A Grands Sewing Project

Happy Tuesday to you. The day has already rushed ahead of me; I've been to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned, ran into a new Pet Store to try a new kibble, met my girls and their kiddos for lunch at a park nearby and also walked Hunter as well as did a load of laundry. I wanted to share the quilt project the  granddaughters made during the last several months; of course during my recuperation, we cancelled sewing, so I'm thinking they might just be glad to be finished with the project. Here is the oldest granddaughter holding her doll quilt. She did such a nice job and I think the girls really enjoyed the quilting process. Initially this project was for Valentine's Day but some of the girls choose different fabrics. I just love how they each show their individuality.

I will try and get the other three girls to pose with their doll quilts; I was so pleased at the finished product and hard work that went into this.
Our next project(after all the doll quilts are completed)will be a pillowcase made from 6 fat quarters.  I will taking them shopping next week for the fabric; they love going to the store with me.
Tonight we have the two oldest grandsons, ages 14 and 11, coming for dinner and a sleepover.  They have requested their favorite meals and we will be watching either The Hobbit or Big Hero 6.  On Friday night we will having 6 granddaughters over for dinner and a sleepover.  This week is Spring Break and we are taking full advantage of it. 
I'm off now to run to get some Easter goodies and a few other items.  I think the wind is picking up, so not sure if I'll ride today.  Yesterday and Saturday I rode 2 miles; want to keep it up, but snow if in the forecast for Friday-which also means we'll need to cover our bulbs and bushes just starting to bloom.
I hope you have a good day.  
Blessings,
Noreen

Happy Monday Friends~I hope you had a great weekend! We had such nice weather here, which meant I was outside as much as possible.  On Saturday, not only did hubby and I take Hunter for a good walk, but we also went on a 2 mile bike ride in our neighborhood.  It felt so good to be riding again.  Yesterday was a special day for me-my birthday.  So our kids and grands came over for breakfast; it was so good that I kept eating and eating(now I'll have to walk and ride more).  We didn't get many photos, but here is one of my opening presents. 

Our two oldest granddaughters are so precious! 

The afternoon was relaxed because the wind picked up and after my walking Hunter, I didn't want to be outside.  Last night hubby and I went to a BBQ place for dinner; the portions are so huge, I just ordered potato skins. 
Today I'm walking first thing, doing laundry, going to the grocery store and maybe to lunch with a friend.  I'm also making up a big Taco Salad and taking some to a friend whose husband was hospitalized last week-but is home now. On a warm day, there is nothing like Taco Salad. I may even post a photo of it.
I hope you have a wonderful day and that your week starts out well.  Good bye March, hello April-though I should have waited to say that tomorrow.
Hugs,
Noreen

The Party

Happy Friday to you! We had such a fun family gathering last night; some children are so anxious to open presents and find lots of joy in the unwrapping and then there are some quiet little ones who become very shy about the whole process of being a center of attention. I can say Miss A comes by that naturally, from me. I have never liked having lots of people focus on me; I'd much rather have one on one time. Miss A loved her presents, from start to finish. We had a great dinner-her requests were hot dogs, beans, homemade french fries, and veges. The fries were so good that everyone kept going back for more and more. The kiddos all enjoyed playing outside as well, why the adults got time to sit and chat.

I got a text this morning showing that she was already wearing the clothes we got her-yeah! 
I've been out this morning on a walk with Hunter, almost two miles.  A friend and I are going out to lunch in a little bit and I plan on a short bike ride this afternoon as well as spending time outside.
I hope you have a fantastic day and weekend.
Hugs, Noreen

Yes, Another One

When a gal has 11 grands, you know there are going to be some back to back birthdays and there are!
Pictured above are two special sisters, Miss D on the left and Miss A on the right.  Today is Miss A's 5th birthday~Happy Happy Birthday Miss A.  Five years ago, hubby and I were just getting ready to go to Kauai for two weeks(just to be clear, I did not schedule the timing of our trip-my dh did).  It was so hard for me to leave my girl with her newborn plus her three older girls. 
Miss A is quite the character~she has a unique sense of style and will only wear clothes that she likes.  She knows who she is and will not bend to pier pressure, if it doesn't align with her standards.
She makes us laugh and loves her family, especially her Papa.  I can't wait to see how she grows and matures over the next year.  WE love you so much A and pray God's blessings over you!

I hope you all have a great day! 
Hugs, Noreen

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb?

Morning friends,  Many of  us grew up hearing sayings such as "March comes in like a lion, goes out like a lamb", referring to the weather.  In California, I always took it to mean that it would be windy.
I now know that it refers to weather in general and how quickly it can change.  Here in Colorado, it changes daily if not hourly.  Yesterday was windy but pleasant, then during the night it began to rain(which I did not hear, but hubby told me about) and it's pretty wet outside now.  Our furnace it even running, something that hasn't occurred in weeks.  I was supposed to meet Kam and another gal for a walk, but that was cancelled-can't say I'm upset. A good day to stay inside I think. Yesterday, I met Kam and we went on our normal walk in her neighborhood-between 2.5-3 mls.; it felt so good.
Later in the day, I spent some time dusting and cleaning house as some neighbors were coming over for a visit.  By last night I was tired.  The rest of the week is full, I have two grands coming over for sewing today, a lunch with our financial advisers tomorrow, two grands coming for sewing tomorrow afternoon, a birthday party for one granddaughter tomorrow night and a lunch on Friday.  Guess my body better be back into normal activities, because it seems my schedule is back to normal.  Not sure what the weekend holds, but in there I will be quilting in the evenings. 
I hope your week has been good so far and that you have time each day to kick back and rest a little.
Joy to you~
Noreen

Happy Spring to you !  Happy Monday as well.  We had a good weekend, enjoyed the sunshine and Hunter was elated because his 'cous, Lily, was here for the weekend.  Needless to say, we spent a lot of time outdoors and our neighbor brought her little guy, Dukie, over to play.  Hubby and I did take the two pups for a walk yesterday and then piddled around in the yard, enjoying the sunshine.  Today I had a doctor appoint with my primary care-we needed to look at my blood pressure meds and make a change.  A good appointment and my new med's were waiting for me when I got to Wa**art.  I had some other things to buy as well, so it took a little bit to get everything.  When I got home, I took Hunter for his walk; one good thing is my doctor actually told me that bike riding would be easier on my body than walking-so this week I'll probably start riding again.  I'll continue to walk each day-Hunter loves it so much. 
As you can tell from the photo above, my St. Patrick's Day decorations were put away and my Easter decorations came out.  I do want to do some more cleaning for spring, but trying to give my body more time to heal. 
I hope you had a great weekend and that your day started out on a positive note.
Hugs,
Noreen

Happy Spring

The first day of spring-how wonderful!  I remember being a teen and always being thrilled with Japanese Cherry Trees that were blooming, Daffodils that were springing up as well as Tulips.  I still get excited at these happenings; somehow they make the world brighter.  Daffodils have always been one of my all time favorite flowers, with Tulips coming close.  When hubby and I went on our second date, a drive to the ocean, there were Dafodils growing wild on the side of the road; he stopped and picked me a bouquet-he had my heart then! 
Yesterday was cold for most of the day; in fact, I spent the day being lazy, stitching almost all afternoon and evening.  Today promises of warm sunshine and there will be a walk this morning.  I'm taking a friend out for her birthday lunch and then have to run to buy a shirt for one granddaughter's birthday next week.  I already have other things for her.  I've learned much this week in regard to recovery-namely if you push yourself two days really hard, you will be exhausted for a full day afterwards.  It is difficult to remember that when you feel good and want to be back to your normal activity level.  Hopefully, another couple of weeks will have me there.
I hope your day is filled with touches of spring!
Hugs,
Noreen

Another Great Read

Happy Thursday to you. Our spring weather has left for a couple of days; I'm thankful because the last two days were filled with activities and I was beat by last night. In fact, I'm looking forward to a low key kind of day. Yesterday afternoon we had our two oldest grandsons over and ended up playing a game of Golf Monopoly. It's been years since I played and the boys are at the age of being sharp competitors; let's just say I took all three guys to the cleaners and gave them a whooping. I had three properties with four houses on it, they had to pay the rent in real estate. They finally gave up, despite the fact that I wasn't charging them the full amount. Of course, this is a once in a lifetime event.
When our family went up to Estes several weekends ago, I found this book at my favorite quilt &gift store. Being that the story took place in Sisters, Oregon I knew I had to get it. It wasn't a quilt story, but one that held my interest and made me want to return there. I wasn't disappointed.

From the author:

LOVE FINDS YOU IN SISTERS, OREGON "Hope Bartolli has avoided Sisters for years—both her hometown of Sisters, Oregon, and her two sisters who live there. But when the thirty-two-year-old corporate lawyer returns home to attend her beloved grandmother’s funeral, she’s surprised to learn that she has inherited Nona’s old house, her little dog, Andy, and an unexpected friendship with Nona’s handsome attorney. If she had any hopes of burying the hatchet with her sisters, these “gifts” from Nona aren’t going to help. Hope wants more out of life—but is she willing to take the risks to get it? And can she trust her family to stand by her side?"

I have to say I would have given it away, but instead I put it in the mail to my BFF in Ca. We hope to get up to Sisters in the next year, for their outdoor Quilt show. It is hard to get lodging, even when we have a timeshare up there. I thought this book might wet her appetite.
I hope you have a great day and find something today that will put on a smile on your lips and a song in your heart.
Joy to you!
Noreen

What A Win

Happy Wednesday to you! Half the day is gone already and I'm just getting to this. I've accomplished a fair amount today, but still have more things I want to tackle. Walking, a trip to Costco, taking a granddaughter to her orthodontist appointment, lunch and just now sitting down. At the beginning of the month, a blog I follow had a birthday giveaway. Jacque at Doodles of my Mind is a wonderful lady, filled with creativity and wonderful projects. I never thought I'd win, but entered anyway. Well, Jacque notified me that I had won a Double Zipper Bag she made; she is an excellent seamstress as well as has a great eye for color and design. Isn't it just so cute! This is the back of the bag, which measures 7"x9"-a perfect size for traveling.  I love the bright aqua and the gray polka dots.

The bag/pouch has two zippered compartments and inside I found a small travel size Hand Sanitizer as well as lotion.  I love the chickens, in fact I love this bag!  It will be perfect for our trip to Ireland this summer.  Jacque has a wonderful blog and shares her handiwork~she embroiders, knits, quilts, sews(waldorf doll clothes and accessories) and makes hooked rugs.  I've really enjoyed getting to know her and I think you will too.
So go by and tell her hello, you can find her here:
http://browndogprims.blogspot.com/
http://facebook.com/thechocolatepuppy
https://www.etsy.com/shop/thechocolatepuppy

Happy St. Patrick's Day

                                       May the blessing of the Irish be upon you today.
I've got a full day today~Hunter goes to the spa today and if he knew it this morning he would not be happy with me!  I also have an appt. with my surgeon for my final checkup; later both daughters and our 11 grandchildren will be here for our traditional Irish dinner, namely Corned Beef, Cabbage, Potatoes, Carrots, Rolls, Dessert.  I know by this evening we will all be feeling content and happy.
Yesterday our temps got up to 84 and it was wonderful outside.  Today will be in 50's, but hopefully the rest of the week will warm back up again. 
I hope you have a fantastic day, filled with a bit of mischief and laughter.  Stories will be told around the table tonight.  I'm excited as well, because this June hubby and I will embark on our first trip to the Emerald Isle; we will be spending two weeks there.  I am so looking forward to this; hubby surprised me with this trip and I want to be back in shape and ready by the time we go.
Blessings to you!
Noreen

Happy Monday to you! This morning I met my friend and her pup at a local park near our old home. Several years ago, during a wind storm, one of the big trees broke in half. The golf course decided that instead of grinding up the stump, they would have someone do a carving on it. Considering the golf course is called Pelican and we get Pelicans here in the spring, it was an easy decision. So on our walk, we went to the carving and I was so surprised at the detail.

The details are intricate and so accurate, it is beautiful.  At first, I missed the fish in the mouth-hope you can see it.
I hope you had a great weekend; we did and we accomplished a lot.  On Saturday I went on a nice walk with Hunter and then went to several stores looking for paper plates etc for tomorrow's dinner.
Yesterday, hubby and I ran more errands, went out to lunch and then began trimming bushes in the yard.  It was so hot and then our daughter and grands showed up, so they finished my work-I'm so thankful for them.
Today, I'm going grocery shopping and then will enjoy the day.
I hope you are having nice weather; we are and I love being outside.
Blessings to you!
Noreen

Happy Friday

Good Morning Friends~I hope your week has been one filled with contentment and productivity, as well as some laughter thrown in.
Yesterday was a full day for me; I must say that since I'm not tired anymore, I'm finding it hard to remember to kick my feet up for a bit during the day.  Reminder to self-take a rest and you won't be sore by evening.  It was a good day, filled with activities that I love-a walk with Hunter, Kam and her girl Lexie.  A little bit of cleaning-polishing the counters in the kitchen, before my close friend came over for a visit.  We caught up and enjoyed sitting outside in the sunshine.  When hubby got home he began trimming some of our ornamental grasses in the back yard and while I should have gone inside and kicked back, I swept up after him.  By evening I was feeling a bit sore, nothing so bad that I needed pain pills, but sore all the same.  I'm wanting to stop taking Tylenol; hope that if I'm more careful during the day I may not need it.  Today is a very low key day~I can't think of anything we need to do until this evening when we go out for dinner with our neighbors.  They just returned from a month long getaway in Arizona, so we are anxious to hear about their time away.  This weekend is wide open, hubby will be golfing tomorrow and maybe even Sunday morning.  I'm sure I'll be stitching a good part of the days.
I hope whatever you've got planned brings some sparkle and joy to your heart and spirit.
Still trying to get around to all of you.
Hugs,
Noreen

Go Climb A Wall

Last Saturday when our family was in Estes, most of the group went to the Sportsman store for indoor rock climbing. This is one of the traditions that the kiddos have latched onto, since we've been going up there. Just look at the expressions of all our grands and you'll know how much they love rock climbing. Also, it is humorous- but the ones who don't like being roped on, will willingly and enthusiastically do "boulder hopping" which is simply climbing without a rope on lower sections of a wall. Go figure!

Our two oldest granddaughters ended up tackling a very difficult climbing area; of course their dads and Papa were telling them they could reach the handholds, just to stretch a little further.

Papa having fun with his grands!

Old oldest grandson climbs like a spider, so fast and easily; he probably inherited that from me.  Seriously, I was called a mountain goat and a spider because I could climb up a rock face in record time.

Normally I would go to cheer everyone on and supervise, but I stayed at the condo to rest so our Kim took over my duties.

I hope all the kiddos continue to climb and enjoy it.  You don't see kids climbing trees or fences these days or walking 6' fences anymore(like I did), so I'm thankful this is available to them.

Another granddaughter who doesn't like to climb, took over taking photos-love this pic.

I've already gone for a walk, increased it by about 1/4 mile; got to say it feels so good to get out and walk each day.   My bike is sitting in the garage waiting for met to climb on, however I think it will be another month at least before I feel comfortable doing that. Yesterday I drove to the grocery store; my doctor had cleared me to drive as soon as I was off of pain meds.  I will say I was really tired by last evening.
I hope you have a fantastic Thursday and find reasons to be thankful.
Joy to you!
Noreen

A New Amish Series

I haven't seen any books by Kelly Irvin until seeing this book; I can tell you that I will be on the lookout for more of her books.  Here is the synopsis from the back cover:
"Sometimes it takes a barren landscape to see the beauty of God’s creation.
Phineas King knows better than to expect anything but shock and pity wherever he shows his face. Horribly scarred from the tragic accident that claimed his mother’s life, he chooses to keep his distance from everyone, focusing his time and energy on the bees his family raises. If no one sees him, no one can judge him. So why does he start finding excuses to seek out Deborah Lantz, the beautiful new arrival in town?
Deborah can’t get out of Bee County, Texas, soon enough. Once her mother and younger siblings are settled, she is on the first bus out of this dusty town. She is only waiting on the letter from Aaron, asking her to return to lush Tennessee."
It was an intriguing story, focusing on looking beyond outward appearances to  the inner heart.  I was somewhat surprised at part of the story line, but loved the rich characters and settings.  I would rate this book 5 star for the twist on the lifestyles of the Amish.
I also finished another book last night, so now I'll be back to a more normal routine of stitching and blogging.  Our weather is incredible and will stay warm for the rest of the week.  Hubby is loving it and playing golf tomorrow.  Walking is so nice when it is mild outside.  
Hoping you get to get out and about today.
Sunshine & smiles to you.
Noreen

Celebrate Good Times

Today is a very special day in our family~our oldest Grandson turns 14. Wow, it is hard to even write that. One of the reasons we went to Estes Park this last week was to celebrate J's birthday. Although we always go up there in the winter, for the families Christmas gift, we usually go in January or February. Our boy just got braces last week and still getting used to them-probably the reason for his tight smile.

All of the grands love to watch Duck Dynasty and we thought this was the perfect card for him.

Little man had an old cell phone and was pretending to take photos. Isn't he just a cutie!

Hubby and I love playing cribbage and have taught the grands to play too.  It was fun seeing the girls play.  There is so much life, laughter, love and joy when we are together.
Today it is supposed to get into the 60's-so incredible, just what I need.  I'm going to put Hunter's leash on him and we are going for a little walk.  Last night, I could definitely tell that I haven't been walking, as my legs were pretty tight.  I was surprised because the walk is so flat and easy, only 1 mile, but I guess I need to realize that it has been a month since I've done any walking.  I'm back into my pre-surgery clothes and happy about that, but in the evening my tummy still gets a bit puffy-something that is very common with hysterectomies. 
I hope your day is filled with sunshine, bird singing and contentment!
Blessings,
Noreen

Happy Monday to you! I hope you had a fantastic weekend enjoying life. Years ago, when we lived in California and I worked full time, I often missed the beauty of the area we lived in because I was so exhausted and stressed. Just last night, I was reminded of this when we were watching a show and they stated that if you are a professional person you often miss the joy in the little things of life. I am so thankful that hubby and I are able to enjoy each day to the fullest and embrace the beauty of our area. Our weekend in the mountains was so fun; I will say that by lunch time on Friday I could tell I had been pushing myself to get things done and was wiped out. I did kick back and that made the trip up and the evening much more enjoyable. For the most part, I took the weekend at a slow pace~no snow shoeing for me and I made sure I rested on Saturday. I was able to go to my favorite quilt store with one daughter and her girls, but choose to pass on the indoor rock climbing. Here are some photos that hubby got when they went hiking on Saturday morning.

Our two oldest grandsons hiking with their dad and Papa.

Looks like recess time for the middle school.

Our daughter Kim took the following photos on Friday on the road into RMNP. I haven't gotten photos of mountain Goats since we first moved here.

The herd actually caused a bit of a traffic jam, cars had to wait while they licked up all the salt.

We should have met them in the park, because by the time we drove through on Sunday we didn't spot one animal.  We got back by noon time yesterday and the dogs did really well with our dogsitter. 
Yesterday, after two of the dogs went home, hubby and I took Hunter on a walk. This is the first walk in a month that I've been able to do.  We didn't quite do a mile, but it felt so good to be out. This morning my bff Kam came over with Lexie and we walked our street-the full mile.  I could have gone farther, or so I thought, but choose to add more each day and build back up.  I am also hoping to get off the Tylenol this week-except maybe just one if I need it. 
I have more photos of rock climbing and family fun that I'll be posting tomorrow. 
I hope you are able to get out and about, even if just briefly.  These nice sunny days have made me so anxious for spring-I simply can't wait.  In fact, I'm putting away all my winter snowmen decorations.
Blessings and Joy~
Noreen

Yum Yum From Orijen and Mr. Chewy

It's a perfect Friday here in Colorado. Sun is shining, sky is blue and the world looks good. The promise of spring is in the air and Hunter is one happy boy; the reason is because another monthly goody came yesterday from Mr. Chewy.   Hunter seems to recognize the box when it is delivered and always after me to show him what is in it. I love how he climbed into the box to investigate.

I wanted to get a photo of the size of treat but didn't, however they are perfect for him. Hunter loves all freeze dried treats and would make a meal out of them, if I let him.

You can tell that he is asking for more; a great sign that this is a definite repeat. Sometimes he seems interested in the treats the first time, but then won't eat them after. He already has had two helpings and sat wanting more. I will have to see if Orijen makes freeze dried dog food.

These treats are pure and natural and offer a Whole Prey meat that the bag says our dogs will thrive on.  Made in Canada, the Bison are raised free range and 100% pure Bison.. They are low calorie and caborhydrate free.  I can tell you that I plan to check out their kibble too.
Hunter says these treats are "over the moon and back", he rates them 5 Stars.
We rate Sydney and Mr. Chewy a Diamond rating for the great service and products that are offered.
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On a side note, thank you all for your prayers and thoughts for the sister of my heart-she came through surgery and was already eating last night; they are hoping she'll be released today.  There is quite a difference in the recover from the DaVinci procedure and the traditional hysterectomy.  We are so thankful that she will be home soon; we just can't imagine life without her bubbly and loving self.  
I am still trying to get around to visit, but often find that after several errands each day I am worn out-so know that even if I don't leave a comment, I'm still checking in with you all.  Have a blessed weekend.
With love,
Noreen & Hunter