Friday Fun

  

     A person can only stay inside so long, before the need to get out and about takes over.  Recently we saw McFarland USA advertised when we saw another of Kevin Costner's films.  Today, I talked hubby into going to a matinee; what else do retired people do when the weather is cold? Usually, we go to Tuesday matinees because of the price break. A couple of bits of trivia-one of my dearest friends grew up with Kevin and I heard about the fun times she had with his family.  Secondly, my closest friend from my teens coached Cross Country in Carmel Ca. and her team ran against McFarland  for years-she told me they were an incredible team!  Also, part of the plot revolves around my hubby's high school in Palo Alto, Ca.  I attended another high school in Palo Alto. 
I have to tell you that this movie is one of my all time favorite movies!  If you are looking for something to do this weekend, take in this movie-you'll be glad you did.
We don't have plans for the weekend; more snow is forecast so we will probably stay in.
I hope you have a fantastic evening.
Hugs,
Noreen

It's Thankful Thursday and I want to know what you are thankful for?  Today the sun is peeking through the clouds and the snow has stopped, for now, so I am thankful for the hope of spring. I am thankful that it has been cold and snowy while I've been recovering~it is much easier to stay in and take naps when the weather outside doesn't beckon me outside.  I am thankful that each day has gotten easier physically and that running errands doesn't totally wipe me out; I will say my idea of running an errand is going on a drive with hubby and letting him get out of the car. I am thankful for my faithful friend Kam and her bringing me lunch yesterday. I am thankful for the love and care my family are giving me-especially hubby doing most of the cooking and chores.  I am thankful that spring looms ahead and gives me a goal to aim for-lots of walks, biking and garage sales.  I am so thankful for the answers to prayer concerning my recent surgery.  I am thankful for all of you dear friends, who have prayed for me, encouraged me and continually checked in on me.  I am blessed indeed!
May your day be filled with blessings and may you find unexpected smiles and joy throughout your day!
Hugs,
Noreen

Review on Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

Happy Wednesday to you!  When I got home from the hospital this new book came for me to review.  I love Bethany House Publishers blogger review program, if you are a blogger and interested in receiving books to review you should check out Bethany House.
Here is a synopsis of story from the author:
"Alaskan Courage Series – Book 5
Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey’s search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light.
Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits. Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank’s daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper’s bidding or she will die.
Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is only threatening a girl’s life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen."

There are two book genre's that  I am drawn to-firstly any books about the Amish/Mennonites and secondly-stories that take place in Alaska. Dani Pettrey has woven a masterful tale of intrigue that centers not only on Dog Mushers and the Iditarod race, but also the oil industry.  I found this book to be so captivating that I was able to read it within a day.  Initially I was concerned because it was book 5 in a series that I hadn't read, but found it wasn't an issue at all.  The characters are well developed and the story one that could take place today.  I love Alaska and given my love for dogs, it isn't surprising this book held me captive.  The author reminded me so much of Dee Henderson, in fact at first I wondered if she was writing undo another name.  I loved how Dani weaved scripture through the story as well.  Now that I've finished it, I want to go back and read the rest of the series.  I would give this book 10 stars. 
I received this book from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing, free of charge in return for my honest review. 
If you need a great book to read this winter, look for any of Dani Pettrey's books, you won't be sorry.

Noreen

Community

Happy Tuesday to you! This is the sight we beheld this morning when we got up. I love Doves; I know they can be very aggressive to smaller birds, but I love their sweet look, besides them mating for life. I thought it was interesting that they are almost in lines-wonder if it is just because there was a spot without snow or if it is a behavior.

I have to tell you that yesterday was such a nice day for me; I took a nice two hour nap and felt so good afterward. Last night, I slept without extra pillows around me and was actually able to sleep on my side all night. I think some of the soreness of my incision is lessening; this gives me hope that each day I will continue to feel better, if I don't overdo it. Today I see my G.P. and hopefully will work out a new medication for my blood pressure. I'd love it if I didn't have to take any ever, but given my record, doubt that will happen. We are having a break in the weather today, as you can tell from the photos.  Tomorrow another storm is rolling in with several days of snow and also this weekend.  Guess winter finally decided to show up.  I know California is craving some moisture.  All in all, having snowy days just keeps me inside more(at least this winter); I miss taking Hunter for our walks, but I'm not venturing out to walk until there is no snow/ice on the sidewalk. 
Blessings on your day!
Noreen

Just Another Day

Morning Peeps,  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  I have a book review I need to do, but today is just another 'take it easy' day.  Friday I was feeling good, so hubby and I ran two errands; the first one wasn't bad at all, but I should have skipped the second one(to the grocery store).  I can tell you that I was that little lady pushing the very small carts-so I could walk very slowly.  I knew I'd need a really good nap when I got home and I did.  What I didn't count on was that it would keep me worn out all weekend.  Lesson learned; I'm taking a step backward from now on and just relaxing all week.  I still wake up sore every morning; trying to transition to my side during the night, but boy oh boy do I get sore.  One nice thing was(you know I'm not up to par when I finish this)a huge snow storm this weekend that kept us housebound.  We just kicked back, watched old movies-one was "Music and Lyrics" and was pretty good.  We also watched a Hallmark movie and caught some of the Oscars. 
Today will be a day of trying, yes trying, to get caught up with all of you my friends.  I'm really hoping that within the next week or two I will begin to feel an end to the soreness.  I know it will be a good 4-6 mos before I'm back to normal, but I'll take little victories as they come.
May your day be filled with smiles!
Noreen

Thankful Thursday

Good Morning to you.  Thank you so much for all your thoughts concerning my doctor appointment yesterday~it went better than I anticipated, however what I wasn't expecting was just how fatigued I felt for the remainder of the day.  You all remember the saying about two steps forward, three back; that is exactly how I felt.  All in all, I've felt relatively good; keeping myself relaxed and napping each day.  So by the time we drove to the doctor's office(30 minutes away)and then waited until I was seen, it was like my energy level tanked out and I was on empty.  I'm thankful to say the staple removal wasn't as bad as I thought.  Hubby and I had planned to make one quick stop on the way home, but choose to come home directly. I had a nice lunch and then took a two hour nap; I figured I'd be back to normal when I woke up-but I wasn't.  I had been warned about how quickly one gets tired after a surgery, now I know.  Last night we watched the last episode of one of our shows-The Mentalist.  I actually stitched too while watching.  I had a very hard time getting to sleep last night-I think my poor body just was totally exhausted.  Today I work up a bit achy and also very emotional-which is generally a sign of being tired.  So today I'm not doing a thing. I'll be on the couch shortly. We are anticipating a huge storm on Saturday; hubby is going to try a new crock pot recipe to last us through the weekend. 
I hope your day is blessed and that you have many, many reasons to be thankful.  I do!
Hugs,
Noreen

Outdoor Wednesday

Happy Wednesday Friends~I'd rather be doing this(photo taken 3 yrs ago), but alas I'm thankful to be up and around.  It was so windy here yesterday that the snow is almost gone, but it is still cold outside.
Today is the day I get my staples out-such fun, don't you think?!  When my oldest granddaughter found out I had staples holding my incision together, she had this horrified look on her face. She immediately asked if they were like staples you use when you staple papers.  Yep, that they are.  Thankfully this grand isn't the type that would like to see them-let me tell you that my belly is still swollen and has some bruising, so it is not a pretty site.  Anyway, like many good patients, I will take a pain pill and some Tylenol before I go.  Been through staple removal two other times and it is not a cake walk.  Hubby took me out for a drive yesterday morning; my clothing wasn't comfortable so we didn't drive much. I'm stopping by one or two stores today to see if I can get some yoga pants that have a really big waist.  Don't know how long the swelling will last, but need to be comfortable. 
This weekend we are due for another snow storm-maybe 8" of the white stuff.  It's o.k. though, I will be able to hang out and stitch. This year our weather has been so different-all over,  California is in a drought, our area is having a light winter and back east is getting what the rest of us aren't. 
I hope you are able to get outside and enjoy fresh air today. 
Blessings on your day.
Noreen

Oh Happy Day

Happy Monday to you friends, I am so pleased to say that although I'm not totally pain free, I am back in the land of the living. Thank you all for checking in on me and for prayers & good wishes sent; I've said it before and I'll say it again-Blogville is one big family of love. I am blessed beyond measure! I got home late Friday-around dinner time; I could tell I was ready to go because I was starting to get impatient with the incredible nurses. Actually, the floor I was on was swamped and they just didn't have the time to take care of someone who needed to leave. That is not a negative-I get it totally. I was supposed to have left on Thursday, but my blood pressure spiked and they wouldn't release me until they got it under control. Thursday was a low day energy wise and I felt like I just slept it away. Hubby would come and stay for three hours at a time; he'd be sitting watching t.v. with me and I'd just doze off. This is one of the reasons I didn't want any visitors-knew I wouldn't be able to stay awake. By the time I got home, I was one happy gal! I think just leaving gave me a boost of energy. I will say that sleeping has been my hardest time of all-even with the pain meds, I just can't seem to get comfortable. Once I'm up in the morning things ease out, but I'm looking forward to sleeping soundly without pain in the future. I wanted to share the lovely flowers I got.

This first bouquet was from our neighbors across the street-so pretty !  We have always been blessed with incredible neighbors and we appreciate them.  The one below was from my hubby-although I had told him that I didn't want people buying flowers for me; I have to say how much I've enjoyed all my bouquets. 

This lovely bouquet came from our bff/traveling buddies and old neighbors in Ca.  Thank you Jim and Barb!

Lastly, a dear friend who lives a street over had her hubby drop these tulips off on Saturday.    I love them and the green vase is beautiful. 
The weekend has been low key; I'm thankful  that I got a new book to review-it's kept me engaged.  Each day will be better I know and I'll just keep taking it easy. My granddaughter just arrived to hang out with me this afternoon.
Joy to you!
Noreen

happy Friday

Good Morning Friends, well I am hoping to go home today😃. It has been a rough week and I ended up staying in the hospital lo gee than I thought. I must admit today I feel weaker than I have before, but if I'm honest it is because I haven't gotten up to walk like I should have. I'm hoping that getting home will make all the difference. Until Monday-Noreen

Update

This is Carrie, Noreen's daughter.  Surgery went well this morning!  Mom is resting today and then will be hard at work tomorrow so that she can get home!

For I will restore your health to you and I will heal your wounds, says the Lord.  Jer.30:17

Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly(or immeasurably more) beyond all that we ask or think or imagine, according to the Power that works within us,
To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Eph.3:20,21

These are the verses I am claiming today as I go in for surgery.  I am at peace knowing He, who holds my hand.  My daughter will be posting an update on how it went and how I'm doing.  I'm praying I'll be home in 3 days and will be able to visit you more often.  Until then, blessings on you dear friends!
Because He first loved me,
Noreen

It's Doggy Dental Month

Happy Friday to you! If you are a dog owner, you are probably aware that this month is Doggy Dental Month. Back when I was growing up, we never worried about our dogs teeth; they always had bones that helped remove their tarter. In today's world, it is common practice that dogs get their teeth cleaned annually. This is not cheap, which is why we still give our dogs raw beef knuckle bones. Thankfully however, Mr. Chewy is promoting treats that help keep our dogs teeth free of tarter. Yesterday afternoon Hunter got a package from his favorite company. It is always such a hard decision to make on what product to sample, this month wasn't any easier. We feed Hunter Blue Buffalo dry kibble and so I decided to go with their product.

I love the size of the bones, just perfect for Hunter. He was so excited that he immediately took the bone and hid it.
Blue Buffalo always makes such good products!  Here are some of the details:
" Blue Bones Natural Dental Chew Bones come in a variety of sizes suitable for any breed, and are a tasty, vegetarian-friendly treat that's easy to digest, cleans teeth, and freshens doggy bad-breath. The berries and vegetables are packed with antioxidants.
Key Benefits

• Small size recommended for dogs between 15-25 pounds
• Glucosamine and chondroitin promotes good joint health in dogs
• Blue Bones Natural Dental Chews are made without wheat, a common trigger for allergies
• Taurine supports the heart and guards against cardiovascular disease
• Vitamin A, C, and E supplements boost the immune system
• Calcium from alfalfa helps build strong bones"
• Made in the USA.

Hunter already knows where I keep them and is wanting another one today. I've also just ordered some treats for him that he's already taste tested. Mr. Chewy is a wonderful company! Hunter gives these treats 4 paws up and gives Mr. Chewy a diamond rating for their quality of products, service and blogger review program.
I hope you have a great day and a wonderful weekend.
Blessings,
Noreen & Hunter

Blast from the Past

Happy Wednesday to you! I'm having a hard time getting my photos in the correct chronological order, so I'm just going to start with my 10th grade high school photo-the year when heavy black makeup was in. I can't believe I was able to get out of the house like this; must have been because my older sister(13 yrs older than I was) wore heavy makeup. In fact, I think she probably taught me how to apply it. Ugh!

This photo was from 5th or 6th grade-one of my favorite photos.

Next is my 11th grade, hippie era photo.  I'm much happier seeing less makeup.  Over the years, my sister continued to wear Liz Taylor type eye makeup, while I went more natural.

My high school graduation photo.  My mom had other poses she liked more, but I choose this one. I wonder what the other poses looked like.

I look at my grands now and try to see if any resemble me.  
I hope you have a great day; we are running errands all day and visiting friends tonight.
Smile, it is contagious.
Noreen

Remembering When

Happy Tuesday to you. Lately, as I've been seeing many Bichon pups on FB, I started remembering our Hunter and the first day we saw him. Some of you will remember and some not, but I thought I'd share what our little guy first looked like. This first photo is before we got him; he was with his siblings and is the little guy on the left. He was so sticking cute!

After we met the breeder, we took him to a nearby park so he could have so time before we drove for 1.5 hrs home. We also hoped to get him to go potty, but he was a really stubborn boy and didn't go for a full day-even after we got home. At this point he was five months old and I think so confused as to where he was going with these strange people. He had never seen a man before and was pretty unsure of his daddy. As for me, I'm sure he thought this lady petting him and talking in soft baby tones was pretty weird.

It is hard for me to remember just how shaggy he was. The breeder didn't groom him at all and he just looked a mess, although she had bathed him so he was a clean mess.

It took awhile for him to become comfortable with us and I will say(hubby will too)that he definitely bonded with me first. He now loves his dad and sleeps up against him at night, but he follows me everywhere. Hunter has been such an incredible companion for us!  He truly has my heart and if we didn't have his other best friends close to us, there would be another little Bichon running around our house. 
He gets to go to the groomer today, he sure needs it; it is a difficult thing for him to do-he always knows when we are going and shakes the whole time until he is inside.  Once there, he settles down and it always fine when I pick him up.  I have wondered about the mobile groomer coming here; I may have to try it some day.
I hope you have a wonderful day!  I had planned to go for a bike ride this morning, but it is pretty windy out there so I may just go on a walk.
Hugs,
Noreen & Hunter

Monday Monday

Good Morning to you!  I hope this finds you energized for this new month of February.   Yesterday, with millions of other Americans, we watched the Superbowl. To be honest we weren't pulling for either team; there are good players on both teams.  We went to our neighbors to watch the game.  It was a good game and I truly believed the Seahawks would win, that is until the last seconds.  We were so unhappy with the fight at the end of the game!
I will say that there were only a couple of commercials that we liked-our #1 was the puppy and the Clydesdale horses.  Love it!  Hope they keep making these commercials, even though they don't use the horses for parades any longer.  We didn't like the Half Time show; seems they just don't have good shows like they used to decades ago(o.k. so I'm showing my age). 
One show, after the game, that we loved was the special Jimmy Fallon show in Phoenix last night.  We watch him during the week and were pleased with the part of the show we watched last night.  If you missed it Fallon, Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart had a lip sync sing off; it was hysterical! 
This week is very busy for me~lots of appointments and getting ready for next Monday.  I want to talk to my next door neighbor, who was a labor/delivery nurse(now retired) and worked with one of my Dr.'s.  Because it has been 33 yrs since I had my youngest daughter, I need to brush up on how to move after the surgery.  When my first daughter was born, the nurses never showed me how to move after a csection. By the second surgery, the nurses showed me and it made such a huge difference. I'm also going to ask her if she has any tips for my recovery at home; I do know I need to drink lots of water, get off of pain pills as soon as possible and walk as often as I can.  I am setting realistic goals for myself and will adjust them as I go.  Nothing major-just walking etc.  I know it will be hard not being able to drive for a month and a half; thankfully I have a hubby who is more than willing to drive me, as well as friends who will take me anywhere.  I am thinking it may be summer before I feel back to normal or better. 
I hope you have a great day today; enjoy life. 
Joy to you!
Noreen