Happy Friday

Good Morning to you! As you know I've been bike riding every day with my friend Kam. We've gone about 6.5 miles the last two days and yesterday I decided to pull out my phone and snap a couple of pics. Now for some strange reason, they are blurry but weren't when I pulled up the emails with them. I'm sure there is a way to tweak them and I just don't know how-probably if I put them in Picaso that would help.

This old building almost looks like it could have been a small cabin at one time. It is leaning so heavily that I think a strong wind could blow it down; however, we get strong winds and it's still there.

Loved seeing so many Pelicans on one lake; we will have them until August and then they will disappear until next spring. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. My plans again are pretty relaxed; my youngest girl gets home with her family, so Petrol will go home but Lily might come for Saturday night.
Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

Playtime

Happy Thursday friends~Just wanted to share some fun times that Hunter is having with Petrol. I am so thankful that they get along and play well together. Petrol seems to have settled in and although she follows me everywhere, she is being pretty nice to Hunter. Yesterday afternoon, the dogs got into a play frenzy-they did several laps around the yard and then brought their wrestling match inside where it was air conditioned. Their playtimes begin so quickly that I've been using my phone to try to get photos-I apologize for the blurriness.  I'm thinking maybe I do need to go to one of the DogBlog conferences to learn how to get better action shots.

Since hubby left yesterday on a golf trip, the dogs are good company for me. Petrol is as good of a watchdog as Hunter is and it makes me feel pretty secure, except when someone comes to the front door around 9:00 p.m. I can tell you that I was glad there were two barking dogs, although small, they were on alert. I didn't answer the door and didn't even go up to the living room; just kept quilting away. I'm off to walk and then bike, hopefully we will do 8 miles today. Each day is getting a little longer and if we can get out before it is really hot, I'm happy. The rest of the day will be busy as well; I'm hoping in the evening to bloghop.
Have a great day filled with gratitude for all the blessings in your life.
Noreen & Hunter

Another Great Book

Tracie Peterson has done an award winning job writing the second book in her Land of Shining Water series. Tracie is one of my all time favorite authors and this series is right up there on top, in my humble opinion.  With having a busy life, I love picking up books that whisk me away to another time and place.  The Quarryman's Bride is the story of an engaged couple, deeply in love, that face a family tragedy and the hardship ends their engagement.  The story is filled with authentic compromises that young woman would have faced during the late 1800's.  Tracie weaves scripture and biblical principles throughout her stories; another thing I love about her writing.  For so many of you, summer ushers in a very busy time; however if you find you might have a chance to pick up a book-say to read during sports activities or nap time, by all means find this new book.  I am so glad to know that book three will be released in August.  I always feel like I've spent time with a good friend when I read Tracie's books. I love her graphic descriptions of the land and its hardships, as well as its beauty.
I would like to thank Bethany House for the privilege of participating in their Book Review program.  I received this book, free of charge, for my honest review.

I'm off walking again this morning as well as a bike ride~we will ride at least 5 miles, unless I can talk Kam into more.  For many of you who happen to think I'm in such good shape or so dedicated, well thank you for the compliment.  However, I must say I am not in good shape, at all, and feel that I have to ride to try and get back into shape.  The older I get, the harder it is to stay in shape.
Blessings on your day today!
Noreen & a very tired Hunter

Our Wee Bonny Lass

Yesterday hubby and I ran out to Carrie's house; hubby needed to work on a project with the boys, so I took the opportunity to go out to help with Miss E.  She is just so small and cute-makes you want to hold her all day.  I did finally let hubby have a few minutes with her, but it was hard to let go.  The family has decided she looks like her older brother, Mr. B.  All I know is that, like the rest of the babies, I can't get enough of her.
This morning I joined Kam and went on a walk; choose to leave Hunter at home with Petrol, lest Petrol get into some trouble.  I also think they are playing enough that Hunter doesn't need the walk.
After the walk, Kam and I went on a 5 mile bike ride; we had enough breeze to make it pleasant and hope to ride every day during the week. I'm thinking that once we master the 5 mile ride, I will increase it to the 8 mile ride and then we will eventually work up to the 13 mile ride.  Maybe my "jello" legs will firm up, if we ride as much as I'd like to. 
Now, I am home and sweaty, after I jump in the shower I will begin working on my lesson for Friday.
Did anyone watch the Premier of Under The Dome last night?  I'm anxious to hear what others think about it.  One thing is certain, there are no good shows on t.v. during the summer.  Most of the summer shows we watch won't be airing until mid-July.
Hope you have a great day!
Joy to you~
Noreen & Hunter

Hunter and Petrol

 

This week our daughter and her gang are going to the mountains; we volunteered to take their Miniature Schnauzer for their getaway. Petrol and Hunter get along but haven't been together this much, so it will be interesting. Petrol has the temperament of a typical terrier-meaning she has a bit of attitude and Moxie. Hunter isn't a scrapper, as I've shared before, and it will be interesting to see how they adjust. Petrol is very small for a mini-Schnauzer, which makes it nice for Hunter. Getting photos on their level was nearly impossible, in fact it was difficult to get pictures period.  Here are some pictures of their first hour together.

 

 

 

I hope this is the fun that they'll have the entire week; one thing I know for sure is that both dogs will be tired. Last night we had neighbors over and Bentley came too; so by the end of the evening Hunter was bushed. Our weekend was good~we went on a 13 mile bike ride and this morning I walked 4 miles with another friend.
I've got the pattern for quilting drawn out on the quilt top and hope to get it pinned today-maybe if I put the dogs outside.  My hubby leaves on Wednesday for another golf trip which means I get to do whatever my heart desires-this will include having friends over, reading, quilting and a relaxed time.
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and that your day and week is starting off on a positive note.
Blessings to you~
Noreen & Hunter

The Baby Quilt

 

Good Morning Friends~I hope you had a great afternoon yesterday; the concert at the lake last night was fine, it was supposed to be Swing(not)but it was such a pretty evening to sit and enjoy our small town. Earlier in the afternoon, our oldest and her kiddos stopped by, so this Nana could see the baby. I got to hold her, she is still so very tiny and delicate, almost like a flower. I showed my girl the quilt top and she thought it was so sweet that the outside border is some material from the last baby quilt I made for Miss E's sister Miss A. I decided that I will quilt daisies on it because the back fabric is tan, with Daisies and also the centers are pink and tie into the front. The focal fabric I had found several years ago is so cute and the pattern I was using was going to make the quilt too big, so I opted to keep it crib size. Which means it will get done sooner-yippee! I have one Daisy pattern but it is small so need to hunt one down. I wasn't going to post the pic of the front yet but decided I might as well. I'm off to bible study this morning and then tonight we have my Kim and her kiddos over for a bbq. I hope you have a wonderful day today and fabulous weekend.
 Hugs,
Noreen & Hunter

It's Thursday again; tell me where do the days go?  We had a good day yesterday, after trying to get spit out of a baby.  I will say my girl reminded me that Mr. L has been diagnosed with Colitis, but the test will help determine if it is from food allergies or if it is from an ulcer-tell me please how a baby can get this!
Hubby and I went on a 13 mile bike ride yesterday morning, then he went to the golf course and I did some reading.
We also took Hunter on a short walk last night.
Today is another day filled with errands, lunch with a friend and hopefully seeing my new granddaughter-a nana does need to see her at least once a week, don't you think. We also have the weekly concert at the lake tonight; we always pack a small dinner and the weather will be just perfect for it.
I hope you have a wonderful day today.
Joy, Noreen & Hunter

Happy Wednesday

Good Morning To You~I hope  you are enjoying a nice summer's day in your part of the world. 
This morning, bright and early, I headed to my youngest girl's house to help out.  Her youngest child, Mr. L, has some physical issues and at 8 mos he has to have a few more tests; it is testing for his digestion due to a possible case of Colitis.  We had to collect a vial of saliva from him-have you ever tried to get an 8 mos old baby to drool or spit.  It took us close to an hour to collect about an inch worth in the vial.  My poor girl is so tired from a cranky baby who fussed a lot during the night; she thinks he is teething but couldn't give him anything due to the test.  Let's just say there were several fiascoes this morning during our gathering.  If it wasn't so difficult on her, with her hubby away in Europe this week, we'd be laughing about it; well maybe not today but later on, after the samples are mailed out.  Hopefully this will alleviate the need for the little guy to go into Children's Hospital for more invasive tests. 
The rest of the day will be relaxed; hope to layer the quilt today and start hand stitching. 
Our weather is forecast to be in the 80's; we did have a Tornado Warning yesterday but it never materialized here, but Denver International Airport had one.  It didn't do any damage but sure makes you get prepared mentally and physically, just in case.
Here's hoping you have a wonderful, joy-filled day.
Hugs, Noreen

From My Library

I received this book free from Bethany House to review; I have not received any compensation or payment for my honest review.  This book is probably one of the most difficult books I've reviewed, for several reasons..  Firstly, it is a 21 day study with questions at the end of each chapter; thus making it a bit slower to read and  I was not familiar with the author either.  There were endorsements from teachers and speakers I was familiar with, which is why I choose to review it. 
It is a book divided into three sections:  The Lifestyle of Intimacy, The Lifestyle of Wisdom and The Lifestyle of Revelation;  each section cover seven chapters.  It was biblical, covering both Old Testament and New Testament Prophets as well as the work of the Holy Spirit in Christians today.
If you are interested in Prophetic Ministry I would recommend this book.  I was a bit disappointed because I felt it covered mainly those who have already been called into this work and not those who desire to walk in the anointing today.
It is not a book for everyone, but one I know I will go back to as reference in the future. 

Have a wonderful day!
Noreen

Happy 35th Anniversary Babe

I met my best friend, man of my dreams, beloved babe when I was 14 or so. He had my eye from the first day; we were friends although I wanted more, but so glad we didn't date then. When I was in college we started dating; I remember our first dates~hiking and taking photographs, eating french bread and cheese at the beach, going dancing, discussing life plans. I knew by our third date that he was the one I wanted to spend my life with. It took him a little longer to come around, but that was part of the chase. I remember water skiing with him, being amazed at his skill on the water as well as on the tennis courts. My mom and dad always loved him and knew he was the best match for me, I have no doubt that the Lord made our match in heaven. There were so many adventures; camping and going to Oahu. Dreams of the future. The sports cars we had, the fun we had rebuilding them. Our days were filled with thoughts of a future; love filled our hearts.  I so remember this day; our wedding day filled with such joy and happiness.

This was the John Travolta era; Saturday Night Fever was all the rage. As I look back on these photos and all of our memories, the love in my heart makes me smile. Babe, do you remember taking disco lessons before our wedding so we could dance like the movies; I was so shocked to see that my brother and I danced so much alike.  The blessing of a brother and sister in law who paid for our wedding reception and became the best friends we could have.  Our song "Always and Forever", which we still love. The hand blown glass cake topper that was smashed to smithereens in the Loma Prieta earthquake.  Those skeptics who said we wouldn't make it; we have proved otherwise though.  What an amazing adventure it has been; I wouldn't trade one minute of it.  As I look back on these photos and all of our memories, the love in my heart makes me smile. The Lord gave me the best husband I could possible want or have dreamed of and I'm so thankful for you!  The friends we made and spent time with; the camping trips at Fallen Leaf Lake and Tahoe. Our days weren't always easy but you worked hard to make a good life for us.
Our first home and our first born daughter. It was a magical time for us; starting a family and having such fun together. Before we knew it, we had another daughter who blessed our lives. All the fun we had with them; do you remember driving in the Corvette with them?  Days spent at parks and lakes and my dad's swimming pool. More camping and fun adventures, the years passed quickly and then  a move to a new area and settling in as our girls got older.  The weekends spent on the wave runner, you also coached soccer and going to all the sports events. Camping at Hendy Woods with the girls; the cross country trips we took-incredible family times. Cross country skiing and winter get aways in the mountains, to enjoy snow.  Remember all the family weekends at Lake Pillsbury and the tiny cabin. The years flew by; we are blessed with the most incredible daughters!  Before we could think about life, our girls were flying the coop and building a nest of their own.  Oh the joy at and seeing them married to incredible men who mirror you more than you realize, the joy at being grandparents!  The changes that came with our move out of California; you've never left our side, even if you'd rather be in Hawaii. Embracing retirement and being able to go on a few more vacations. Ziplining on Kauai, more fun times with friends. Our upcoming cruise to Alaska; what fun and adventures we will have.
 You are such an incredible man, husband, friend, father and grandfather and I'm so thankful for every day together we have.  I am more in love with you today than I ever thought possible; you are still the One!!!!
 Always and Forever.  Nor

"You're Still The One"

(When I first saw you, I saw love.

And the first time you touched me, I felt love.

And after

all this time, you're still the one I love.)

Looks like we made it

Look how far we've come my baby

We mighta took the long way

We knew we'd get there someday



They said, "I bet they'll never make it"

But just look at us holding on

We're still together still going strong



(You're still the one)

You're still the one I run to

The one that I belong to

You're still the one I want for life

(You're still the one)

You're still the one that I love

The only one I dream of

You're still the one I kiss good night



Ain't nothin' better

We beat the odds together

I'm glad we didn't listen

Look at what we would be missin'



They said, "I bet they'll never make it"

But just look at us holding on

We're still together still going strong



(You're still the one)

You're still the one I run to

The one that I belong to

You're still the one I want for life

(You're still the one)

You're still the one that I love

The only one I dream of

You're still the one I kiss good night



(You're still the one)

You're still the one I run to

The one that I belong to

You're still the one I want for life

(You're still the one)

You're still the one that I love

The only one I dream of

You're still the one I kiss good night".


Friends~We will be going out for dinner but our main celebrating will be done in July on our cruise.  I truly am the luckiest girl in the world; I am so thankful for this man God gave me.  We had a great weekend: a 10 mile bike ride, bonfire with one daughter and her family, Father's Day Celebration, as well as doing chores around the house.  I hope you had a wonderful weekend, filled with love.
Hope you have a wonderful day!
Noreen

Happy Friday Friends~How has your week been?  Mine has flown by again; as we get older, the days seem to pass more quickly-don't you think!  We went to our town summer concert series last night; it is always so fun during the summer.  The music venue is so diverse and last night featured Celtic Rock, with Piccolo and Bag Pipes.  We took Hunter and also our friends and their puppy Bentley.  Our youngest daughter and her kiddos met us there also; this made for a very fun evening.  I'm so thankful that I didn't come home with any mosquito bites and that I didn't have to put on any bug spray.  Hunter did really well and the puppy just wanted to play with him. It is so cute to watch them together.  I was impressed that all the dog owners had their dogs under control; something I've always taken for granted until we had our minor incident on Memorial Day.  It was pretty minor but for some reason made me somewhat  (very)anxious about large dogs; if you have known me at all for any length of time, you know I am a true dog lover and not had issues with fear of being knocked down.  I think that as I've gotten older, I realize how serious it was be to fall or be knocked down; add it the fact that Hunter has had dogs go after him four times in the last year.  So I am always watching now.  Enough of that! 
Yesterday I started cutting out fabric for the quilt and would love to finish today and start sewing.  I have my ladies group this morning but maybe this afternoon.  This Sunday we will have the entire gang over for breakfast to celebrate Father's Day and then Monday is our 35th wedding anniversary.  Yippee!!! Although we won't be celebrating until July, when we go on the cruise, we will probably go out to dinner.  Where did the years go? 
I hope you have a wonderful summery weekend! 
Hugs to you~
Noreen & Hunter

It's Thankful Thursday again; I'm hoping that your cup is overflowing and you have so many things to give thanks for.  This week has been busy and I have yet not gotten upstairs to my sewing room but today is a new day and the afternoon is wide open; at least right now and I'm planning on cutting fabric. I'm thankful that I found some coordinating fabric and that it is coming together in my head.
I am thankful that we completed several important errands yesterday, one of which was registering my car.  Now I just have to find a license plate holder for my car-o.k., so I can't decide if I want a dog one, a quilting one or something else.  It is overcast here today but at least the winds have died down.  I'm thankful for the men and women on the front lines of our fires, that risk their lives to protect our state and people's homes.  I'm thankful for cooler temps that will also help in the fight, as well as the lack of winds right now.  I'm thankful for my hubby; he is such an incredible husband and father; plus a wonderful guy who gives so much. 
I've got to get ready to walk in a few; I hope you have a day filled with contentment.
Blessings, Noreen & Hunter

Outdoor Wednesday

Morning friends~I realized how fickle I was today, when thinking it is already so hot outside at 8:00 a.m. and just a couple of weeks ago I was whining about needing summer weather-well girl, it is here! Reminds me of last year, when we had record heat with lots of fires.  Yes, even though we had more moisture this year, the fires have started already.
  As I mentioned one set of my grands have been taking swim lessons and this is the youngest grand(in the middle of the pool) of that family, who is taking them.  Doesn't that water look so inviting.  I grew up with a swimming pool and loved being able to go out first thing and swim.  Of course, once I became a mom and knew the dangers of a back yard pool, it was the last thing I wanted.  Maybe if there had been a fence but even still.  When I was in  6th grade, a toddler from a nearby street wandered away from his mom and somehow got into a neighbor's back yard(even though they had an 6' wood fence)and fell into the pool.  I was the one who found him lifeless on the bottom; but thankfully the fire department was summoned and he was revived. I also remember that it was truly the Lord who alerted me to that child and made me get help.  I remember, to this day, his little form under a couple of feet of water and the subsequent visit to the hospital to see him.  It was uncertain if he'd ever develop normally, because of the length of time he was not breathing.  These are things that impact you for life.  Even going through this, I did grow up loving water and swimming; just never wanted one in my yard.  I do realize this is a fluke thing to occur, but I always insisted my girls take lessons.  It is amazing, here I am 50 yrs older than when this accident occurred and it takes me right back to that day.
So, if it is hot in your area by all means enjoy some water-even sprinklers but keep an eye out for little ones.
Hope you have a blessed day! 
Noreen

Garden Shots

Happy Tuesday to you! Good morning friends; won't you come in for some ice tea? I wish I had enough room on my porch for a swing or couple of chairs, it is just too tight though.

 

I've been enjoying my front plant bed and thought I'd share; sorry the photos are a bit shaded. Two years ago, I planted a Bleeding Heart; at the time it was quite small, but you can see here that it is now huge. I love this plant! It seems to be in the perfect place.

 

 

I am so pleased with the way the front bed is looking; of course I could use a couple more perennials, but all in all for right now it is fine. The white ground cover is Snow in Summer and it has spread a lot-I love it! One of our Japanese Lacey Leaf Maples is front and center; these trees are our favorites.
We also have Clematis,two Hydrangea's and two Mums for the fall.
  We won't discuss my back yard though; when I was going to weed on Saturday, I kept getting bit by mosquitoes. Since I was working alone, I choose not to continue.

 

The other night while hubby and I were watching t.v., I happened to see a male and female Robin with worms in their mouths. Once they flew off, hubby and I investigated and found three babies in a nest; they were already pretty mature in size. Last night, all three granddaughters were over so we showed all three hatchlings to them. This morning I heard chirping from one of the beds and went to check on the babies-well there is only one today. I'm thinking dad and mom are teaching them how to fly; which means that I will have to keep Hunter inside(when I'm not here) so he doesn't see them and think they are toys. I can't believe we didn't realize we had an active nest in the backyard until Sunday.  We have also had several Grackles around and I think they might have a nest as well. These are the birds I can do without, do to the fact that they generally kill all the smaller birds.
I've been back on our walking schedule and love it; hubby and I even rode  14 miles on Sunday but this week it has been in the very high 90's, so riding will be in the evenings. I also ran out yesterday looking for more fabric for the baby quilt and of course it is no longer made.  I'm hoping to find some pink and white toile to use.  I may just have to scrap the original pattern and design one myself.
 I'm off the swim lessons for the grands this morning, got a couple of books I need to read and possibly run to a couple more fabric stores.
I hope you have a wonderful day, filled with sunshine and giggles.
Noreen & Hunter

From My Library

Many of you may be acquainted with author Dee Henderson; if not, she is a fantastic writer. I started reading her books back when my girls were in their late teens; in fact, the first book I read was The Negotiator. This book was so timely in my life because I was working in a bank and I had read it right before the first time(not the last)that I was held up. Dee's books are intriguing and riveting; suspenseful and filled with faith. When I saw that she had a new book out, I jumped at the chance to review it for Bethany House. Jennifer is the story of one of the O'Malley clan; she was introduced in The Negotiator but wasn't the central character. The family is comprised of seven members who became family when they were in the same orphanage. The characters are deeply developed and rich; fiercely loyal and protective of each other. Jennifer is a pediatric doctor in Texas who is actively involved with her patients, even when it means heartbreak over loosing them to disease. She meets a surgeon who wins her heart slowly and patiently; their future looks bright.
 I found this book impossible to put down and with only 154 pages, it was a quick read. I will say that the only disappointment I had is that the story leads into the first series, The O'Malley's-specifically "The Negotiator". Unfortunately, I gave all my books by Dee Henderson to my daughter ten years ago and she has since sold them. I remember the story line a bit, from the first series so won't go and reread it. I will say that if you haven't read anything by Dee, by all means get this book and then go to your library and read the rest of her books, you won't be disappointed. I'm hoping that Dee's next book, due out in 10/13, will be just as good. I'm glad to see she is writing again. I would rate Jennifer a 9 on a scale of 1-10; a 9 simply because it was so short and I wished the story didn't end. Reading this was like seeing an old friend and then not having the time to catch up.
 I received this book from Bethany House and was asked to review this book. I did not receive any payment or compensation for my review. Summer is a great time for easy reading, so take a chance on this book.
Have a great day!
Noreen

A New Baby Sister

 

Good Morning~Here is our oldest grandson holding his baby sister; I can honestly say that he is always happy holding a baby. I've never seen a young adolescent enjoying little ones the way that he does-it is so very precious.

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, the entire family is thrilled beyond words! Hubby and I spent some time with them last night after we took dinner; it was a lovely evening so we were able to sit outside and watch the kiddos play. Our daughter looks so relaxed-not like she had just had a baby; she makes it look so easy. Baby E is still settling into life, but what a darling she it! Today, I start cutting fabric for the quilt and sewing; later this evening we head to some friends for appetizers and a movie. They just got a 3D t.v. and we are going to test it out seeing the Life of Pi. Should be fun! I hope you have a productive weekend. Blessings,
Nana Noreen

Meet and Greet

 

Happy Friday Friends, Yesterday morning hubby and I took the five kiddos to the hospital to meet their new sister. The oldest grandson quickly figured out that the hospital bracelet his dad was wearing was pink, which meant he had a baby sister.

 

Our daughter with her new daughter.

 

How quickly your youngest, Miss A now 3, looks so much bigger when there is a new baby in your arms.

 

Dad and his girls.

 

A VERY Proud Papa

 

Isn't she lovely, Isn't she wonderful!

 

Nana's heart is soaring with love.
I'm off to bible study this morning and then making dinner for new proud parents and siblings.  I hope you have a delightful day filled with all that makes you sing.  I'll be back posting more photos tomorrow.
Joy to You,
Noreen