreen & Hunter

Well Behaved Hotel Guests

For all my dog lovin friends.

I think every human should get a chance to read this!!!! Therefore, I am sending it on "Dogs Welcome" A man wrote a letter to a small hotel in a Midwest town he planned to visit on his vacation. He wrote: I would very much like to bring my dog with me. He is well-groomed and very well behaved. Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in my room with me at night?" An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who wrote: SIR: "I've been operating this hotel for many years. In all that time, I've never had a dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls. I've never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly. And I've never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel. And, if your dog will vouch for you, you're welcome to stay here, too."

Tuesday Blessings to you friends.

A Special Wedding

Happy Monday friends~I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Friday night we attended a wedding of a close friend; in fact, we knew the bride when she was little and we all attended the same church. We share the same last name and they moved here to Colorado about a month after we did. I have never been to an evening wedding and it was lovely! One of our granddaughters was a flower girl and looked so beautiful. This wedding brought back memories and I found myself tearing up a lot.

 

Our youngest daughter, Kim and her family.

 

 

Daughter Carrie's two girls; they also joined in the celebration by wearing special dresses. Don't they look like little Princesses?

 

I'm sure this isn't the last wedding our little granddaughter will be in but doesn't she look exquisite! I'm not sure if my emotions were due to remembering when my girls got married or thinking about the future with our grands.

 

Unfortunately, we didn't get any photos of the wedding party or bride; I can't believe this but we had our laps full of grands. I will tell you that this wedding was so elegant and also intimate. The bride's dress was a "glamor girl" style, fashioned after the 30's and fit her perfectly. I'm hoping to get a photo of her when the pics go online and then I'll post it.
Snow is on the way to Colorado; we are leaving tomorrow for a few days in Palo Alto, CA. with more trust business. I had hoped to post last time we were there but never had the chance; this time I won't promise but I will be doing my best to check in with you all.
Stay warm and enjoy life.
Noreen & Hunter

Happy Happy Friday from my house to you!  We have a cloud cover but it is nice enough out for a walk. Our Hunter has been somewhat naughty-at least I think he has.  We have wild bunnies that visit our yard and they leave behind little gifts for us-which Hunter will eat if he finds them. I try my best to get out, almost daily, to scoop but hadn't this week. Well, I'm assuming he got into some because he was sick this morning.  You'd think he'd learn if they taste good but you get sick, stop eating them. 
Some of the details that hubby has been working on for his mom's estate have been ironed out-thankfully.  I don't think of myself as high strung or a nervous type, but when things go wrong that are legal, I get so worried.  Anyway, one big hurdle out of the way! 
Tonight we have a wedding to attend, at eight o'clock; one of our granddaughters is a flower girl-so I'm hoping we get some photos.  This weekend Lily will be with us and I know Hunter will have so much fun-maybe she will distract him from the bunny poop.
I hope you have a wonderful day and weekend. 
Hugs~
Noreen & Hunter

Happy Thursday to you!  I'm trying to make sure I'm having a positive and grateful attitude with all that has been going on here.  No snow today-thankfully, but we are supposed to get hammered again tomorrow.  Hunter looks adorable, as always; it is so much easier when he is groomed.   The only drawback having a white dog is that dog tags tend to turn the fur/hair gray almost immediately.  I've coated them with clean nail polish to see if that helps but it doesn't.  I thought about taking his collar off but I would need to put it back on every day for a walk.  I have also thought about making a small holder out of fabric for the tags but haven't gotten to it yet.
We are handling errands and household chores today. I'm hoping one of these days to get back to my sewing room but it  may be two weeks away. 
I hope you have a wonderful day, filled with smiles and giggles.
Noreen & Hunter

Spring ????

Morning Friends, Thought I'd share what our spring weather has been like, for those who are enjoying warm temps. It looks so much like January weather; it is hard to believe we are in April.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This measurement, of 10", was yesterday morning; it snowed lightly yesterday and last night and is still snowing. It is beautiful out, or would be if we were in middle of winter. However, I am more than ready for nice sunny days~so if you are blessed with nice weather, please enjoy it for me. I am always thankful that we don't have to be out in it generally; however we are still in the midst of legal matters for my mil's house and that takes us out and about. I have to say,when it is all said and done with the sale, I will be a happy camper. I am so thankful that hubby's parents made such wise choices over the years and that there is a trust to deal with. If all goes according to the plan, hubby will finalize the sale of the house next week. I hope you are basking in the blessings from above and thankful for your life today. Hunter is at the groomer and I'll be glad when he gets home-so will he! The poor little guy shakes continuously when going there. It has to feel better though. Until tomorrow~
Noreen

A Party For Two Sisters

 

Friday evening the entire clan gathered at our daughter's house to celebrate her two oldest girls birthdays. Although they are five days apart, it is fun to share the festivities. Our group is so big that it is just like having a party with friends over; all the kids are the best of friends and that makes it extra special. Miss S started opening presents; I love the girls heart attitude-they are always so grateful.

 

Both girls got dresses for their dolls.

 

Both girls got Lego Friends sets; they love building with Legos and have quite the collection, even their dads from when he was little. Now days, the make "girlie" Legos and it is so fun to watch them create. I had hoped to have more photos of the fun but want to leave you with one last picture that hubby took on Sat. although it has nothing to do with the party.

 

The Pelicans are back; it always signifies spring time, even though it is almost blizzard like conditions here today. We are expecting ten inches by tonight and this morning it is snowing heavily and hasn't stopped. We have some errands to run so I better get going. Have a warm and wonderful day.
Noreen & Hunter

Happy Birthday Peanut

I mentioned last week that two of our granddaughters, the two oldest girls in our girl Kim's family, had birthdays the same week.  Friday eve we celebrated both and I will post photos of the party tomorrow but for now I'm sending a big shout out to our Peanut, who turned six today.  What a joy this child is!  She is an over-comer to be sure.  A feisty Irish spirit who can challenge even this Nana; I believe this is due to her early health issues, she had to be a fighter.  Even at six, she is an avid reader and is an incredible artist-much like her great grandfather, her papa and mostly her dad.  I know that her struggles aren't totally over, but I see a bright and wonderful future ahead of her.  
We love you Peanut and wish God's richest blessings on you today and each day of your life.
xxxxooooo
Nana and Papa

I Won

 

  

A bit ago, my blogging friend Sandra at http://thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com/   had a giveaway and I won these two darling hand made hats.  Having seven granddaughters, I knew they would be used.  They came yesterday and brought a smile to my face.  All our granddaughters are girlie girls, even with rock climbing, and I know that whomever receives them will love them.  Thank you Sandra for your gift.  Please stop by her place and say hello; she had a big birthday yesterday-so wish her a Happy Birthday too.
Have a great weekend friends!
Noreen

Thankful Thursday

Good Morning Friends~ Hard to believe we are at the end of another week; life has been simply crazy here.  I am so thankful for a bright sunny morning today with no snow.  More snow is predicted for next week, however I am just cherishing that we aren't getting it today.  As many know, I am more than anxious for warm spring weather; I will say I think the cold may have driven our May flies away-I hope so.  These little nat/pests make walking an intentional time when you keep your mouth closed so swarms don't get into your mouth.  I am thankful for promises of a new season.  I am looking forward to getting my bike down and riding.
I am thankful for the most wonderful family in the world!  My hubby is the most incredible man; he is in the midst of handling his mom's estate and there is so much on his shoulders, but he handles is with patience and wisdom.  I am thankful for my daughters and sil's and their kiddos.  Life is so much better with grands.  I am thankful for my brother and sister of my heart-they continually give and give.  Since Sue reads this-Love you guys!
I am thankful for the little furball Hunter laying on my feet.  He makes life fun and silly and fills my heart with laughter.  I am thankful for each day I have to live; for grace and Life and Love poured out on this imperfect daughter.
I am thankful for blogging and the friends I've made here; haven't been the best about getting around to say hi lately, but you all know I think of you daily. 
May your day hold blessings and joy!
Noreen & Hunter

From My Library

Whenever I travel, I always love to take a new book along to read.  I have loved Tracie Peterson's books and found this story simply delightful.
The Icecutter's Daughter is set in Minnesota during the late 1800s; the story is so rich that you almost feel yourself among the towns people of Waseca, living there in the cold winter.   The story centers around two main characters;  Merrill,the only daughter of a farmer who raises Belgian Horses and has an Icecutting business on the side.  Merrill's four brothers have long since taken over the role of her guardian and chased away any young man who wanted to court her; not only because of their fierce protectiveness of their sister, but also due to the fact that she has been the primary cook and housekeeper for them.  She is a strong, confident young women who not only is an incredible cook-you can almost taste her dishes, but also a strong worker with the horses and icecutting. 
The town's furniture maker is getting up in years and asks his nephew to come and help him with the business.  So after settling in with his uncle, Rurik tags along with men from town to help Merrill's family cut ice from the lake.  Rurik is immediately impressed with how hard Merrill works and then finds himself having dinner at the farm; he is also taken by her cooking skills.  What most don't know is that when Rurik moved, his fiance had broken off their arranged engagement; much to his pleasure.
As the story progresses, Merrill and Rurik find themselves falling in love, when suddenly out of the past the fiance and her brother show up in town.  Will Merrill and Rurik find a way to make a life together?
Although this is a classic Christian historical fiction with a love story thrown in, it will captivate the reader and keep them glued until the end.  If you are looking for a accurate portrayal of Swedish and German business and traditions, by all means make sure you pick this up.  A great story; I love forward to the next one in this series.
Bethany House provided this book to me for my honest review and opinion.  I was never compensated in any way.

Blessings,
Noreen & Hunter

Happy Birthday My Girl

 

Today a very special girl, our first granddaughter, turns eight. I looked through all my photos to find a picture that captures her personality and this was the one I came up with. Miss S is on the right with Miss F on the left; this was taken on our snowshoeing trip in February.  Miss S loves her family and spending time with her cousins, especially Miss F. For some strange reason, this photo was crisp and clear on Picasa but when I transferred it here, it became a bit fuzzy. I know that many of you could tell me why and usually I don't have this problem. Although our girl is just eight, she is beyond her years in maturity. She is a constant help to her mom with the other children in the family, loves to read and also to cook. Her favorite game right now is Monopoly-the adult version but any game she'll play, including Dutch Blitz.
I know that she will have an incredible adventure through the years and I can't wait to see her continue to grow and mature.  She loves to point out that she is nearly as tall as I am; that doesn't say much because I am only 5'2".  She is brilliant and giving, tender and sweet.  We took her to the Hockey game, with her dad, on Sunday night and yesterday she called to tell her Papa thank you.  Today, we are getting lots of snow-not the 12" that were predicted but still enough; I know she will have fun with her family staying inside playing games. Tonight she has Rock Climbing, if it isn't cancelled.  Her birthday celebration will occur on Friday evening; we celebrate her birthday with her sisters-our Peanut will turn six this week.  It is such a joy to see them share their party and not fuss over having separate ones.
We love you dear S and wish the Lord's blessings upon you!  May He guide you every day of your life.
xxxooo Papa and Nana

I hope you all have a blessed Tuesday and make every day count-we never know when our journey will end.
Joy, Noreen & Hunter

Back Home

Good Morning To You! We are back in our home and while we had a very productive trip to northern California, it is so good to be back. Our time was so filled with meetings and family commitments; we laid hubby's Mom to rest and also  signed a contract with a full service Realty Agency. Being back in Palo Alto was bittersweet for me; I realized that once her home is sold, we will no longer have ties to this city. I am soooo very thankful my brother and sil live in neighboring Los Altos, because when we go there for a visit we see the same beauty. I always forget the beauty of the trees that line all streets and the homes near Stanford University. Los Altos is every bit as beautiful, but since hubby and I both grew up in Palo Alto, it will always have a special place in our hearts. Hubby will no doubt have to go back out again, hopefully soon, to finish up some details.  On Thursday afternoon, hubby and I headed up to San Francisco; hubby used to sail and is an avid follower of America's Cup.  We were told that the boats were in the city and we wanted to see them up close and personal.  Unfortunately, they are currently in Spain racing but it was a beautiful day to take a drive along the coast and through San Francisco.  My brother and S-I-L are the most gracious of hosts and kept us well fed and rested.  We just love spending time with them and there home is such a relaxed place to stay.  Thank you Sue and Rich!

 We got home on Friday around dinner time; we were both so tired that we just kicked back and snuggled with Hunter. Saturday morning we headed to a Rock Climbing class that  two of our granddaughters were in. Ages are 6 and 4-simply amazing to me; I was climbing fences and trees when I was little, but since I am a big rock climbing fan it was fun to watch.

 

 

 

 

Our Peanut is an incredible climber, just like her nana(me)used to be.

Last night hubby received some free Hockey tickets for our local team so we joined one sil and granddaughter and went to see the game. I haven't been to a hockey game before and although it was minor league and very family friendly, I loved it.  Even our 8 yr old grand followed the game and was enjoying it.  I think we will have to go back another time to see more games. Today is filled with lots of phone calls and errands-getting back in the swing of things.

I hope you have all been well and enjoying life; I had hoped to get around last week, but there simply wasn't any free time.  I have missed each of you, but hope to get caught up with you today or tomorrow.

Sending big hugs your way!

Noreen & Hunter