On Wings Like Eagles

Happy Friday Friends! One of the many things I'm thankful for concerning winter in Colorado is that Bald Eagles nest here. I am always in awe when I see Eagles soaring over us. That is one of the joys of living here in Colorado and I never tire of the majesty of the Eagle. In spite of my whining about the lack of warm sunshine, I was again reminded of the joy of winter when my daughter texted me these photos. Last evening as they were heading to Costco they spotted this beauty and her hubby pulled over to get the following shots. Not only did they thrill me, but I know that the five kiddos in the car were equally excited! For your viewing pleasure~

Here is our son-in-law getting the shots.  Hubby and I are so blessed by both our son-in-laws whom are more like sons to us.  They are incredible men, husbands, fathers, son-in-laws, brothers, friends and they both minister life to us.  We couldn't be more proud of them and are so very thankful! We are also very thankful for our daughters making such incredible choices for their hubbies.
I hope you enjoyed a bit of Colorado this morning. 

We will be getting lots of snow today and this weekend, so will be staying in.  Our youngest and her family will be heading to Mount Rushmore;  I will be praying for safe travels for them all.

Honor Flight Quilts

Happy Thursday from cold Colorado. The storm that was supposed to bring snow to us tonight, moved in early and it will be an afternoon spent inside. My walk today got cancelled and instead
Kam and I met for coffee.  We had a great catch up and on the way home I stopped at the friends house who is assembling the Honor Flight quilts.  Here is one on the tops  finished, she did a great job.

I have decided that I didn't like the Star I was doing, due to the Flying Geese~I just had too hard of a time making sure all my points were perfect. The middle block below is called Friendship Star and I may use it for future blocks for the Honor Flight quilts.

Here are the three blocks I turned in today.  One of my issues this week has been that my sewing machine is back in for repairs-had issues with the tension after just having had it tuned up.  I was ready to hand my machine down to my grands and go get a used Bernina.  That won't be happening any time soon, I still have to replace my IPad.  I do have to say that I love my Baby Lock and haven't had issues with it until recently.

On the square on the left is writing on the middle red square with all the branches of the Armed Forces and patriotic sayings.  I love that fabric the most.
I hope that whatever your day holds, you find some time to spend on something that brings you joy.
Blessings,
Noreen

It's outdoor Wednesday and I've already taken Hunter on a 1.5 mile walk in the neighborhood. This afternoon we will be going over to have playtime with Copper; I know he'll love it! Yesterday morning when hubby asked me what we were having for dinner, I knew immediately~it was a dish I saw on someone's blog. It wasn't a recipe per say, she just told what she was putting in her dish. So I had some Quinoa noodles that I cooked, added lump crab meat and medium size shrimp, asparagus, tomatoes, cilantro, garlic and green onions. Hubby cooked the shellfish and asparagus in butter, but next time I would do it in vegetable or chicken broth. The end result was that everything other than the noodles melded together, but without much spice. The great thing is that we got the crab in a can(I know, I wasn't sure how it would taste)right from the butcher and it was like having fresh crab. We don't care for King Crab, just like Dungeness Crab that we grew up eating in Palo Alto and that is the type we prefer.

I added some fresh tomatoes to the side and also garlic bread; it was good and we have left over Crab meat that we'll use in a salad tonight. Need to tweak this recipe a bit, but it was fun to just throw things together.
The clouds have moved in this afternoon and we will get thunder later on.  California, can you please keep the rain and storms-we know you need them and we really don't.  This gal needs some sunshine.
Hope you have a great afternoon!
Noreen

The Inheritance by Michael Phillips review

The Inheritance, by Michael Phillips: " Macgregor Tulloch was clan cheif of Whales Reef of the Shetland Islands community. He loved his nephew David. When Macgregor passes away, everyone assumes David was the heir to the estate that controls most of the island's land. However the will was nowhere to be found. Hardy is another Nephew who decides he should claim the inheritance. He is involved with an oil invester who will pay quite a bit for that kind of control. Many of the locals become financially burdened when the assets to the estate are frozen while the courts investigate the claims. Loni Ford was orphaned as a child and raised by her grandparents. She now works for an investment firm in Washington, DC. What happens when a mysterious letter is delivered from Scotland? The death of the clan patriarch has thrown the tiny Shetland Islands community of Whale's Reef into turmoil. Everyone assumed MacGregor Tulloch's heir to be his grand-nephew David, a local favorite, but when it is discovered that MacGregor left no will, David's grasping cousin Hardy submits his own claim to the inheritance, an estate that controls most of the island's land. And while Hardy doesn't enjoy much popular support, he has the backing of a shadowy group of North Sea oil investors. The courts have frozen the estate's assets while the competing claims are investigated, leaving many of the residents in financial limbo. The future of the island--and its traditional way of life--hangs in the balance. Loni Ford is enjoying her rising career in a large investment firm in Washington, DC. Yet in spite of her outward success, she is privately plagued by questions of identity. Orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her paternal grandparents, and while she loves them dearly, she feels completely detached from her roots. That is until a mysterious letter arrives from a Scottish solicitor. ."

I haven't read many of Michael Phillips books in the last number of years, but fondly remember that he is a master storyteller, weaving history and character in his plots.  Michael is definitely a heart whose stories are poetic and lyrical.  I was immediately drawn into the story from the beginning and loved that he started with the early history of past generations. Although I haven't been to Scotland, his descriptions of the Shetland Islands took me back to the green hills dotted with sheep that I saw in Ireland.  I was intrigued by the current day lives of both David and Loni and wondered how they would intermingle.  Michael Phillips books have never been ones that you want to rush through, because they take you on a journey to another time and place.  There were a couple of deviations in the plot that I felt could have been left out, but all in all it was a captivating book.  I loved the way it ended and can't wait for the next book in the series which comes out in October.  I will definitely be following up on this series.  If you like stories that are historical and have depth to them, you'll like this one.  On a 1-5 scale with 5 being the highest, I would rate this 5.
I was provided this book free as a Bethany House Blogger review and received no compensation for it, other than my honest review.

  Take some time and read a good book!
Noreen

Summer Flip-Flops

Good Morning Friends, With spring upon us and summer growing closer I wanted to share a pair of sandals I got recently. You all know that I live in flip-flops, except for walking/biking, when the weather is nice. I have found a great style of slippa's(as they are called in Hawaii)and whenever there I search for a new pair. This year they didn't have my size or color in stock anywhere, so I waited. So glad I did. When my good friend Val and I went walking(I would call it hiking)I found that my slippa's didn't give me enough support if we were on boulders and I had a bit of a tough time. So afterward, I was looking at Val's and realized hers had a middle of the foot strap, like Teva's. I used to wear Teva's all the time, but found if my feet swell at all due to heat, they were too tight. Well, Val and I wear the same size shoe, yes I have big feet for being so short and her sandals fit me perfectly. What I really liked about them was that the mid-strap has velcro so you can loosen it if needed. That day I got on the computer and ordered some. I found that Koh'*s had the best price and they were so much cheaper than my Kauai slippa's I normally get. They weren't in color I liked, but I thought these were neutral enough to go with anything. I also loved the tread on them and the comfort too.

Now I don't think we'll be going back to the Islands this year, but we do hike here and walk quite a bit.  I was really surprised that Skechers made these~I've bought their tennis shoes before, but these are so great, that I will rethink their shoes in the future.  I give them a ten star rating. I haven't received anything in exchange for this review~just wanted to share a good pair of sandals with you'all.
I am off to take my sewing machine back in to the shop that tuned it up because I'm having trouble with the tension.  Thankfully I have our granddaughters machine, that we bought so they could sew here,
that I can use in the mean time.  I hope you have a great day today.  Our spring weather pattern in back-it's pretty in the morning and rains in the afternoon and evening.  Oh well, at least the plants and lawn enjoy it. I have Hunter at my feet whining and telling me it's time to walk.
Hugs,
Noreen

Spring in Bloom

Happy Friday to you all. Yesterday morning I went on a walk with a close friend in the neighborhood and saw this gorgeous tree. I love it! We have flowering Pear trees and in the past have had Crab Apple trees; I'm not sure what this beauty is~might be a Crab Apple, no fragrance but it certainly evoked Spring in my mind.  Look at how blue the sky was; the weather was perfect and we walked almost 4 miles.

In the afternoon Kam and I went and saw My Big Fat Greek Wedding II and it was so funny. For some reason I never got into the original, but will have to try to watch it again. Kam took me for my birthday present and also gave me a lovely Infinity Scarf and beautiful necklace. She is a treasure worth so much to me~a friend always there, ready and willing to help or just have fun together. I don't know what I did to deserve such an incredible friend, but I'm so thankful for her! It's starting to be the season for garage sales again and I look forward to getting out with her. For some reason last year it just didn't work out and I missed it.
Today I'm meeting with a quilting friend to go over a block I had issues with and in the afternoon Hunter and I will got over to Carrie's to enjoy the sunshine and let the dogs play.
May your day be bright!
Noreen

Isn't She A Beauty

Morning all, today is Thankful Thursday and I am so very thankful for this sweet girl! Copper is now 3 1/2 mos old and growing quickly. She is smart and loves the family, especially Mr.B who is in charge of training her and taking care of the majority of her needs. She stays next to him most of the time and it is clear she adores him. An interesting note-when we got Hunter he had never been around a man before and was pretty shy with my hubby and especially other men; Copper was immediately drawn to the men in the family. She now loves everyone though. She hasn't been groomed yet, but I love her muzzle, it allows her expressions and beautiful eyes to be seen.  Carrie took this photo yesterday morning  and then when I went over I took the bottom photo.  She sits on command and also will go to the back door and sit/wait when she needs to be let out.

We do need to have her over more with Lily so she learns our ropes and routines, before they go on a trip.  She has such a sweet temperament and Hunter even whines,when visiting, if  she is in another area of the house and can't play.  She has fit into the family so well; not sure how she'll do when their camping trips comes and she isn't able to go, but has to stay with us. I'm hoping that with Lily and Hunter, she'll be just fine!
I hope you have things in your life that bring you joy, like the dogs bring to me.
Blessings~
Noreen and Hunter

It's mid week so happy hump day to you. While I appreciated that saying when I worked, it doesn't really apply to me now.  I just remember that by the end of Thursday, when I was working, I would count the hours til the weekend.  Now it's the weekend all the time.  Today will be a somewhat relaxed day-I go over to my daughter's in a bit and then need to run to the store.  This afternoon I will be finishing tracing my border design on the quilt, so I can start working on it soon. I haven't worked on it in the evenings this week because I got behind on the design.  Yesterday I had a quilt club meeting and then went to lunch with two of the gals.  Tonight we have friends coming over for pizza and cards; love those evenings spent with friends playing games. 
Hunter will get to see Lily and Copper this morning, so I'm hoping to get some pics of the growing pup.
Hope you have a great day!
Joy to you!
Noreen

Outdoor Tuesday and a Prairie Falcon

It's Outdoor Tuesday and it's Spring, I can only hope our spring weather comes back. On Sunday, our youngest daughter called and said they had a Prairie Falcon in one of their big trees. They were lucky enough to get photos of it and also lucky that their mini-Schnauzer(more the size of a toy) wasn't outside. Apparently these birds can take down a deer without any problem. My daughter's family have been blessed to have mule deer, several owls and other birds in their open space behind them. It's a great learning experience for the kiddos.

If you look at the right foot, you'll notice red-yes, this bird had a rabbit that it was eating. This is the least graphic photo she had.

Here he/she is looking straight at the camera; can you say wow.

While I've heard several owls in our area, I haven't seen any Falcons. I think this bird is beautiful. Our oldest daughter has also been graced with Bald Eagles hunting on their land.  This is one of the things I love about our majestic state-we get to see wildlife and national symbols up close.
I'm off to a quilt club this morning with two friends and then lunch afterward.  I come home inspired and sit down right away to sew.  This is one thing I love about retirement, the freedom to do activities that I love when I want to.  Life is Good, count your blessings.
Gratefully,
Noreen

Laundry Room

Good Morning to you! I hope you had a relaxing weekend and got to spend some time doing things that make you happy. Here in Colorado, we got hit with a snowstorm as predicted. Saturday was a low key day for us, we didn't do a lot and I even took a nap. Yesterday, we shoveled, muttering that we hope it is the last time of the season, made some soup and I worked on several sewing projects. My big news is however, that my dear hubby finished my birthday present and installed it. Back in January, I had taken him to a model home in our neighborhood and pointed out a bench in the laundry room telling him I'd like him to build me one for my birthday. I have been a bit unhappy with all our boots laying around on the floor and also all of our brooms, dust mop etc at the end of washing machine. So instead of just making me a bench that we could sit on to put our boots on, he also made a cabinet to put all our brooms etc in.

So much nicer and I can tell you that the bench makes getting snow boots on and off easier.

I love it.  The wall color looks tan here but is actually green.  The old owners didn't leave any extra, so eventually it will have to be painted-due to moving the coat rack.  My hubby is very gifted with woodworking and I so appreciate his talent. 
I hope you have a great Monday.
Noreen

Happy Friday Friends~I hope your week has been a good one! Yesterday was a full day for me; walking with Kam in the morning, going to lunch with three friends, going to Joann's for some quilting needs for my trip to Sisters this summer and finally going out to dinner with our next door neighbors. They are the nicest couple; they were gone for two months and I watered their indoor plants. Hubby shoveled their driveway a couple of times and the neighbors on the other side also shoveled their driveway and sidewalk. The couple were so grateful that they took us all out for dinner, to our favorite pizza grill in northern Colorado. I meant to get a photo of our pizza, but was hungry and forgot. I love that they have gluten free pizza that is made over a pizza oven and our favorite is a Mushroom onion. The hosts pushed us getting dessert, so what better than a chocolate torte with a mouse cream. Hubby said it was too rich, but for me it was perfect. Not the best of photos.
Today we have a man coming to check the A/C that we got last spring and then I'll be taking my other neighbor to Sierra Trading Company for some Smartwool Socks. WE are supposed to get another big snowstorm here this weekend, so I think I'll be sewing a lot.  I've finished quilting the blocks on my Log Cabin and now just need to quilt the border, make some pillow shams and it will be ready for our bed.  One project off the list; my big quandary now is whether to make a wall hanging or lap quilt at the Mystery Retreat in Sisters, Oregon this summer.  I'm really leaning to the lap quilt so that it can be utilized-I'm going to make it red & white for Christmas.  I've still got two months to decide, so we will see what I'm leaning towards after I finish our comforter.
We have our two oldest grandsons here tonight and possibly the puppy.  She will also stay with us when they vacation, so needs to get used to our home and way of life.
I hope you have a relaxing weekend and find some time to make your heart sing with gratitude.  Life is good and we need to be thankful for every minute.
Blessings and Joy to you today.
Noreen

It's outdoor Wednesday and that is where you will be able to find me.  Hunter and I will be going over to Carrie's home today and Hunter will get some time with Lily and Copper and I'll get some sunshine.  Today will be a wonderfully spring like day.  The weekend we are supposed to get snow again-seriously how long can this continue?  Probably until June-grrr.  O.k. so I'm thankful that our snow pack was really good and that the rains have begun and are greening everything up. I'm thankful for His creation all around us and the ability to enjoy it as well as see it.   We got some gardening done yesterday and I will probably spend a little time in the sewing room, but on sunny days the warmth just beckons me outside. 
What about you?  Are you having spring like weather yet or are you still in the midst of winter?  Which season do you prefer?  Whatever makes you happiest, I pray that for you today!
Blessings,
Noreen

Halo Liv-a-Littles Salmon Treats

Hunter here today, as a Chewy Influencer#, telling you about some wonderful treats that Mom can't stop me from getting into. Our friend, Sydney at Mr. Chewy, sent us some wonderful freeze dried Salmon. You all know how much I love Salmon and these treats are number one on my favorites list.

I can smell the salmon as soon as Mom opens up the jar; she doesn't do it quickly enough.

Yum Yum.  These treats are so good and the perfect size for a treat or to crumble up in kibble.

I was smart enough to lick the inside of the jar, when Mom wasn't looking.  Here are the details of the salmon treats:

Product Description

When salmon's at stake, cats and dogs put their fightin' ways behind them and come together on their best behavior. Help your four-legged fur balls stay in line with Halo Liv-a-Littles Grain-Free 100% Wild Salmon Freeze-Dried Dog & Cat Treats. They're so simple and nutritious they're good for prissy lapcats and barkin' pups alike. Loaded with protein and a taste pets love!
Key Benefits

• Can be crumbled over food at mealtime
• Suitable for cats and dogs
• Grain-free
• Made from 100% wild-caught salmon

I had Mom read the description and don't like the part about barkin' pups-I am not fussy, just have refined taste.  Halo's Salmon treats are worth their weight in gold, plus being made here in the U.S.A.
If you enjoy seafood, make sure you have your Mom or Dad order you some; trust me you won't be sorry.
Disclaimer:  We were provided Halo's Liv-a-Littles Salmon Treats in exchange for our honest review.  We received no monetary compensation for this product; though I think Halo might want to hire me to test each jar.
Go visit Mr. Chewy and find some special treats for your beloved companions.  Tell them Hunter sent you.  You can find them here: http://www.chewy.com/halo-liv-littles-grain-free-100-wild/dp/32776
These are treats that I don't want to share!
Hunter 

Happy Monday to you!  It's so good to be back home and back to our normal routine. O.k. so my hubby would thoroughly disagree with that statement!  We left Kauai on Thursday, just as rainy weather was starting and I'm afraid that our friends might not get as much golf in this week, as rain in forecast for the entire week.  Hubby always says rain  in paradise is no big deal, because you are still in paradise.  We had a very fun trip, but it was fast and I didn't get a lot of relaxation in with all the visiting and activities.
I am happy to announce I have two winners for my Island giveaway:
Lily and Edward at http://www.twofrenchbulldogs.com/  won some goodies for their mom.
Cindy at http://www.consideringitalljoy.com/  also won. 
Both of these blogs are some of my favorites.  I would have loved to get some really nice things for them, but I picked up a few items that are my favorites. 
I can tell you that I am caught up on my sleep and ready to take on the world again; I don't sleep well when we fly and was pretty wiped out by Friday night.  Hunter had a fun time as his cousins house and learned how to be a pack leader with the puppy.  That's a good lesson considering she will tower above him soon, she already can walk over him.  Today is a rainy day here and I'll be staying inside sewing and getting caught up on blogs.
Joy to you. 
Noreen

'Ohana and Hale

Aloha! Each day as I wrote my post, I so wanted to start the day with Aloha. I know most of the readers figured out that we were in Hawaii, some even remembered we always come to Kauai and that is where Val(my blogging buddy)lives. Last night we gathered with my cuz, aka cousin, and her family for dinner. Such a wonderful time! The first photo is of Mary Anne and her hubby Paul. I have to say, one more time, that Mary Anne has always been my favorite cousin. All of my cousins were between 6-15 yrs older than I am and Mary Anne always showered me with love when I was little while I stayed at my aunt and uncles house in San Francisco. She will always hold a very dear place in my heart. She is now 70 and in incredible shape~she plays tennis, golfs, travels and hikes on trails that I wouldn't venture on. Here hubby is the same age as my big brother and reminds us so much of Rich.

Mary Anne and Paul's youngest daughter Margo with her hubby of just two years.  What a great couple; she travels to Colorado on business, so we told her to come and stay with us.

Melanie and her hubby Bill in the background.  Bill did a wonderful job bbq'ing the fresh Ahi for tacos.

Here are some houses that we walk by when we are here-love them and would love to rent them.

WE had a great time here but looking forward to home.  It is supposed to rain here through next week, so I'm thankful there may be nice weather at home.  I say may be, because you never know in Colorado what you are going to get-one day might be in the 70's and then next it might be snowing.
Hui Hou~until we meet again.
Noreen

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Sunday while we were on a hike, hubby got this pic.

Sunrise one morning.

Tomorrow we board a plane for home; it's been fun, part of me is so ready to head home to our family and the other part of me would like to stay a few more days.
So here are some trivia questions for you.
~What does POG stand for?
~What is the time change between here and our home?
 ~What type of Geese do they have here? What are they called?
~What animal runs loose here?
~What is this island called?
~How have I wanted to greet you this week?
~What is the white paste that people eat here?

Hubby will be golfing today and I will be chillin' with the gals; have to return something and also look for some birthday presents for grands, plus having lunch.  Tonight we will be having dinner with my cousin and her family.  Should be fun to get to know her daughters and their families.
Not sure if I'll be able to post in the morning or not-but I will try.  Tomorrow or Friday I will be letting you know who won the Where in the World giveaway, in fact, today I have to get the items I'm giving.  There may be one more person-remember the more specific the better.
Hugs and giggles,
Noreen

Delicious Food

Good Morning Friends, I hope you are having a great week so far. I wanted to share some of the incredible food we've had while we've been here. The first dish is ranked in the top four best salads I've ever had; in fact it might be the top two. It is Kale, with shrimp, beets, goat cheese and a phenomenal dressing. Truly it is a salad to go back to again and again.

Hubby's go to dish is Fish and Chips, so he enjoyed this while I had my salad. My diet here is consisting of yogurt for breakfast and salads for either lunch or dinner. I know I haven't taken off any lbs, probably have put some on-but what's a vacation for if you can't enjoy it.

Our friend had Ribs for our kick-off dinner.

Another salad I had for lunch at a spot where Val and her hubby can often be found doing one of their favorite sports.

Another meal of Fish and Chips-again this was hubby's.

Hubby will be on the golf course again today, after all this vacation is all about him spending time with his best buddies.  I'm not sure what I'll be doing since I'll be without a car.  It's a bit cloudy here today, so I may just take a long walk and hope I don't get rained on.
Tomorrow I will have a last Where in the World post, because we head home of Thursday.
With Joy~
Noreen

Where In The World

Hello, I keep wanting to greet you all in a certain way..but then catch myself. LOL. So here are some more hints for you, remember you need to be very specific with your answers.

I can tell you I spent the day with a good friend and went several places I hadn't been to before-such fun, new adventures. I wish I was in better physical shape and had more time to spend with her. I'll be posting a photo of her on Facebook and one here tomorrow. Here's one other clue-we have a problem in our condo, that hopefully just got fixed, with "ghost ants". Never heard of them referred to as such before, but they are minuscule and an annoyance for sure. It rained part of the day and tomorrow is supposed to rain as well; wonder what type of mischief I will get into.
We met my favorite cousin and her hubby last night for a short visit.  I hadn't seen her in about 7 yrs and it was wonderful.  We are hoping to see them again before we all leave.  What a small world!
Joy to you!
Noreen

Where in the World

Hello Friends, As you know hubby and I are on a short vacation, a spur of the moment get away. Some of you have already figured out where we are, but for those who haven't-here are some hints. If you've followed me long enough, you'll know. Please leave me a comment-the more detailed the better and I'll draw a name and send the winner a couple of items from our location. They won't be fancy or expensive, but some of my favorites.

I just found out one of my cousins is here with her family-got to try and connect with her; she's always been a favorite cousin and I haven't seen her for 8 yrs.
These are some of the best popsicles I've ever had! A girlfriend introduced me to one on Saturday-it was Honeydo Mellon-so light and refreshing. So Saturday night, hubby and I stopped at Longs Drugs and got two; he got Strawberry and I got Mango. A great dessert.
 Just want to say that I'm going to be strict about my giveway, due to the fact that I've encountered people who have a blog name and aren't bloggers. The items I'll be giving away are not fancy, but fun. However, in order to participate you must be an active blogger and have been a follower of mine for at least six months. This will be open until Wednesday. I will continue to give clues tomorrow and Wednesday. I will be leaving here on Thursday, so probably won't be sharing the winner until Friday.
Noreen