Three Tired Amigos

Happy Friday Friends~ Here at Nana's Dog Kennel, the kids are behaving themselves and having so much fun that the little guy, AKA Bentley, is so tired out and napping.

 

You will notice the beach towel on the chair with Lily; somehow there are now more scratches on our leather chair-so I'm hoping to protect it from more. Anyone know how to diminish scratches on leather furniture? When you have a dog or two, you just roll when this happens. It really isn't a big deal, just curious if anyone knows what to do to protect it from more.

 

 

Hunter has always loved laying underneath furniture; the sofa table was his favorite place when we first got him, but then he grew up. Now, he is always under this antique dresser; especially when he is trying to avoid a little Cairn monster....bol(for you non-dog folks it means bark out loud).
 I've already been out combing the town for garage sales and also met a friend for coffee, to share about our cruise. She had me over before we left and showed me a video of their cruise.
When I got home,  I was hoping to get out and weed but it has already gotten hot, so maybe tonight.
 Hope you are coloring your world with love and happiness.
Noreen & Hunter

Boys will be Boys

Morning Peeps, I just got back from a short bike ride, maybe 5 miles, and thought I'd share Hunter and Bentley's morning with you. Bentley arrived shortly before eight and the play time and tag began. He still isn't sure of the doggy door but I know know by next Tuesday, he'll have it mastered. They immediately went outside to play tag; the lawn was wet and of course they hit the beds-so if you look closely at Hunter's paws and legs-you will see one dirty pup. I was going to wash his legs but since the lawn is still wet, it won't do any good.

 

It didn't take Bentley long before he found one of Hunter's Bison bones. I'm not sure he's had a large bone before-you can tell he is enjoying it.

 

Lily doesn't get here until this afternoon; we will have one busy household. We have lots of events happening in our town this weekend. Concerts, races, Bulls on the Beach at hubby's golf course-like a mini rodeo for the kids. We have an all town parade on Monday and a craft fair as well. I know we will be at the concert and then join our daughter and family at the parade as well as the craft fair.
What are your plans for our long weekend?
Have a great Thursday!
Noreen & Hunter, with Bentley's help

It's Outdoor Wednesday and Hunter and I have already walked 3 miles with our friends. Hunter would never walk this far with just me; it is getting warm and he would have crashed but he is a pack dog and as long as their are pups along, he carries on. Hunter is on the left, Lexie in the middle and Teddy on the right. We had a great walk, though he did step in some goose poop-yuck.

By the end of the walk, we had three tired pups. Hunter is hanging back in the shade; you know you've got some happy dogs when they are this relaxed. Thankfully, it is only in the low 70's not the 90's like it will be later.

The photos were taken on my IPhone so aren't the best quality; they did look better though when I got them in my email. 
I hope you find some joy today!
Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

From My Ride

Just wanted to share a sight from our trail ride today. When we initially went by, the mama was on the other side of the trail and I didn't see her calves. On the way back by, when I stopped to get a photo of her she immediately got up and went next to her calves. What is interesting is that all the pasture is fenced except for one little area where they escaped.  It is always so fun when we get to see some of God's creation up close and personal.
Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

Linkedin

Happy Tuesday to you!  It is a beautiful morning and I'm getting ready to walk and then bike ride.  I'm also thinking of those in Ca.(other states too)who are impacted by the latest wildfires.  I've been told, that the smoke from the Rim fire near Yosemite, is heavy in the Lake Tahoe region.  We will be heading out to California next month; I certainly hope it is over by then.  I feel for those who have lost their homes; here, we are getting ready to have new fencing installed today(we have plastic fences and the hail just trashes them) and I can hear roofers on the street-but it is nothing compared to losing ones home.
O.k. so I also have a question for you all; do you belong to Linkedin?  I am always getting invites and I'm not employed outside the home anymore, so don't feel that this network is important for me.  In fact, I'm sure it is just another site where people can connect; I really don't need another site to have to check in on.  What about you?  Do you belong and why did you join?  I've seen some reviews that show some people have a hard time maneuvering around it.  Is there any benefit to joining if you aren't working?  I keep ignoring my friends requests but don't want to miss something good.  So let me know your thoughts.
Have a great day!
Noreen & Hunter

Garage Sale Treasures

On Friday, I joined my bff  Kam, her daughter, sister and we went out in search of treasures. I haven't been buying a lot this summer but found some great bargains. I've collected china teacups for many years; I also have passed down teacups to my granddaughters. When I saw this at a gals house, I knew I had to have it. It is so delicate and beautiful.

 

I wasn't looking for white candy dishes but saw these and thought they'd be perfect for a ladies tea or luncheon.

 

The rest of the weekend was busy as always; hubby and I joined some friends and watched the USA Pro-Challenge Bike Race as it came through town. While we enjoyed it, I do remember the Tour de California lasted much longer-of course they rode around Nevada City many, many times.
The rest of Saturday morning and early afternoon was spent with friends; there was a  wine tasting festival in town and hubby and the other two couples got to taste some wine from Palisades, Co.
We are still trying to get bids on the work that needs to be done here at our house.  It takes so much time and I'm thankful hubby is handling it. 
Today I'll be bike riding and walking;  throw in some gardening, if it isn't too hot, and chores.
I hope you had a wonderful weekend, marked by Grace.
Blessings,
Noreen & Hunter

Playtime

Happy Saturday to you! As you know Lily has been here for a couple of days and there isn't anything that makes Hunter happier, unless he is at her house. I am so thankful that these two little furballs love each other and get along so well. I know that if it wasn't for Lily and Petrol( though Petrol doesn't come over as often), we would be looking at another pup for Hunter. I am quite content with just one, but Bichons are such social dogs they really need a playmate. Generally, after Lily goes home, Hunter will sit at the back door hoping she'll come back.

 

They are so cute and Hunter willingly gives his chewy to Lily. The steal them back and forth from one another; last night I gave them both a brand new one-Lily didn't want hers, so Hunter left his and took hers. Now they are both up high. I imagine once Lily goes home today, Hunter will sit whining for his treat-he knows where I put them at night. Today is a big bike race here in Colorado-the USA Pro Challenge; we will be at some friends of hubby's, whose home overlooks the race. Should be great fun! About four years ago, we were able to watch the California race and saw lots of big names. I hope you have a joy filled weekend.
Noreen & Hunter

If Wishes Were Kitchens

Happy Friday Friends, It is a beautiful morning here in Colorado; sun is shining and there is a slight breeze in the air. I've been hitting garage sales with my gal pals and came away with a very pretty china teacup and saucer, some candy dishes and a huge planter with plants in it. The plants are a bit old but for $2.00, who could complain. I will share my treasures tomorrow. For now, I wanted to share some kitchens that I'd love to have; maybe our next house will have an updated kitchen but for now, a girl can dream can't she?! This first kitchen I'm sharing is the same layout as mine, so I've been envisioning just what I could do to my kitchen; changing the color of the cabinets, new counter tops, new appliances etc etc.

I love this kitchen!

I love the look of painted cabinets and although I'd love some white or antique white; I grew up with painted kitchen cabinets and well remember many days spent using a product to clean off the fingerprints. I also know, from our white trim throughout the house, that white shows everything-so maybe I would choose a darker wood cabinet such as Cherry or Alder. I so love the size of my kitchen and would hope to have one as big; or at least one that can handle three or four people at a time in it. We may be empty nesters but we always have family around or a dog or two.
I love cruising blog land and seeing different homes and decorating styles.  I also love Pinterest but don't spend much time there; don't want to grumble about the what I don't have and instead focus on the blessings I've been given.
Have  a fun weekend!
Noreen, Hunter and Lily

Fall Craft

Happy Thursday to you friends. Many of you follow Pinterest and will recognize this craft; our monthly craft group got together yesterday and painted wine glasses, I still don't have the candle for the top but you get the idea.

 

I am not the most creative person when it comes to crafts but I can follow a photo or friends example. The glasses cost $1.00 each at the Dollar Store and another gal went to GW and bought a dozen-she will be having fun painting them. I choose to do only three because I have so many Harvest decorations and the last time I gave one of my crafts to a friend, well she wasn't as pleased as I thought she'd be. Hunter goes to the groomers today and Lily comes here for the weekend. He will be in heaven with her here. It is cooler than normal here this morning and it feels like summer is leaving quickly. In the background I can hear the roofers in the neighborhood; everyone here needs a new roof, including us. I'm not sure how quickly we will get it on, but probably in the next couple of weeks.
May you find joy in your day!
Noreen & Hunter

Life In Alaska

Happy Wednesday to you! You all know that when hubby and I travel, I always hit a quilt store or two or three; on our Alaskan trip I not only did that, but also bought two books(actually I got two kids books too). I wasn't planning on buying books, that is why I have our IPad, but when I met these two authors I just couldn't help myself.

Alicia Loveland is a wonderful lady-so gracious and friendly. I bought this book for my daughters, so they could use it as a resource for their curriculum. I loved the story; Alicia weaves a tale that you can picture. There are some pranks she talks about from her childhood that I didn't feel my grandsons need to hear about, but all in all, it was a great book.

When I met Lance Mackey, I could tell that he has had a difficult life. Winner of consecutive Yukon Quest and Iditarod dog sled races, his story is one of trials and victory-not only on the frozen trails but also fighting back from cancer. Lance is a man of passion for his dogs and of courage. I have learned so much about dog sledding, the Idatarod and dogs in general from his book.
I would recommend both of these books to anyone interested in what wildnerness living is all about and the courage to live in Alaska.
I'm off to walk and ride and then have our monthly craft group this afternoon.
Hope you have a great day!
Noreen & Hunter

Needle and Thread

Do you ever have those early morning hours, somewhere between deep sleep and consciousness that you find yourself wondering what day it is? That was how I felt this morning and I woke up feeling pretty groggy. Hopefully, my day won't be like this. Some of you asked about the quilting I would do on my latest project; I haven't done much but thought I'd share a photo of what I did the other day.

Yesterday, after chores were done and my walk and ride completed, I sat down and quilted. It was just too hot to garden or weed and since hubby was at the course I felt the freedom to just stitch. I can tell you this is the first time I've done "echoing" stitches, but I love the effect. It will take me about two or three times the time to do this, but I think the stars and squares will stand out so much more. I'm off now to walk and then to ride; we feel that with school in, biking is a bit more tricky first thing, as far as avoiding buses, cars, children, parents and dogs. I hope you have day filled with creativity!
Joy to you!
Noreen & Hunter

Happy Monday to you!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend in your neck of the woods.  We had a good one, pretty relaxed with nothing too exciting to report.  I am happy to report I started quilting on Saturday and although I thought I was going to keep it simple, I have added more stitching.  In the afternoon we picked up Lily; she spent the night while her family went on a monthly ministry commitment.  In the afternoon, our friend came over with their puppy Bentley-now 5 mos old.  They have a family wedding over Labor Day weekend and asked if we could dog sit for them.  Because Lily will be here at the same time, we wanted to let all three dogs play and get to know each other.
It went well and I think Bentley's time here will be care free; I will say he has so much energy that our two Bichons look really laid back. Yesterday, hubby golfed in the morning and then after he got home we went to an AKC dog show in a nearby town.  I was disappointed that we only saw one Bichon; however I did get a "I love my Bichon" license plate holder.  The afternoon was spent quilting.  Today I will be going on a bike ride and more stitching I'm sure. 
Our weather is definitely showing signs of fall; I need to see what the Old Farmer's Almanac says about our fall and winter.  Hubby has been watching the America's Cup Sailing Race in San Francisco.  It has been fun to watch with him!
I hope you had a restful weekend and are starting the week on a good note!
Blessings,
Noreen & Hunter

Blessings from the Hollow

Well, it has taken me long enough but I've finally got this quilt top finished and will be pinning it this weekend, in order to begin quilting it. Now that most of our vacations are over, quilts are being pulled out and worked on. It feels good to have this top done; quilting will be simple and pretty basic, which means it will go fast unless I add more stitching as I go(which happens occasionally). I do love the scrappy look of this pattern and it is called Blessings in the Hollow; I love the name of it.
 Now that fall is here, are you getting craft projects out to work on? I used to just quilt in the fall and winter(football season, because I didn't watch football then)but several years ago started quilting year round. You'd think I'd be much more prolific but since I hand quilt, each quilt takes a fair amount of time.
 I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Noreen & Hunter

Happy Friday

Yesterday afternoon, our two grandsons came over to spend the night with us before school starts. We wanted to do something special with them and so took them to their favorite restaurant-Texas Roa*house. As we walked up to the door, we spied this little fellow(though I've been told it was a gal); I was in awe of the red tail and coat, she reminded me of the color of foxes. Someone had fed her so she sat contentedly eating. I thought sure she'd be gone by the time we left but she was still there, eating a nut. She must be used to people because I got pretty close.

I am so thankful for my IPhone that takes photos. I am off to garage sales this morning before taking the boys home. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Noreen & Hunter

Ketchikan Part 2

Our final stop before Vancouver, BC was Ketchikan; it was by far our favorite port. Each day we walked approximately 5 miles, either around town or on the ship. The river below runs through town and was abundant in Salmon.

 

 

If you look closely at the following photo, you can see a Salmon tail right above the branch on the left side. This is the falls the Salmon needed to get up; we watched for quite awhile as fish after fish would get up and then be washed downstream.

 

We were surprised out how many tourists were fishing off the bridges; again we heard that these fish were not the tastiest.

 

 

Not only were the Salmon food for the bears but also these berries. We didn't see any bears in town and the only one we did see was on the bank too far away to really see.

 

More history

 

 

 

It was amazing that once several of the ships left port, there was no one on the street; guess the town closes early. Hubby read a paper while in town and it showed all the ships that would be there on each day and what time they were leaving.

 

 

We love Seaports

 

This was a house that I thought my daughters would love-green house and all.

 

 

This photo just screamed Alaska to me-maybe Maine too.

 

I hope I've given you a taste of Alaska and that you've enjoyed the trip through our photos. Many of you asked if I was planning on posting photos of our grands in the wedding dresses but after hearing more and more about the dangers of having childrens photos on the web, I have decided not too. Just too many predators out there.  Today is a very busy day, helping with grands, visiting a friend and walking.
Hugs to you~
Noreen & Hunter