Tuesday, January 5, 2016

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

11 comments:

  1. Forward is always the best way to go. stella rose

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  2. So glad you are going to see Val. She needs some TLC these days! We are tire of the cold and long for spring. Mom made me write that cuz me and Stanley love the cold.

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  3. Being cozy inside is a special time of introspection and cocooning for spreading ones wings come spring. Sounds like you are having perfect weather for that. And your trip to Kauai will be all the more enjoyable.

    I am planning on more inspired creative adventures, and spending a lot of time daydreaming of welcomed blessings.

    Blessings for safe and happy trips,

    Marianne

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  4. Wow, Nor, the photos are just so beautiful!! Happy New Year, sweetie!! We have our family reunion in the Smokies in the summer, which we always look forward to. I think me and hubs will plan some getaway, too...maybe in the Fall. Hope your year is full of joy and blessings! That trip sounds great!

    Love ya!
    Becky

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  5. This sounds wonderful both for your family and for you and your Dh!
    We usually don't go anywhere this time of year as our ewes are lambing!
    Like you when it gets to cold I am on my computer, and it's cold here, unusually cold for us!
    Enjoy your special time.
    Blessings,
    Sue

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  6. Sounds like you have a wonderful year ahead of you! So wonderful to have it on the calendar, and some precious moments with your family to look forward to! I will be looking forward to the pictures and your sharing! Enjoy the sun... hope it keeps you warm during the cold days of winter! Have a blessed and wonderful day dear friend :)

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  7. Mom loves it when the sun beats in through our windows that face the back yard - in the winter. In the summer, we have to keep the shades down because it gets really hot. But it is so nice on a cold day to feel the warmth from those windows.

    That sounds like a wonderful getaway for the family. Enjoy.

    Woos - Ciara and Lightning

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  8. Hi Noreen. Happy New Year! I have missed you, and all of the blogging friends out there.
    How fun, another trip to the islands! When?
    xo Kris

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  9. Planning and taking trips is just so depressing for me, no body likes to travel alone! But it sounds like you have a wonderful winter/spring planned and I'm so happy for you! Beautiful time in the snow and mountains followed by a wonderful trip to the islands, how very special for you and your hubs! May 2016 be filled with peace, joy and good health! Blessings, Cindy xoxo

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  10. Hi Noreen! Two weeks in Hawaii? Yes please!! I'd be looking forward to that for sure. And I think it's wonderful that you host the family for a few days of vaca together. My parents used to do that for us, and I think it made us so much closer.

    My family is spread out all over the US. I look forward to a family wedding in August to bring us together! And my niece, who's getting married, is my Godchild too. So special!
    Enjoy this wonderful Wednesday!
    Ceil

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  11. Two weeks in Kauai, that sounds heavenly! We are going to the beach for 3 nights in February which will be fun and we are also planning a trip to meet up with my husband's sister and her wife at a casino. We love them deeply. They live in Arizona so we meet half way. Debby

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