Happy Friday Friends,  This will be our first Halloween in our home and we really aren't sure how many little ones to expect.  Hubby gives out the candy and I will be keeping the dogs occupied.  At our old house, we turned out our lights by 8:00 p.m. because we would get high schoolers and college kids and when the guys have more facial hair than my hubby, I draw the line.  For many it will be a fun night out and for some a night of mischief. 
Today will be a somewhat relaxed day, hubby is working so I'll be doing things I enjoy; some of the grands will be over this afternoon, while mama takes one for a check up. 
I hope you have a peaceful night and great weekend.
Blessings,
Noreen

Such Majesty

It's thankful Thursday and there is always so much to be thankful for, where do I start? One of the priorities that hubby and I had when we were looking for our home, was a view of the Rockies. We are blessed to have a wonderful view. Last night our sunset was glorious; I hope you enjoy.

Today holds a multitude of appointments~Hunter has to get his vacine for grooming-Bordetella and later today I have my annual mammogram.  In the midst I've got to run to Walmart and get some sewing done.
Our weather is beautiful today, so maybe I'll get a bike ride in or a walk with the pups.
Blessings and joy to you!
Noreen

Just Chillin'

It's outdoor Wednesday and I hope you get some time enjoying the beauty of our world. Since last Thursday, Lily has been with us while our daughter & her family are in southern Ca.  Hunter and Lily are such companions, they truly love being with each other. At our home, we have an ottoman for Hunter and as you can see they both love sitting on it watching the street. I'm sure they were quiet noisy yesterday, as our neighbors had work being done on their driveway. Lily is more vocal than Hunter, but they both hold their own. I couldn't resist getting these pictures of them just chillin, watching their hood. Don't you just love Lily's back legs-she looks like a frog. 

They both are in desperate need of a bath and might just get it this morning. Lily is half Poodle so her coat dries quickly, Hunter's is much thinner and wavy so it takes quite awhile to blow dry it. I know, some of you are probably rolling your eyes at that, but it's true. I do not fluff him like the groomers do, just get it dry and let it be.
Today is a very special day- both  our son-in-laws celebrate the same birthday.  So to both Brent and Eric, we wish you a very happy Birthday.  We are so proud of you both and so thankful you are part of the family.
Joy to you!
Noreen

Fall has arrived

Happy Tuesday friends. I can honestly say it now feels like fall has arrived-this pic was taken at 7:30 

and it was much colder when I got up.

 

Since we've been married, hubby and I always turn the heat down to 55 degrees at night, if we even have it on. So far this year, we haven't had it on more than once or twice-usually when we have guests. I will tell you that early this morning, before it was time to get up, I covered my head with the blanket. When I was younger, I always covered it; once I went through the change, I have slept much warmer and thus the cold didn't bother me. I find it interesting that all of the sudden I'm cold again. It is not that I just went through the change-it happened 12 yrs ago, so I know that isn't the cause. Today is supposed to reach 60; I hope so, yesterday was windy and cold all day long. I'll be pulling out my sweater for bible study today. I know many are already facing colder temps and usually by now we've already had several inches of snow. I'm thankful we haven't yet and hoping it holds off longer.
 Hunter is loving having his cous' Lily here with him; he is much happier when there's another Bichon in the house. Over the weekend, we had our neighbor and her dog Odie over and the pups played so well together. That is one on many nice traits about Bichons'-you get them together and they play perfectly. I hope you get some sunshine in your neck of the woods today.
Stay warm,
Noreen

Good Morning To You! It is so hard to believe that this is the last Monday of the month. I hope you had some fun over the weekend, if not fun than perhaps contentment and peace. On Saturday, hubby and I decided to take a run up to RMNP in hopes of seeing some Elk; this quick trip was also a chance for us to test out his car on the mountain roads. We didn't see any Elk or any wildlife and are pleased to say his car handled the curves and hills perfectly. Hubby is delighted with it. We stopped at a lake we hadn't been to before; I know we will head back there with family and possibly to snowshoe this winter.

We didn't stay very long, as hubby had to get back to work at the golf course. Even a quick hike does wonders for my soul; the weather was perfect! Usually, we've already had snow and Saturday was crystal clear.  I'd be happy if we had this weather until after Thanksgiving.  I'm hoping, if the weather cooperates, to take my brother and sil up there when they are here for t-day.  It is an easy walk and I know that it will become one of our favorite places.  In the afternoon on Saturday and even yesterday, I was able to begin cutting fabric for my next quilt.
I'm off this morning to help my youngest, as she's got a sick kiddo and extra hands are always helpful.
I hope you had a great weekend and have a blessed day!
Hugs,
Noreen

A Fun Ride

Hubby's New Car

Happy Friday to you. This is the second post, because the first one was accidentally deleted. This is hubby's new car; isn't it pretty?! It is a 2014 Passat, but pre-owned and certified-with 12,000 mls on it. It had been a loaner car for the dealership and most of the miles are freeway. We don't buy brand new anymore, even my Highlander was pre-owned. This car will be great for road trips in nice weather and getting around town and we'll use my car for snowy weather. Hubby really wanted this model and color; you know the saying-if hubby is happy, it's all good.
 Hope you have a great day and weekend. We will be meeting friends for lunch and then enjoying the day. I don't think it will get up to the 70's like forecast, right now it is cloudy and overcast.
Blessings,
Noreen

Happy Birthday My Girl

Today is a very special day for our family; our daughter Carrie, pictured on the left with our daughter Kim, has a big birthday. Well, maybe not that big, she is not entering a new decade, but we are celebrating being blessed with her for 35 yrs.  There are not enough words that can adequately describe the joy she has given us or brought to our lives.  We are so very proud of Carrie and thank the Lord daily for such a wonderful daughter!
Have a great day.
Noreen

Glorious Autumn

Good Morning Friends, Want to brighten your day a bit and share more of the beauty we behold here in Colorado.

I'm dealing with new issues on google-I use Firefox for my browser and previously had a tool bar that I was accustomed to, but it seems it is no longer available, which means I will be spending lots of time today trying to navigate my way around and find my bookmarks. Grrr-I hate changes. I hope you have a day filled with peace and contentment.
Blessings,
Noreen

October Sky

Happy Tuesday to you. It is no wonder I've fallen under Colorado's spell, with the incredible fall colors this year, as well as our brilliant sunsets. The other night, hubby and I were sitting on our deck, just taking in the beauty of the sunset. Hubby is the natural photographer and artist, but I couldn't help but try to capture the beauty before us.

We have many 14er's here in Colorado; 14er's refer to any mountain above 14,000'. These two mountains are in our area and grace us with their beauty all year long. Many folks climb them and although I've hiked most of the way to Half Dome, I would not venture to climb Longs Peak. The first year we were here, we met a man who was in his 80's and had climbed the mountain for his 80th birthday. Incredible I say, although you really can't tell they are as high as they are  in this picture.

We had another busy day yesterday, buying hubby a new car.  His Explorer has over 160,000 miles and is failing pretty rapidly. He could no longer drive his car on the freeway and we knew it was just a matter of time before it quit completely.  As of tomorrow, he will have a nice new black(it had to be black, as he always wanted a black car)Passat.  I'm very excited for him and think it will be a fun car to take road trips in, or roadies as we call them.
Today, I've got bible study and then hope to continue cutting out fabric for the new quilt. 
May your day be filled with kindness and contentment.
Hugs,
Noreen

Tah Dah

I hope you had a fabulous weekend friends! I've had such a hard time posting first thing in the morning lately, but wanted to get back on track. Here is my Alaska quilt; I purchased the fabric and pattern while in Alaska a year ago with our traveling friends. Not sure why it took me so long to complete, but now that it is done I know I'll get a lot of use out of it. O.k. on reflecting why it took so long to get done, we moved in April, went on a two week vacation and came back to unpack our new home.  Then in July, we moved our daughter & her family; when we were done with that, we went on another trip. It is a heavier quilt than the last couple I've made and will help us all to stay warm this winter. So without further adieu...

Yesterday I began cutting fabric for my new quilt-it is Birds in the Air and will be fall colors, all batiks.  A friend asked me yesterday what I plan on doing with the quilts and after so many years of making baby quilts, hubby and I will enjoy them until we pass them on to our grands. 
Not sure what is on the agenda today, but I'm sure hubby and I will think of something. 
Hope your day goes smoothly!
Joy to you!
Noreen

Jr. Sewing 101

This has been a day filled with all sorts of fun things; to begin with hubby and I took a bike ride, approx. 3 miles at a very good speed. Then after we got home, we went looking for a car for him. We test drove both a Jetta and a Passat; the Jetta reminded me of being in college-it was pretty basic. WE both preferred the Passat, but hubby is determined to have a black sedan. Initially, he wasn't looking for a new car, but the prices now seem so close between the 2013 and 2014 that he might just end up with one. I am going to do my typical online research and see what cars, in the same price range, meet or exceed the Passat. I keep saying that it will probably be our last new car, so he might as well get one he really likes. Here are the sewing pictures I promised of our granddaughters.  Making a tube for the headband.

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I just have to say that uploading the photos today was much more complicated; not the process, but blogger kept changing the sequence.  We had such a fun time; I will say turning the tube inside out was challenging for the younger girls. The buttons definitely add a bit of zing to the headbands.
I just went on a short walk with Hunter and our neighbors, so now I'm going to get this post finished so I can move onto other things that I need to accomplish today.
I finished the quilt, but hubby always does the photography and he is at work-I will post it tomorrow or Sunday. 
Have a splendid weekend and enjoy being outdoors while you can. 
Blessings,
Noreen

The Winner Is

It's Thankful Thursday and I am thankful for the blogger review program that Bethany House offers. I told you that I would give away the latest book I read "A Matter of Heart".

This morning I had hubby draw a name; in the past I've always used a random number generator, but not been too successful. This is much easier.

I am pleased to announce that Sophie, Gus' mom is the winner.

Congrat's Sophie. If you could email me your address, I'll get the book in the mail to you. I have a couple of other Beverly Lewis books that I will be sharing with you all in the next couple of weeks.
I'm off to walk this morning and this afternoon will have sewing class again. Doing the same class back to back makes it so much easier; I will post photos of the girls finished project tomorrow.
For all you quilters out there, I finally, yes finally finished my Alaska quilt; now all I have to do is roll it with a lint roller and wash the lines off and I'll share it with you.  I'm excited because now I can start my new quilt.
Blessings on your day!
Noreen

Outdoor Wednesday

Good Morning Friends, Isn't it just a lovely time of year? It was so warm here yesterday, but today is cloudy and cooler. It was a perfect morning for a 3 mile bike ride and then a walk with Hunter.  Now it is almost lunch time and I will be juicing my veges for lunch.  Sometimes I make smoothies with fresh fruit and yogurt, but mostly I love to juice; I always feel so much healthier when I'm juicing. I generally use fresh spinach, kale, beets, ginger, an apple, strawberries or peaches and carrots.  It makes about two cups of juice; I do eat some of the pulp as well.  I've had liver issues over the last ten years or so and kale is extremely beneficial for our livers, which is why I use it. I can honestly tell you when I'm juicing for the majority of my lunches, I can feel the difference. 
This afternoon I've got two granddaughters coming over for sewing and we will be making headbands.  Tomorrow I have the other two coming over; it is so fun to help them with sewing and projects.
I hope you are having a fabulous Wednesday! 
Hugs,
Noreen

Good Morning and happy Tuesday to you!  Yesterday was such a busy day; I had one of those points in the afternoon, that I just thought I've got to much on my plate.  Part of it is that hubby, with a bit of help from me, is looking for a new car; we went to several different places yesterday with no luck.  It isn't a "right this minute" kind of need, but hopefully he'll find one in the next month.  Add in several errands and two visits with friends and the afternoon disappears on you.  Today could end up being the same way, if I don't make a deliberate choice not to let it.  This morning, I have bible study and a luncheon afterwards; I'm hoping to sew a bit(possibly tonight) and maybe trim back our roses.  Of course, I may just decide to come home and relax(by that I mean blog hoping).  What about you? Do you ever find yourself so busy that you don't know if you are coming or going?  I woke up with a headache this morning; hopefully it will be gone soon.
Have a fantastic day and take time to enjoy life.
Hugs,
Noreen

A Matter of Heart by Tracie Peterson

I wanted to share this book with you; it has been a long time since I read anything by Tracie Peterson.  I have always enjoyed Tracie's writing and her stories, but somehow just got stuck on other genres.  This was a wonderful story to get reintroduced to an excellent author. 
The story is set in Texas and revolves around a young woman name Jessica Atherton; born to a life of privilege.  Jessica had planned to marry a man she had known all her life, but when he married another, she thought she'd never find love again.  Two men enter Jessica's life, one is Harrison Gable who is a lawyer and rich.  Being the beautiful woman she is, he instantly begins to woe her; another man also is drawn to Jessica for her spunk and forthright personality. Austin Todd is a Texas Ranger who has lost everything he held dear and plans to never become involved with a woman.  Jessica is drawn to both men, for opposite reasons.  The characters are rich and developed; you can imagine yourself living in this area. 
I loved this story and will read more of Tracie's books in the future.  I would give it ten stars.
I was provided this book by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing for my honest review. I have not received any compensation. 

I would also like to offer this book to one of my followers; just leave me a comment letting me know you are interested and on Thursday, I'll draw a name. 
Noreen

Harvest Welcome

Happy Friday to you! Here in Colorado, the sky is grey and it rained all night.  It is a perfect fall day to stay inside. Yesterday, hubby and I went to our local hardware store to get something hubby needed and I saw the green and white pumpkins out front.  Although I have had the big plastic pumpkin out for over a week, I wanted to add to it.  I loved the white "ghost" pumpkin, but have to say they are so very expensive.  The mum is my newest one this season; I love the color and it will be planted in the front bed when it is done blooming.
Today, we have two granddaughters this morning while mom takes others to the youth clinic for Well Checks.  Then this afternoon, our other daughter is having a girls tea party(hubby will have the two oldest grandsons during the time).  Tonight is the movie night for the ladies group; everything is ready  except I still need to vacuum.  It could be a very small intimate group of six or could be double that.
I love cold days, they make staying inside so inviting.  Tomorrow I have a DoTerra party to attend; in case you aren't familiar with this, it is a company that sells Essential Oils.  I've never been to one of their parties before, but can testify to the benefits of several of their oils.  On our flight to the islands last April, I sat next to a gal who had some and had to use one due to motion sickness.  Simply applying a drop of the oil to her skin, so she could smell it, helped ward of this malady.  I have also had friends use the methol oil to help with coughs.  It shall be interesting to listen to the benefits and see the prices.
I hope you have a fantastic day!
Blessings,
Noreen
 

Happy Thursday friends, So you know how obsessed I am, at this time of year, finding color in the trees around us. Yesterday on the first of my two walks, I found these Autumn Blaze maples displaying their bright red leaves. Nothing thrills me more than the beauty of this season. Hunter was fine when we got home, but during our second walk, he was tuckered out. Poor boy!!

We are having cool, cloudy days with rain in the forecast; I will have plenty to do inside. Do you have a variety of colors in your trees in the fall, or mainly one color-yellow, red or just brown. I do wish we had more purples. I hope you have a great day!
Noreen

Outdoor Wednesday

Greetings Friends,  I hope this day finds you content and savoring each moment.  I've already been out walking with Hunter-almost 2.5 miles and now am home; however Hunter and I are also going to walk with our neighbor and her Bichon.  This Friday night, I am hosting a Girls Movie Night with the ladies from my church, so hubby and I have already rearranged the furniture so we have more seating.  The movie is Mom's Night Out and it is supposed to be a riot. 
This afternoon I will be watching grands and also quilting.
I hope you have a great day.
Noreen

Pumpkin Treats

Happy Tuesday to you! While I did spend yesterday afternoon baking treats for bible study today, I am sharing about Hunter's October samples that arrived yesterday. I did bathe him yesterday, but didn't spend a long time brushing him out-so that is why he looks a bit scruffy. Here he is investigating the bag of treats in the box; some of his friends go crazy when they get their packages in the mail, but Hunter just tries to get the scent and sometimes pull the bag out.

These treats are so cute-remind me of children's cookies.

He's wondering if Mr. Chewy is leaving something else at our door.
Here is info on Grandma Lucy's Organic Pumpkin Treats:

"Grandma Lucy’s organic dog treats are not made in a factory but baked in a bakery by people who love their pets. Since 1999, Grandma Lucy’s has taken great pride in making wholesome, natural and delicious pet treats. Your dog will love the great taste of these Organic Oven Baked Dog Treats, but what you will love most is the fact that they are made with organic, human-quality ingredients for dogs. The treats are so tasty, your dog will beg for more. Grandma Lucy’s Organic Oven Baked Dog Treats ~ an organic treat you will feel good about giving your pet."

Key Benefits

• Suitable for all life stages
• 100% USDA Organic, USA originated ingredients
• Oven baked
• Human-grade ingredients
• No by-products, artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors
• Certified kosher
• Made in the USA!

Because pumpkin is so good for our pups, I was really hoping that Hunter would love these.  The drawback is that they are very hard cookies and he reacted the way I thought he might-he tasted one and that was it.  In fact, to be honest, I almost didn't request them this month because of that fact.  I love everything about Grandma Lucy's, especially that this is a California based company.  I know many of our friends are going to be getting doggy gift bags with these goodies.
We received these treats free from Mr. Chewy's blogger review program, for our honest review.  Mr. Chewy is a wonderful company and the people who head up this program are so incredibly nice.  If you haven't visited this company, please go check them out, they have a variety of products for dogs and cats.
You can find them here  www.chewy.com 

I hope you have a fabulous day! 
Noreen & Hunter

Family History

Happy Monday to you! I hope you had a joy filled weekend, enjoying this new season. Our weather has been spectacular, but thankfully not in the 90's like most of Northern California. We ventured to our new Costco on Saturday; the gas prices are the lowest of any we've seen and the store, though crowded, was not as bad as the holidays. It is so nice that it is only about 10 minutes from our house-will make shopping easier and more budget friendly. Today, I wanted to share some photos that we took in Leadville, when we were there. As you know, our primary purpose of the trip was to locate information on hubby's grandmother, great grandparents and great-great grandparents. These homes were at the addresses where hubby's ancestors lived at the end of the 1890's thru the early 1900's. Many of the lots were vacant, but these were still(barely)standing. Being a mining town, it appears they moved around a lot. They also lived in Aspen and Meeker.

This locomotive reminded me of the ones we saw in Alaska, with the snow plow.

Just had to leave you with this photo-isn't it spectacular.  I've walked this morning and now have to get in and bake two breakfast crisps for bible study tomorrow. Each group provides snacks for one week, since there are 80 ladies doing the studies, I thought I'd rather make enough to bring home than not.  Hunter will also be getting a bath today; we had friends over yesterday whose dog was a bit mouthy and slobbered all over him.  Hope you have a wonderful day.
Blessings,
Noreen

Fabric Fun

As you know, I took four granddaughters to Joanne's yesterday, to pick out fabric to make headbands from. We had such fun and the only thing better would have been if their Auntie Susan, aka sister of my heart-my sil, was with us. I'm sharing these photos today for her. The girls were so excited to be going on an outing with me and to be buying fabric of their choosing(o.k. mostly their choosing, I did need to give some direction though). I stressed how I wanted the girls to to pick what they liked and not just choose what their cousins choose-you know how best friends can be. Aletha, if you are reading this, you'll remember back to high school when we were inseparable and I wanted to wear all the same clothes you did.

Once they choose their fabrics, we had to choose some embellishments too. I couldn't believe how expensive buttons were.  Love the owl buttons.  I will have to make a head band up prior to our next sewing lesson.  I will say shopping with the girls was so much fun, we may have to make it part of our sewing classes.  From all these fabrics, I'm thinking they will get two headbands each; maybe they will be able to give a matching one to their cousins.  They will also be making headbands for their younger sisters and mommas.
Hope you have a splendid Friday!  I'm off with a friend shopping this morning and then will work on my quilt.
Noreen