Google Changes and Follower Numbers

This information came from a fellow blogger, Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage, posted as to why our numbers are dropping and if you've been one that have noticed a big change here is the reason. 

Attention: Blog Friends and Followers

Hello dear friends ~ Have you noticed a decline in your blog followers lately?
Then I noticed an announcement on my blog. This is what it said....

December 21, 2015

"In 2011, we announced the retirement of Google Friend Connect for all non-Blogger sites. We made an exception for Blogger to give readers an easy way to follow blogs using a variety of accounts. Yet over time, we’ve seen that most people sign into Friend Connect with a Google Account. So, in an effort to streamline, in the next few weeks we’ll be making some changes that will eventually require readers to have a Google Account to sign into Friend Connect and follow blogs.

As part of this plan, starting the week of January 11, we’ll remove the ability for people with Twitter, Yahoo, Orkut or other OpenId providers to sign in to Google Friend Connect and follow blogs. At the same time, we’ll remove non-Google Account profiles so you may see a decrease in your blog follower count.

"We encourage you to tell affected readers (perhaps via a blog post), that if they use a non-Google Account to follow your blog, they need to sign up for a Google Account, and re-follow your blog. With a Google Account, they’ll get blogs added to their Reading List, making it easier for them to see the latest posts and activity of the blogs they follow."

I hope that this will clear up the issue for some of you. Hopefully any of those following with a non-Google account will be able to rectify the problem.

So from now on when I'm joining any bloggers, instead of following Google Friend Connect, I just copy and paste their blog name onto my google reader and follow that way. 
I hope this clears up the issue that many of us have been experiencing lately.
Blessings,
Noreen 

41 Years Ago

I can't believe I forgot to add this on to my Friday post, so if you didn't see my post from this morning please check out our sewing. However, today I want to remember my Mother who passed away 41 yrs ago today. She was only 61 and it was sudden, I was only 22-I would have thought I was younger. Much too young to lose a Mom, especially when I was still so immature and bratty. She never got to see me married or having children; thankfully my dad did.

This is their wedding photo-boy they were such a gorgeous couple. Many people thought my dad looked like Fred Astaire and my mom truly looked like a movie star. I still have her wedding dress and periodically pull it out for our grands to try on.  Miss you Mom.
 Joy to you!
Noreen

Sewing Fun

Happy Friday to you! Well today is not sunny and it looks like our snow storm might arrive before Sunday, in fact the wind is picking up quite a bit. We've been enjoying the beauty of our area for several weeks and I've loved getting out walking. Yesterday I mentioned I had three pictures to share and they finally got to my inbox last night. Here they are~ firstly here is the tool I've mentioned-it is a quilt block tool and the one place I could find a Star Block in a 10" square.  It is so simple to use and I know I'll get lots of use out of it.

My three blocks, which I will be giving to our leader who is making the lap quilts.  The larger one won't go in the current quilt, but may be used in the future if she makes a laptop that has various size blocks. The top two blocks were almost too easy and I was relieved when our leader of this project sent me a photo of hers-it is exactly the same pattern. I really loved the bottom square the most, but hubby just didn't get it downsized for me.

Our two grands finished their hot pads yesterday; I have to be honest it was a learning session for me as well, because I've never done machine applique and had to experiment with trying to find a blanket stitch. I even contacted Baby Lock for advise. I should have taken the class when I first got my machine almost eight years ago; it was a class that taught all about the different feet that come with it and the different stitches.

Aren't they just beautiful and the hot pads are pretty cute too.  Today will be a quiet day today; hubby is off painting a club room at the golf course and I will be downstairs trying to work on my squares for the quilt.  Of course, for a little bit I will be trying to pop into our blog and say hello. 
I hope your day and weekend is filled with activities you enjoy!
Hugs,
Noreen

A Little Of This and A Little Of That

Thank you all dear friends for your input on our follower numbers dropping recently.  For me, blogging is about relationships and you are friends I've made, even if I haven't met you in person. When I see numbers drop, it feels like I've lost some friends and yet I don't know why.  So now I know that while some may be attrition, it may just be blogger messing with us.  I guess if someone was not going to stop by I'd like to know why and if they found me to be boring or offensive.  So I'm rambling on and not it's done....so here's what I've been up to(my photos from my IPhone haven't come through yet, so I will post them separately when they do.
I got all three blocks done for the honor quilt, although only one is the one I was planning on giving to the gal making the lap quilts.  However, she told me she would use the other two also.  Today I had two grands over and they made hot pads-so cute, a beginning project in machine applique.  I will stay though that my machine has many decorative stitches and some that closely resemble blanket stitch but aren't quite the same-so the stitching looked a little different.  Also I have not done anything with blanket stitching or machine applique, so wasn't exactly an expert either.  I did tell the girls that they are learning and it will be a good start for the future.  Tomorrow has opened up totally and I will again begin working on my blocks for the quilt.  Thankfully a neighbor told me when she made a queen size quilt it took her a year and almost a year and a half to quilt it.  I do not want to take that long-and I doubt it would take me that long to hand quilt it, but you never know.  Tonight we are having Bison Burgers with french fries and salad for dinner.
Hope your Thursday was easy and tomorrow will begin a wonderful weekend.
Blessings~
Noreen

Do You Wonder

Good afternoon to you.  I just checked in here and wondered if anyone else wonders about attrition with bloggers, when you see your numbers drop.  Just about the time I notice it, I also begin to wonder why others stop following you-is it simply that they are too busy, no longer find your blog interesting or some other reason.  Life moves on and it's never been about my numbers, but still I would be curious as to why people leave.  Periodically, I find myself not checking in on blogs, but usually it is because those bloggers have thousands of follows.  If I offend someone, I would honestly like to know-not that I will change who I am, but maybe so I can be more sensitive. 
Just pondering this blogging occurrence.   I think we all clean out of reader from time to time. 
If you've got any insight, please share. 
Blessings,
Noreen

A View In My Neighborhood

Happy Wednesday to you! This morning after I ran errands, Hunter and I went on a walk. The days have been beautiful, albeit a little cold still. This photo is of our golf course and shows just how much our snow is melting. Walking is absolutely no problem now-the sidewalks are clear. I've got to say I love it! It is supposed to be nice all week and maybe rain on the weekend-which would be funny, since it isn't our rainy season.

Last summer when our friends David and Aletha were here we happened upon this cute book library. None of us had ever seen anything like it and Aletha went home to Carmel Valley and wrote a letter-so now they have one too. Since then, I've seen another one in the development and think it is a splendid idea.

On the same street I always admire this bird house. I believe it is for Martins and don't know if birds actually use it, whatever the case it is so cute.

I've started my second block for the Honor Flight quilt and will post tomorrow. I was glad to see our leader had the same pattern as I did-finding a Star pattern in a 10" in almost impossible. I also got a handy quilt square tool that I'll share as well.
This afternoon two grands are coming for sewing, to continue working on their book bags.
Now, I've got to get down and work on that square before they get here.
I hope you are having a great week and possibly enjoying some signs of spring~for those on the east coast buried under snow, hang in there.
Joy to you!
Noreen

Warm and Cozy

Happy Tuesday to you all. The sun is out here and although it is only 25 degrees, it is nice and cozy inside. Hunter is not a morning dog at all, he sleeps in until we get up and then often heads back to bed after he's gone outside. Today I made a change of plans~you see my quilt on my wall is pulling at me to finish it so I decided that this semester I am staying home on Tuesdays to sew. I have so much to do on it and I don't want it hanging on the wall, like it is, for the next six months; I can't even imagine how long it will take to hand quilt. My little Hunter is happy to have me home, though he thinks we should be out walking. With temps like we are having, it will be this afternoon before we venture out.

I also need to take the bag of dry food back to the pet store and try another brand again. If I can't find one he'll eat, I think I'll just have to go back to the brand we were using. With dry dog food, under one brand there are so many different varieties and since he ate the old kibble, I may just have to go back to it. Remember the days when we all fed our dogs the cheapest kibble we could find-usually Pedigree or Purina. I know some folks, who are breeders and feed their championship dogs Pedigree~but they also are sponsered by them. I also remember when dogs regularly chewed on big knuckle bones to clean their teeth-no $400-500. dollar bills for it.
The things we will do for these little companions~I love our Hunter so much and can't imagine life without him.
Joy to you!
Noreen and Hunter

Super Bowl Here We Come

Happy Monday to you!  Here in Colorado, I think the almost the entire state is cheering for our team's win yesterday.  There is so much spirit here, it's really hard not to get on the band wagon.  I've said it before, but before we moved here I just wasn't into football; of course a big screen t.v. may have helped.  The big game will be held in our old stomping grounds, but we won't be going to it.  Have you heard how much those tickets are going to cost-don't think so.
We had a great weekend, I spent a good part of it down in the sewing room but also cleaned out our spice cabinet.  I know it won't last, but it feels and looks so good to have it done.  Yesterday afternoon we went over to our neighbors to watch the game and have pizza.  It was really fun. 
This morning we are off to meet some close friends for coffee and to catch up; this afternoon while hubby plays indoor badminton, I'll be sewing-not on my quilt but on the Honor Flight square.  Tomorrow I start back to bible study again, it will be so good to see all the gals.
I hope whatever you have planned today isn't too stressful; for those east of Colorado that are having blizzards and heavy snow, stay safe and warm.
Hugs,
Noreen

Happy Friday to you all!  It's gorgeous here this morning, but still a brisk 27 degrees. 
I want to share this beauty with you-isn't she gorgeous!  I know many will not appreciate or like the Poodle breed, but when you have allergies and asthma in your family a dog like a Poodle only makes sense.  This is the mother to a female red poodle our grandson Mr. B(and family)will be getting in March.  The puppies are adorable!  Mr. B is a dog lover, so are several of his sisters and they have wanted a bigger dog.  Initially the family were looking at Golden Doodles, but the cost for a good genetic line of pup was astronomical, much higher than a Standard Poodle.  Mr. B's pup is coming from Idaho and comes from a reputable breeder and genetic line.  Needless to say, this Nana is over the moon about a new pup in the family.  Mr. B is studying up and gathering all the necessities of what he'll need for raising this pup. I simply can't wait!  Also, there will be no fufu cuts for their pup but will have one more like the mom.

Yesterday, I got several errands run as well as picking up a book on Poodles for Carrie's family.  I even got lots of sewing time, now have to work on the Honor Flight square.  I'm planning on making a sample first and then making the square for the quilt.  Hopefully I will have a handle on it by the time Monday rolls around.  Our weekend is pretty low key, except for watching the Bronco's game on Sunday.  It should be a very good game. 
Hope you have a great weekend and stay warm and safe, especially those in the East.
Blessings,
Noreen

Oh That California Food

Good Morning Friends, can you believe it's Thursday?! I can tell you that the traveling we did last weekend finally caught up with me last evening about nine o'clock-I was exhausted. We started watching the news in bed at 10:00 and I immediately fell asleep. I slept soundly until this morning; I knew I was tired, just not that tired. So one of the few things, besides family, friends, beautiful scenery that we miss in California is the food. California, at least Northern(don't know about Southern) has the best food of any of the states. Maybe it's because we lived there for 57 yrs; we traveled and have had some really good meals in other places, but I have to say that food in California is consistently good! I really planned to take more photos of our meals, but forgot until the meals were over. So here is the few~the first is a dinner at Rio Grille in Carmel; it is a very nice, somewhat expensive restaurant and the food was so good. This photo doesn't do it justice; this was a  pork chop with a special sauce and green beans.  It was wonderful!  I almost chooses the vegetarian dish that was a portebello mushroom, but choose this instead.

On Saturday morning, Aletha made us one of her gourmet breakfasts(she is truly a gourmet cook); she always makes the best meals from scratch~not just when we are there, but all the time.  This was an egg and vegetable frittata with sausage and toast.  It was so good-forget eating tiny portions.  

Saturday for lunch we ate at Nepenthe's in Big Sur and had a delicious lunch.  Hubby and Dave split a burger and Aletha and I split a beet salad and then also an order of Brussel Sprouts.  You know I have to say I've never liked them until a couple of months ago and now I really enjoy them~amazing how the body changes.  Saturday night we had roasted chickens, potatoes, a yam casserole and vegetables. 
Sunday was another great meal-Leg of Lamb for dinner with rice and gravy and green peas, plus a Cheesecake.  Let's just say I haven't checked the scale since I got back.  Of course, good food didn't end when we left Carmel but continued at Jim and Barbara's.  Lunch was ready when we got to their house and we had Chicken Minestrone Soup with Kale Salad.  I love soups and salad and it was a perfect cold day for them.  For dinner we had pork loin with a special sauce, potatoes and string beans-again just put a fork in us!  
So last night I actually made a new dish-Chicken with pearl onions, mushrooms, peas and a coconut sauce over Jasmine rice.  It was a definite winner.
Today, will be another day of catching up; I may run to the sewing machine store, the pet store and possibly Targ*t.  Also, I'm on a sewing mood right now so will probably be downstairs this afternoon.  I'm trying to figure out the best time to visit all of you and I'm thinking the morning and then errands and sewing in the afternoon.  I so need to check in with all of you!
I hope your day contains laughter, smiles and a bit of sillyness~
Until tomorrow,
Noreen
  

There's No Place Like Home

Well, we are once again in beautiful, snowy Colorado. Hubby and I had a wonderful, albeit quick trip back to California; I will say the time spent with our loved ones was so much fun, although to short. Unfortunately, we only had a "touch and go" stop at my brother's house. We were so uncertain of what traffic would be like heading to Carmel and we were on a time crunch. This photo was from last year and one of the peaks we flew over last night coming in. Truly, there is no place like home.
  

When we got to Aletha and Dave's house on Friday afternoon, he didn't even know we were there until Aletha told him there was a wine delivery for him for his birthday. Hubby, Aletha and Dave all enjoy a good bottle of wine~so this was his present. When he turned and saw us he was so shocked and didn't believe we came out just for his birthday! So fun!  We got to drive down to Big Sur on Saturday and then Sunday we spent watching football; so glad the Broncos were able to pull it out at the end.
Monday came and we headed to our old neighborhood to stay with Jim and Barbara.  We only had an afternoon and night with them, but it was filled with laughter and travel plans.  So yesterday morning we got up early and were on the road by 5:30 a.m. to get to the airport in plenty of time.  This is the part that made me remember what I don't like about California-we had bumper to bumper traffic, in the pouring rain and it took us longer to get to the airport than we thought.  I will be honest with you-I hate traffic, especially bumper to bumper and I was glad to get to the airport.  Our plane was delayed over an hour, due to weather.  We finally arrived in Salt Lake after having missed our connecting flight; the good news is that the seats we got on the plane were right behind first class and had so much leg room plus comfy seats-thank you Delta.  That flight was delayed by over an hour too, so we got home last night at 8:00 p.m. instead of our initial time of 5:00 p.m.  I'm thankful we had smooth flights and not issues there, plus traffic was so light by the time we were on the road.  Today is a day filled with laundry, grocery shopping, taking dog food back to the pet store because neither dog would eat it-and Lily is not a picky eater and buying some different food.  We love our friends and so thankful to have spent time with them, but I'm glad I won't be going anywhere until April.
Blessings on your day!
Noreen

Nepenthe and Big Sur

Greetings from Carmel. We are having a wonderful time with our best friends; we surprised Dave so much when we arrived. He simply couldn't believe we came out for his birthday! We celebrated at a restaurant near their house; let me just say Aletha is a gourmet cook and last night fed us the most incredible dinner. I think I'll need to join a gym when I get home! Yesterday we drove down to Big Sur, stopped at some shops and then had lunch at Nepenthe~ classic bohemian Big Sur style and at one time Orson Wells bought it  and gave it to Rita Hayworth.

Loved seeing these mushrooms with the Dogwood growing next to them.  We have the variegated Dogwood at home and it was fun to see it here.

This view was from the deck surrounding the restaurant; the green grass you see is land owned by the David Packard Family Trust.  Hubby's dad was good friends with the Packards and hubby grew up vacating at their summer cabin on Lake Tahoe~so this made him smile.  

The last photo is from Dave and Aletha's deck looking out towards the Reserve-the private golf course.  It will be a rainy cool day here today and we will be watching the Broncos game.  Aletha is feeding us so well, I will try to take photos of dinner tonight.  

I hope your weekend has been so relaxing and enjoyable.  

Until tomorrow~

Noreen

A Get Away

It's Thankful Thursday and once again I am reminded of all the blessings in my life. How about you, do you stop and reflect on all those wonderful blessings in your life? Today I am so excited because tomorrow we head out to one of our all time favorite places-Carmel Valley. I've always thought it was so beautiful, but the main reasons it is one of my all time favorite places is that my dearest friend, my bff who I went to high school with, and her hubby live in the mountains above Carmel Valley. This is similar to the view from their beautiful home.  I used to call it my mountain retreat-because you literally drive up this two lane road and you sit on top of an expanse with views that go on and on.  There is even a private, very exclusive and expensive golf course up on top of the mountain too; hubby has played there once and loved it.  The reason we are headed out is that Dave is having a birthday tomorrow and we are going to surprise him with a weekend visit.  My girlfriend, Aletha has know about this for about six months and we can't wait to spend time together.  These friends were the couple that came and stayed with us last summer.  We had a blast together!

This trip will help hubby hold on a little longer(not liking the cold winter here)-seeing the ocean always renews his spirit.  For me, while I love the ocean, it is the mountains that call to me-so we get a bit of both on this trip.  Unfortunately the weather hasn't been as mild as usual, so we may just end up staying in all weekend(other than a birthday dinner) playing cards and watching football. I'm sure Aletha and I will get into Carmel and walk around; this is something we always do.
The photos above are not mine, but they remind me so much of my FIL's oil paintings-he loved Carmel and while we have several seascapes of his, we don't have any with Cypress trees in them.
I will try to post if I'm able, but don't hold your breath-we will be having too much fun with them.

I'm going to walk today with Kam and Lexie in a bit and later drag hubby to Costco-I want to look at the carry on size suitcases; we have an old Eddie Bauer bag we use, it is good for road trips or camping but I want a studier suitcase that is the right size for carry on.  Hubby just doesn't know why we are going there later.  Today I have another sewing class with the grands; I ended up finding a pattern of a pot holder that I thought would be fun for the girls to make.  Yesterday the two grands decided to make book bags; they've made them before so it shouldn't be too hard. On Monday I got down to the sewing room to work on my squares.  Once we get back, I really need to focus and get more done as well as the block for the honor flight quilt.
That's about all that is going on here,  it is sunny but very windy today-ugh, I don't like walking in the wind.
I hope you have a day filled with laughter and smiles and a beautiful weekend.
Joy to you!
Noreen

Beauty

Greetings to you this Wednesday morning. The last two nights, we've had spectacular sunsets and I thought I'd share last nights with you. Enjoy!

Yesterday started out like any quiet day until I read a message by my good friend Val and about her dog Gracie being sick. Val recently lost her German Shepherd Schatzie and was heartbroken. Gracie has been showing some signs of not feeling well and after some research Val determined that it was the kibble they were feeding her. Mind you, Val like most of us, is very conscientious about choosing well known healthy brands~so it was with disappointment that I read she fed her dogs Blue Buffalo. That's what we had been feeding Hunter. After investigating the brand, there are over 1,400 complaints about illness and even death in dogs that were eating this food. Like most brands, there are so many different varieties that I decided I didn't want to chance any sort of issue. So down to the pet store I went; I had planned on Natural Balance but Dick Van Patten no longer owns this company and so I choose Fromm Limited Ingredients to try. Hunter is so picky that as of yet he hasn't eaten any, but this morning Lily comes over and that will more than likely change-because she will eat it. If not, back to the store I go for Natural Balance. What's also funny to me is that I got the Salmon and Tuna variety and our boy loves both these fish, so I figured he'd gobble it up. We'll see how long it takes him. You just can't be too cautious when your fur baby is involved. I hope you have a fantastic Wednesday; our oldest daughter and kiddos are coming over shortly while they have workmen at their house. Should be a fun morning!
Hugs,
Noreen and Hunter

Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund

To all of my friends who love to read; I've just finished a new book that was intriguing and captivating. I have read some of Jody Hedlund's books before and am never disappointed. It was a riveting story, filled with action and insight into the lives of miners and also lighthouse keepers.

Here is a description of the book from the back cover:
"1871
Eagle Harbor, Michigan
In a Town Mired in Darkness,
She May Shine the Light They Need

Running from the mistakes of her past, Tessa Taylor heads to the uppermost reaches of Michigan, planning to serve as the new teacher to the children of miners. She quickly learns the town had requested a male teacher, but Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since it's too late to replace her. Tessa can't help but thank him and say she is in his debt.

Determined to make herself irreplaceable once spring thaw arrives, Tessa throws herself into her work, and soon two students have decided Miss Taylor is the right match for their grieving father. At the same time, charming assistant lightkeeper Alex Bjorklund makes his interest known, surprising Tessa, who has never had men fight for her hand before. But not all is well as she feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her."

I felt the characters were well developed and easy to relate to. I haven't studied Lighthouse keepers before, so this gave me some insight into just how difficult the job was. This was a book I didn't want to put down and although it was #3 in the series, I was able to pick it up and not feel lost in previous story lines. I definitely need to find the first two books. I would give this a 10 star rating.
 Disclaimer: I received this book free from Bethany House, without any compensation, for my honest review. Bethany House has a wonderful blogger program if you are interested in receiving free books and reviewing them. You can find them here: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse

Have a fantastic Tuesday!
Noreen

Snow Fun

Happy Monday to you! We got more snow this last week and on Saturday I ran by one daughter's house to pick up a new book I just got. This is what I saw when I pulled into the driveway-all the kiddos(plus their dad)was out creating a wonderful Igloo. It was huge-about 3' tall and big enough for several to get in. It only took them an hour or so.

So very impressive!  Lots of hard workers in that crew.
On a side note, the book I picked up is called Choose Joy by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver.  It is the story of a young gal who battled a chronic disease that causes horrendous pain~however in the midst of being homebound, she still reaches out and touches lives.  Mary Carver was one of Sara closest friends and each page is filled with her insights while watching Sara live life to the fullest.  It is a new release, but I got it on Amazon.  I do plan on sharing it with others.
Today, I'm off to run errands in a bit and then hope to hit the sewing room.  Yes, I am still trying to finish up my individual blocks so I can begin stitching my rows together.  I also have a block I'm going to do for a quilt for a WWII veteran to receive in April for the Honor Flight.  I also have sewing with the grands this week; I've left the choice of project up to them, so it will be fun to see what they've chosen. It's cold here today, a mere 19 degrees.  I'm so looking forward to visiting Ca. soon so I can enjoy some warmer weather; I'm not thinking it will be much  warmer, but even 40 degrees sounds pleasant.  I hope you had a great weekend and that today will start a joy filled week.
Blessings,
Noreen

Fromm Liver Recipe Treats from Mr. Chewy

Happy Friday to you from snowy Colorado. It's been snowing since last night and although it isn't coming down heavily, it is wet and we have probably 4-6" on the ground. First thing this morning, hubby and I shoveled the driveway; some nice neighbors had already cleared the sidewalk for us. I have a new quilt group that I attend once a month and this morning was our meeting, so I had to get out before ten. The snow wasn't slick, but stopping in deep snow is always a challenge for me.
  I want to highlight this month's treats from Mr. Chewy. I love this program and want to state clearly that we are not paid in any way for our reviews, unless you ask Hunter and he'll tell you the treats are payment. All opinions are mine and I'm grateful for Mr. Chewy Blogger Review. We've tried Fromm products before and have never been disappointed.

These are a perfect size for our Hunter; they are crisp and easy to break apart.  I've tried them on his kibble in the morning and while he loved them as treats, he didn't care for them as much in his food.
These treats are made with fresh Liver and are made in the USA.  I didn't notice they have wheat in them, but Hunter doesn't seem to mind.  Fromm is a great manufacturer of dog food and treats.

 

Love this shot of him, in fact he is waving his paw trying to tell me to hurry up with the photos.

There is never a shortage of treats here and he knows it.  Many are from the blogger program~again we are not compensated for our reviews and opinions are our own.
Hubby finally told me I had enough treats for Hunter and I didn't need to put in another order until next month.  I buy all my treats and kibble from them~their service is prompt and cost so reasonable. A big thank you to Miss Sydney and the entire staff at Mr. Chewy.
You can find them here, please go check them out:  www.chewy.com

From a very grateful Hunter and thankful Noreen 

On Tipping and Such

It's Thursday already and I'm running around like crazy today.  Hunter went to the groomer this morning and while we love her, he shakes the entire ride there(I'm not so sure he loves her).  With prices going up, I'm seriously thinking of taking a series of classes on grooming or watching lots(I mean lots)of youtube videos.  I may even have to connect with Carol at Murphy & Stanley's home and see how she learned to groom her two doods.  Since our grandson is hoping to get a Poodle or Doodle puppy soon, he will also need to learn-so I'm hoping we can do it together.  Now, I'm off to the "groomer" aka hair salon for a cut and I'm just hoping she doesn't raise her rates at well.  Heavens, even in a small town it is getting pricey, but I love my gal and her skill, so am willing to pay.  All of the groomers in town must be in cahoots, because they all raised their rates substantially at the same time.  I can tell you that I used to pay $38. for Hunter plus a nice 20% tip, even though she uses her own/old garage space and has no overhead.  Now she's raised her prices to $43. and I've lowered my tip by half.  Many people I know don't tip their groomers, even though they work in a business.  I just met a close friend at the groomers today and she told me she's never tipped her, didn't know you were supposed to.  The last several appointments for Hunter weren't as well done, as she no longer has her ex-husband working with her.  I feel for her, but also know that every six weeks a tip can add up over the year.
Well, I've got to get ready my appointment.  I hope you have a great day and any of you that get your dogs groomed regularly, I'm interested to know your feedback on tipping.  Carol, if you are reading this I'm going to need some input.
Stay warm.
Noreen

Happy Wednesday to you. Today is outdoor Wednesday and I'll be walking with my friend Kam and her pup Lexie in a bit. However, I was so blessed this morning to look out our breakfast room window and see Geese on the course. Firstly, I need to make a disclaimer~while I love all wildlife, when we lived in our old home we had Geese that migrated to the development because of the lakes. I can honestly say walking and trying to avoid goose poop is not fun. When we found out that our golf course here was going to make the wetlands into a lake, we were excited(hubby loves lakes), but then the EPA got involved and said it would ruin some of the habitat for other animals. Well, we don't have a lake, but for the first time in two winters we have a flock of geese grazing through the dormant grass and sitting on the brown bits of land.

Today, they are a good distance away and this suits me just fine.  I love watching them, just don't want the mess.  There are new homes being built on the other side of the wetlands, so I don't anticipate having a major problem with them.  Years ago, I read a book by Jon Katz about his Border Collies; golf courses and parks would hire them to chase the geese away.  It will be interesting to see if they stay longer than a few days.  One island on a lake in our old development was so pretty, but when we kayaked around it, it had a horrendous smell from the geese.
I hope you are having a great week-for those in California, I know that you are thankful for the rain. I'd like you to keep it though for the weekend, so we don't get more snow.  Hubby and I will be heading to Carmel in a week or so, I would enjoy warm weather and no rain while we are there.
Remember seize the moment in your day and laugh!
Noreen

Looking Forward

What a beautiful morning we are having today; albeit cold, but also sunny. I love starting the morning in our breakfast area with a cup of hot tea in my hand and the sun pouring in. Our backyard is south facing, so we get a lot of heat in the winter. When the old owners told me it just gets too hot in the winter, I laughed and shook my head because I couldn't imagine it. I have learned that if I have friends over for a visit in the afternoon, I have to close our living room blinds because the sun is too intense and you can't see each other. I will say though, with the severe cold we've had for the last month or so, the sun and warmth are always welcome. I worked on putting dates on a new calendar this morning and looked at all our plans. Each February or March, we gift the family with a two night stay in condos up in Estes.  I always love going up to Estes with our entire family, minus our pups, for a weekend. WE used to try to get everyone out snow-shoeing, but with the littles it was just too hard. So now they all go to the sports store and do indoor rock climbing. This is our big family present for both girls.

When it is too cold outside to walk or bike, I spend my days on the computer, bible study or sewing.  Love it, but this is the year that we meet hubby's friends in Kauai for two weeks-so the guys can golf. The gals and I get along really well and enjoy our time together; one highlight for me is connecting with Val of My Girlz Got Paws.  I am never up to the long hikes Val takes, but love spending time with her.
Here is one of the beaches near Val; hubby and I are hoping for some new adventures this year, like kayaking on the river to the hidden water falls. 

Dreaming of this will help pass those cold winter days here!  I always miss seeing whales(we go at the wrong time of year), but love seeing the Monk Seals and their pups. 
Do you have special plans or trips that you are dreaming of that helps pass the winter months?
Have a joy filled day!
Hugs,
Noreen

A Brand New Year

Good Morning to you on this brand new Monday in a brand new year. I hope you have a great New Year's and will have an exceptional year. On Thursday night, hubby and I went to our favorite restaurant for a very early dinner-4:10 p.m. You won't believe it but we still had to wait quilt awhile. However, the wait was worth it! Here is our dinner entree~Char with spinach, blue cheese and bacon over it. Hubby had mashed potatoes and I had Jasmine Rice. We were home before 6:00; this restaurant is so efficient that you are never rushed but they manage to get you in and out in a little over an hour.

We have decided that we want to fix this dish in the future for our loved ones and dearest friends, it was so good! New Year's eve we also went over to our girls house and played cards for several hours. We were home by 9:00 and just watched a little t.v. before heading to bed. We haven't stayed up til midnight since we lived in Ca. New Year's day was filled with taking down the rest of our decorations, rearranging furniture and cleaning/organizing our storage area before we put our Christmas boxes away. It felt so good, but this gal was tired after all the work. WE also got lots of items to go to charity next week-you know old clothes, books, a high chair we won't need again etc etc. As you know, I usually try to discover what word I am inspired to have for the New Year. I don't do resolutions. I always hope for some goals to be accomplished, to be more disciplined in my life. Last year's word was Trust and believe me I really learned that when I was facing my uncertain health issue and surgery.
So this year, I actually have two words that are somewhat connected.  My first word is Anticipation~I felt that this is in regards to my hopes, dreams, visions, prayers for the future.  Then yesterday I woke up with a worship song on my mind-one line says "change me from the inside out" and when I went to church the sermon was on change.  Hummmm.  I don't like change, because I always think of it in a negative way; however I have decided to embrace that any changes will be positive.  What about you-do you have resolutions, goals, that you plan on or do you have a new word for the year?
I hope you have a fantastic  day!
Blessings,
Noreen