Friday Fun

We arrived home yesterday, late afternoon; we then picked up our little furbaby, headed to the grocery store and came home. It feels so good to be back; love our trips, but love heading home. Needless to say, Hunter was over the moon excited to see us. He had a great time with Lily, but all evening he just crashed. I would say, he played hard while we were gone. I was really close when I took this photo and he never even opened an eye.

There were so many great things about our trip~getting to have lunch in Pike's Market in Seattle during our layover, having time alone together in Kauai, great weather, hiking and exploring new areas, seeing Monk Seals and talking to volunteers, great seafood; there were a few not so good things for me~getting overheated while hiking one day, being considered a buffet lunch for mosquitoes another day. Our flights were easy and staying in Seattle overnight is always a much easier alternative for us. However, there was a problem with the bathtub faucet and I didn't sleep much Wednesday night. I certainly made up for it last night though. It is so hard to believe it is Labor Day weekend; where did our summer go?! Fall is in the air here; in fact, we watched football on t.v. last night. I have lots of laundry to do and more grocery shopping tomorrow as well as picking up my new glasses today. Right now Hunter is standing at the cabinet whining-his way of telling me that he missed his salmon treats while I was away. I'm going to take him for a walk before I begin all my chores. We don't have a lot of plans for the weekend~we are having our realtor and his family over for lunch on Sunday as a thank you for all his hard work for our family the last 9 mos. Our town has its annual Harvest parade and also art & wine festival-so we'll see if we go to those.
Photos of Kauai will start next week. May your day be sweet and easy!
Hugs,
Noreen & Hunter

Aloha

Greetings my friends from the beautiful island of Kauai. Our quick adventure ends today, as we board a plane to Seattle where we will catch a coo exiting flight home.  It has been a different trip, mostly fun. Hubby would stay another week or two, but I'm ready to head back to our loved ones.  Unfortunately,  we never connected with Val; I think we will be back before two years from now. I have been told that when we left we took summer with us and fall is now in the air.  We have many photos to post, somehow I think it will be next week before I post them. I hope you are all well; I'm looking forward to catching up!
Aloha, Noreen

Aloha

Not having good luck with blogger today-that's what happens when you try to do it in your phone. I've lost two posts already and too frustrated to start over; so this will be short. The trip has been different, some great things and a couple if not so great. All is well here, except my legs are covered in bug bites that are driving me crazy.  I'm looking forward to getting home. For those in northern Ca. , sending thoughts and prayers your way.
Joy, Noreen

Aloha

Good morning friends, sending greetings from Kauai. I had hoped to upload photos but so far only able to get them on FB. Got to go sit in Starbucks for free wifi.
Going on an adventure this morning, so I'll get back to you later.

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday Friends! I hope you are counting your blessings today; I certainly am. I am so thankful for my hubby, our two daughters & their hubbies and our 11 grands, as well as the four family dogs. Hunter is such a sweet dog and is very spoiled! When he goes to Lily's house to stay, he behaves like a dog-eating just kibble and having a fun time with her and the grands. Today I am thankful that our daughters live so close to us and that Hunter loves going to Lily's. Here they are-aren't they just adorable together. For those of you who guessed yesterday as to our destination, if you guessed the islands you are right. 

We usually don't make spontaneous trips, but after all the moving-this spring and in July, hubby decided that if our condo was free and we could use frequent airline miles, we would go.  Well, we are going.   What's even better is that I'll get to see Val again; she has told me there are two new Monk Seal pups. I'm hoping for lots of photo ops; hubby and I will be exploring and he's not taking his clubs. 
I'll be posting daily and sharing our adventures with you.
Have a wonderful day!
Noreen

Outdoor Wednesday

In honor of it being Outdoor Wednesday and our summer quickly coming to an end, I have a little question for you. The first photo is of a sunset at our last home, with Longs and Meeker peaks in the background. The Rockies always call my name and we are blessed to live so close to them.
This photo was taken last April, in Kapaa Kauai. One of the coolest things about that trip was that I got to meet Val, a fellow blogger, and hang out with her. Kauai is hubby's all time favorite place.
Now the question of the day is: Which area are hubby and I going to tomorrow?
Let's just throw in a third option~we are just hanging out at home and not going anywhere. We'd rather enjoy the changes in the seasons from our own nest; plus I'm having a hard time coming up with new posts, so thought I'd make this one up.

I will be interested to see your answers;  I let you know tomorrow. 
Today, Kam and I are walking and I'm hoping my new glasses will be in.  Got to do some household chores, like vacuuming and cleaning bathrooms. Throw in some time stitching too and we'll call it a good day.
Joy~
Noreen

Good Morning Friends,  Just checking in with you all to see how your week is starting out.  Yesterday was a good day; today is one that should be great.  I'm spending the morning with a close friend and I can't wait.  I'm hoping my new glasses will be in today or tomorrow.  I am stitching a good part of the time, trying to get my quilt finished but I am only 1/2 way done.  I am anxious to start the new quilt, ready for fall to set in so I have work for my hands. 
I hope you have a wonderful day today!
Blessings,
Noreen

Just Another Day

Happy Paws to you! I've taken over mom's computer today and wanted to share photos of moi. We had a good weekend~firstly my cous' Lily came over Friday night with her kiddos. I thought she'd be here for the night, but she went home after dinner with herour peeps. The oldest two girls spent the night, but I still slept with mom and dad. The rest of the weekend was pretty laid back, as you can see from this picture.

Mom is trying to experiment taking photos of me for a Christmas card; can you believe she is already thinking about that. Ugh!

Actually, she is loving the bright flowers in our yard; she says she wants to be able to look back on them when the weather gets cold. Another exciting thing about yesterday was that my parents watched a game on t.v. with guys playing catch with a weird looking ball. All I know is that there was lots of screaming and laughing going on and something about what a game.
We've already been on a walk with Lexie and her mom Kam.  The days are still really warm here so the earlier we can get out the better.  Mom says she  thinks it is only 2.50 mls and not 3 mls like she used to think. 
Paws and enjoy your day!
Hunter and Noreen

Happy Friday to you. I hope your week has gone smoothly and that you will have a restful and enjoyable weekend. The other night, Hunter was barking up a storm at the back fence. I had gotten the camera because we had a Common Flicker on our overhang; I thought it was a Woodpecker due to the spots and it was so pretty, that I wanted to get a photo. It took off before I could get one, then Hunter started barking.

This bunny was on the cart path, for the golf course, and Hunter wanted to get closer. Many people here hate bunnies because of how they can destroy gardens and also burrow under driveways. I don't appreciate their destruction, but my they are cute.

Kam is back from her trip and should be getting here any minute, for a walk. I've so missed walking with her! I do walk with my neighbor, but do to some physical issues she can only walk to the end of the street and back; I was surprised to find out it is a mile round trip. Never would have guessed that. I'll be running here and there today~grocery shopping, maybe lunch at the park and possibly the quilt show. This show is a bit pricey for shows and I haven't been overly impressed over the years with it, so it will be interesting to see if it has improved. Have a lovely day!
Noreen & Hunter

Happy Thursday to you. I am thankful that our internet finally started working this morning; it is frustrating when you are set to post and can't, or can't even go visit blogs. This morning, my neighbor and I took our two Bichons for a walk; we try to do this several times a week. The dogs thoroughly enjoy each others company and I thought it was so cute to see them shoulder to shoulder on their walk. Our groomer doesn't give the dogs bandanas, so Hunter is on the right.  I do have several I've put on him, but she cautioned me saying the hair gets really flat if you leave it on...so I don't.

Hubby is off golfing today and I just got home from our youngest daughter's house. She was organizing clothes and shoes, weeding out those items that don't fit any of the girls. Now, I think I'm taking my car to the carwash-it is pretty filthy. There are days when hubby and I will wash both cars but I'm feeling like it would be quicker if I just took it down the road. Tomorrow is a big quilt show down the street; I asked my neighbor is shew as interested in going and she accepted. Even though she doesn't sew or quilt, I think she'll still enjoy seeing all the quilts on display. I hope you have a great day! Tomorrow's Friday-whoopee!
Hugs,
Noreen

Boys Sleepover

With the school year starting up, we wanted to have one more sleepover while there was time. We are down to the wire though because school starts on Monday. So last night our two oldest grandsons spent the night; we had a wonderful dinner of bbq ribs, coleslaw, french fries and I had gotten a watermelon but it was mushy-so it will be a juicy today. After dinner we watched Pirates of the Caribbean 3D; actually they watched it while I quilted. Here are the two pups; maybe you cant tell, but Hunter is laying on top of Lily.

This mornings breakfast for the boys-pancakes and bacon. I just had cereal, didn't want to make a separate batch of gluten free pancakes.

After breakfast, I took the dogs on a walk. I'm not sure how my friends get such good photos of their dogs walking. Maybe with practice.

The guys are now drawing up plans of a wooden barn they want to build for some girls.  I will be over hanging out with four of the kiddos later today while two go to the dentist.  As for the rest of the week, we have the girls sleeping over on Friday night; only one family could join us-our youngest sil is on a work trip in Brazil and mom won't let the girls be away when dad is gone. I totally understand and would feel the same way.
This weekend there is a quilt show at our local fairgrounds that I'll go to; hubby will attend a local car show too. 
That's about all that is new here today.  Have a great day!
Blessings,
Noreen

Majestic

Happy Tuesday to you. Last Saturday afternoon, hubby and I ventured up to the high places-better known as Estes Park. We hadn't seen any wildlife either this spring or summer til then. We came around a bend in the road and a group of folks were looking in the garden of a local hotel; it was then we spotted him. We've seen a lot of Elk, but this boy had the largest rack of antlers we've ever seen. Somehow though, it doesn't look as big as they did in person, he doesn't look that big either. Thankfully we had our camera and got some photos. Hope you enjoy.

This photo was taken from the parking lot and we couldn't believe one gal from the hotel had her cell phone out and was standing way too close to him.  He kept eying her and I kept thinking she best back up; she finally did as he started to move.  I have a healthy respect for these majestic animals and how quickly they can move.   Seeing him made me think of the beauty of our mountains and wildlife; I also wondered if my blogging friend KB, who lives in the mountains south of the park, would recognize him.
He was tagged, which was a good thing.
We are back to warm weather this week and I have found out that our mosquitoes are out, last night got several bites.  I hope you have a great day today.
Joy to you!
Noreen

New and Better

Good Morning Friends, Last week I mentioned that my IPhone had died-specifically my screen died, which made my phone useless. I can honestly say I am very dependent on this technology, because without a land line, I count on being able to connect via my cell. I can't believe how our world has changed; do you remember the time we didn't have cell phones and could exist happily without a phone if we were away. I well remember backpacking with my bff in high school and being in the back country with no ties to civilization. I remember when we only carried cell phones in case of an emergency with our cars. Sometimes I think ignorance is bliss-or at least it was when I was growing up. So, there are perks when your sil works for one of the largest cell companies around. When I let my daughter and sil know my phone was broken, he immediately gave me his "old" phone that was the same model as I had. We also ordered a new IPhone 5C for me. Guess what arrived yesterday-you got it. I did have to wait to activate it until our guests had gone, but last night I went over to our daughter's house and let sil do his magic. It is white but I found a cute case for it.

This case looks just like me-I couldn't resist it.  I've been playing all morning on my phone, getting used to all the new upgrades and love it.  Of course, I know many of you could teach me a thing or two about it.

So I'm back in the modern world! 
What about you, do you depend as much on your cell as I do?  Do you still have a land line or just a cell?  Let me know your thoughts.
I am so thankful for our sil, for his skill and help in teaching this old gal and for working long, hard hours to provide for his family.  
Blessings on your day!
Noreen

The Winner Is

Happy Friday to you!  I hope your week has been one of contentment and peace, these qualities make life so much sweeter.  We had a wonderful dinner with our close friends last night and then came home and watched football. Of course, I had a quilt in my lap and a needle & thread in my hand-so it was even better.
I want to announce that Debbie from The Way We Are has won the book that I reviewed.  If you don't know Debbie, you can find her here  http://debsdailydribble.blogspot.com/   Debbie has a heart of gold and I'm so glad to be sending her the book. 
We have errands to run and then have hubby's golf buddies & wives coming over this afternoon-so I've got lots of prep to do.
I'll be around this weekend to say hello.
May your day be joyous.
Noreen

Thankful Thursday

It's noon time already and I haven't accomplished anything but walking with Hunter. I went by both daughter's homes to say hello and also ran to the hardware store.  I've made a healthy "green smoothie" for lunch verses just juicing the greens like I normally do.  I thought why waste all that fiber and I'm getting used to a thicker drink.  I have Kale, Spinach, Strawberries, an Apple, yogurt and a touch of lemonade to think it down.  I always feel so much better when I do any green drinks and I know my liver likes Kale so much.  To be honest, I like it in drink and cooked but not crazy just eating it in salad.
Tonight we are meeting some close friends for dinner at our favorite restaurant; we gave the fellow a gift card for this restaurant as a gift for when he got his doctorate.  The card will cover their dinner and we will cover ours; should be fun.
I made Hunter some meatballs yesterday and he loved them, but was up several times during the night.  Not sure if he just wanted outside a lot or if the meatballs didn't agree with him.  I'll keep an eye on him today, I gave him a very little bit with his kibble-so time will tell. 
Hope you have a great day!
Joy to you.
Noreen

Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Happy Wednesday to you friends. As promised, I want to review my latest read. It felt good to have something to read in the evening and this book was so good that I could barely put it down. I was not familiar with Sarah's book, but now that I've read her first book in the series, I will definitely look for more.

The story is set in Wise, West Virginia in 1954; a young woman named Perla and her daughter want to begin a new life, unnoticed there. Sadie, her daughter, is a charming little girl who quickly grabs the hearts of many in the town; not so with her mother who is unwed. As Perla and Sadie settle into the quaint town, rumors begin to fly about her past. Casewell Phillips has given up on love and marriage, but will this young woman change that? In the midst of the gossip and judgements, the town and whole area suffer a awful drought. Perla has a God-given gift of cooking and providing for people abundantly. More rumors spread as to whether she is a witch or not. Even the local pastor is turning the town against Perla. This story could have taken place in today's world as well, with the pain caused by unnecessary words. It deeply touched my heart, for many reasons-the lack of grace given to someone who so desperately needed it and also for forgiveness and life being poured out on all through the love of a child. I would rate this book 5 stars and highly recommend it. I finished it in a day and a half; the characters are rich and it is easy to imagine life in Wise. I also received this book free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

I am offering this book to anyone who would enjoy it.  If you are interested, please leave me a comment and I will draw a name on Friday.
Blessings,
Noreen

Happy Tuesday to you!  I am sitting looking at the clouds over the mountains and can see the thunder showers that are rolling in.  Yesterday my IPhone died and I realized just how much we depend on these devices; since we moved we have no land line, so a cell phone is mandatory.  My sil lent me his old IPhone until my new one arrives.  I am anxious to get back to my quilting and will probably pull my quilt out later today, after I finish  a new book.  In fact, look for a giveaway tomorrow.
I've been watching the news this morning and can't believe how weird the weather is all over the country.  There are mudslides and flooding on the west coast, unusual amounts of rain in Arizona and some weird wacky weather on the east coast.  Makes me want to hunker down at home and not go anywhere.  My girl is pretty settled into her new home; I can't believe how quickly she unpacked and set up the house.  I'm hoping to unpack the last few boxes in our storage area this week; put away my mil's china and also find a place for our photo albums.  I'm still missing my antique baby dresses and hubby is missing his golf ball collection.  Hope we find them.  I may need to go through every container of seasonal things to check and see if I can find the missing items. 
May your day be merry and your cup overflowing with blessings and love.
Noreen

Happy Monday to you and happy August as well. I feel like saying "where did July go?", but I know the answer to that one. I am happy to say the moving is all done; well almost, but there is still a small pile of decorations in my basement that my girl needs to get.

We had one moving truck and three trailers(although there were only three trailers,we used them twice-so six trailer loads) for the move; we packed up everything on Wednesday of last week and then on Thursday unloaded it at the new house. Friday was spent helping our girl unpack while hubby helped sil put together beds. If we never have to move another moving box, it won't be too soon. My girls are amazing in how quickly they can get their houses back in order. I know there is still a lot to do, but the house is already feeling like their home. So on Saturday, hubby and I had a lazy day-we were both still so wiped. Yesterday, we ran down to Denver on an errand, had lunch in Northglen and then stopped by our girl's new nest. Last night, hubby and I were watching t.v. when our girl calls and says they have a Great Horned Owl in the field behind their home. They got out their binoculars to get a good look at it and were so excited. Of course, it does mean being more aware of its presence, due to their small dog. I'm taking our Spotting Scope over today for them, in case it is nesting in the tree nearby. I am also hoping I'll get a glimpse of it.

Photo not mine

This morning Hunter and I will go on a walk shortly and then hubby and I have more errands to run.  I'll be at our girls this afternoon to help, if not before.  I am so thankful that we can enter into August with a relaxed state of mind and nothing too much on the agenda. 
I hope your weekend was relaxing and not too crazy.
Blessings,
Noreen

On Being Tired

Happy Friday Friends, We have completed 80% of our daughter's move and it feels so good. We spent Wednesday packing up a moving truck and three trailers, with rain falling. Many of you know that we had horrid rain here on Tuesday with massive flooding. I was concerned whether we would be able to get the truck and trailers and if so, would we be able to drive them. No worries though, the water had subsided a lot. Thanks to our oldest daughter and her four oldest kiddos and another friend who joined us, we were able to pack up all of the family's belongings. They spent the night with us-such a treat. Yesterday we signed all the documents for the sale and purchase of their new home and actually took possession a day early-which was wonderful. I will say that the first couple of hours were hard work, but then some friends showed up to help and of course our oldest daughter and kiddos also came over. Needless to say, we are beyond exhausted! I think you can tell from the photos below.

Papa taking a power nap as our sil likes to say. I think we all slept really good last night.  I also want to say that lately when I get beyond tired, as in moving, my mind just takes a rest....so we are at Quidoba getting dinner last night and I could not think of the name of one item.  Thankfully my girl was with me and able to articulate when I couldn't. 

The girls were watching t.v. but also beyond wiped.

In the midst of the craziness of the week, Miss A-age 4, ended up in ER with a buckle fracture of her arm.
Today we will have swim lessons for three out of four, while the other one gets a cast on.  Then it is off to the new house to unpack, organize, set up beds etc.  The family is hoping to spend the night.  I think it will take a couple of weeks to get everything settled and to feel like they can take it easy.
I hope you are all doing well; tomorrow I'm planning on getting around to everyone to say hi.
Blessings,
Noreen