Copper

Happy Thursday to you! I've been meaning to get some pics of Copper, so I can keep track of her growth. Last night provided me with the perfect opportunity. WE all gathered together to celebrate hubby-first Father's Day and secondly his birthday is a couple of weeks. Our daughters held a Luah and it was so much fun; I'll post pics of all the festivities tomorrow, but for now look how much Copper has grown.

Hunter hadn't seen her in  a couple of weeks and also seemed really surprised at how big she's gotten. She can now outrun him and if in her harness she keeps up with him.  They will have lots of play time while we are away.

She has the greatest expressions--some are goofy and some just melt your heart.  She is about 30-35 lbs now, at almost 6 most and getting close to her full grown size(I think). Never having had a Standard Poodle before, I'm not sure how long they continue to grow.
After the party, we had 7 granddaughters spend the night-it was such fun and the best sleepover ever. Today we all had a great breakfast, walk and now are playing cards. WE will head to the pool in a half an hour.  It's all good and so much loving.
Blessings~
Noreen

Happy Wednesday friends!   I hope you have had a great week so far and can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I love not worrying about getting through the work week; though I did enjoy working, I am much more content being retired.  In fact, today I'm wearing my t-shirt that says "Choose Gratitude".  The week has been good, I think I have everything I need for our trip; now I just have to go organize it!  Oh boy, I do have a lot of sewing supplies I'm taking because I don't want to get caught with not having something I need.  I am taking my granddaughters sewing machine as well; I was concerned if something happened to mine, I would need to go get another. Several friends have said "what is the problem with buying another"-lol.  The problem would be that I know what type of machine I would get and it's costly; so better to have my good machine and a beginner as back up.
It has been so long since I have gone away on a quilt retreat-at least 11 yrs and I forgot just how much stuff you need to take.  I'm taking every color thread for fabric I'll have, then add in countless rulers and templates and you'll understand.  WE are taking hubby's Passat and not my Highlander, so hope we have enough room for our suitcases, etc etc.
I can't tell you how excited I am~firstly to go to Sisters for classes and the quilt show and also to be with our best friends for 8 days.
Today, I've already walked and now need to organize my sewing things before meeting a friend for her birthday lunch.
I hope your day is filled with joy!
Hugs,
Noreen

Tuesday Trivia is here today my friends. So this flower a friend and I spotted in our neighborhood and love-the closest flower I can find in my book, is Beard Tongue. So if any of you are flower experts please let me know if you recognize it.

Yesterday after walking I met our daughter, Kim, at the pool. It was so refreshing and not crowded at all. Typically we spend one morning a week there and take lunches, but yesterday was just a quick swim. The kids were all laying on the hot cement when we spotted Kim's oldest next to the youngest. Isn't this just the most touching picture?! I love the smile on the oldest one's face.

I just got back from my morning walk with my neighbor-we did our 3 mile loop and I am so hot and sweaty.  I'm getting a pedi this morning in preparation for our trip-so will be ready to be pampered.  It was a gift from our oldest and I always love getting it.
I hope you have some time to enjoy flowers today.
Joy to you!
Noreen

Fly Away Little Birds

Happy Monday to you! I hope your weekend gave you things to smile about and even laugh over. Ours was pretty relaxed here-some sewing and cutting of fabric in preparation for my two classes at Sisters, Oregon. We really didn't do anything exciting, but it's all good. Since I have had Vertigo over the years, I know how to treat it and began taking Bonine(anti motion sickness otc pill)during the day and Benadryl at bedtime. I don't have many issues with it during the day, but still have to be really careful at night. Hubby and I are back to riding our bikes again, but with vertigo I won't ride alone or if I feel unstable.

Isn't this Robin so cute! For some reason this year, we've had so many many baby birds in the yard over the last month. In fact, while I do enjoy them they certainly make a huge mess! That I do not enjoy; I'm ready for them to fly away. On Saturday night, we had a coyote in the open space behind us-either on the golf course or in the reeds, that kept howling for a long time. With the sounds echoing, it sounded as if he was right at our fence. We haven't had any that close in a long time; he had a full belly from a recent meal-we've learned how to tell if the pack or several are hunting. Today I'm walking with my friends who power walk and then afterwards going to the pool with Kim and her kiddos.
This afternoon the family friend who will be dog sitting for us on the 4th, will get to meet Copper and spend some time with her.  Copper is pretty shy around strangers and we don't want her stressed when she is without her kiddos.  I've got to get some pictures of her today-you won't believe how big she's gotten; even Hunter seemed surprised when he saw her on Saturday.  He can no longer outrun her.
Well, I hope your day is filled with contentment and joy.
Blessings~
Noreen

This and That

Happy Saturday to you.  This week has been so busy and I'm just now looking at my blog.  Here it is in a nutshell~Monday hubby and I went down to the Molly Brown Museum with his sister and her companion.  WE loved this historic home!  We went with his sister because she was giving the museum a tin-type photo of Molly Brown and hubby's great grandmother. I would have loved it regardless of the fact that there was a friendship between the two. Monday night we went to watch our sil play softball, didn't get home until 10:00 p.m.   On Tuesday I had my Fig Leaf Club(quilt group) and that was fun.  I actually found three different fabrics for my Sisters quilt and I like them better.  Afterward we always go to lunch and visit. aWednesday was a pretty relaxed day, I walked with a dear friend and then hubby and I ran errands in the afternoon. I began cutting out the fabric for Sisters as well.  Thursday was full, with taking Hunter to the groomer, meeting some friends for coffee, a haircut in the afternoon.  WE also had our town concert Thursday night~we take dinner and sit with friends to listen to the music.
Yesterday I started off the day early with Kam and her mom going to garage sales. We couldn't believe how few there were and how slim the pickings were.  I got two books and a video-not much.
Yesterday I worked on the new block from Fig Leaf and last night we went across the street to the neighbors to play cards.  Today is pretty open-want to work on the block some more.  I have to tell you that I've got vertigo; noticed in yesterday morning.  I used to get it at this time of year when we moved here and then it stopped. This time it is a little worse than in years past, in fact I woke hubby up accidentally when I leaned down to move the blanket on the bed last night. I think I said falling or help.  So I'm on my motion sickness medication and hopefully that will eliminate the symptoms.  It's a beautiful morning in northern Colorado, I've get to get out and enjoy it-but won't be riding my bike, don't want any accidents.  I want to kick this before we head to Oregon next weekend.
I hope you have a great weekend!
Noreen

A Second Try

Happy Thursday to you! A little over a week ago I shared that I got a new pair of running shoes; I thought they'd be so good, but found out the first time I walked that they caused my toes on my left foot to hurt. In fact, I didn't even make a short walk, but had to turn around. I took them back the next day, which was last week and talked to a clerk at the store. I had planned on getting my Asics brand, but tried another brand on that actually felt better. The clerk gave the brand, Saucony, a very high rating. So I thought the worst I can do is have to return them too. The great thing was the unbeknownst to me, I had a $50. credit at the store-have no idea what it was from; they said it was from 2 years ago-so my total cost was $35. So this is my new pair of walking shoes. I ended up getting one size bigger for comfort. I'd been told that with running shoes you always take .5-1. size bigger, who knew?

I am pleased to say that after walking 3.5 miles yesterday they were fine. They do look so long! However, it give my toes plenty of room. So I'm keeping my receipt and box and will return them if something changes. I've never had to do that before, but have never spent as much money on running shoes before either. Hunter gets groomed this morning and after I drop him off, I'm meeting friends for coffee. This afternoon, I'm getting a hair cut. I'll be cutting fabric at some point, for my upcoming class in Sisters, Oregon. I hope you have a lovely day!
Joy to you.
Noreen

Fight Song

Last night hubby and I watched a show that we only watch occasionally-America's Got Talent.  It was nearing the end of the show and a young high school girl, age 16, came on to sing this song.
Her story is that a year ago, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer and this disease has impacted my family.  Eleven years ago, my sister passed away from it after an 8 year battle with multiple surgeries and many rounds of chemo.  A year ago, I discovered I had an Ovarian cyst/tumor and faced that awful question of whether I also had it.  I am so very thankful that I did not have it; however the unknown was terrifying, especially given the fact that I watched my sister battle through it.  I have a dear blogging friend, Kathy at Empty Nest Full Heart who is battling it currently.
As this young high schooler sang, the entire audience gave her a standing ovation.  I loved her spirit and was so touched by her; to be fighting for her life at such a young age shows that she truly has a courageous spirit.  May she live a long life and defeat the odds.
Cherish every day you are given!
Noreen

Family Treasures

Happy Monday Friends, This past weekend hubby's sister and her companion came for their first visit to us; it was a great time of catching up and showing them our town. Hubby's sister Gay was here to do research on family geneology; she's written so many books(yes I mean books)on the family tree. Years ago, she discovered that hubby's great grandmother was best friends with Margaret Tobin Brown-wife of J.J. Brown. in fact, hubby's great grandmother was matron of honor at the wedding of Margaret Tobin and J.J.Brown. If you don't recognize Margaret's name, she was better known as the Unsinkable Molly Brown. Hubby's sister was given a tin-type photo of Margaret Brown and Margaret Boylan. Over the years, in her extensive research, Gay contacted the Molly Brown Museum in Denver and sent them quite a bit of information that they didn't have. Her trip here was planned around seeing family homesites and also going to the Museum to donate the tin-type. We drove down this morning and were given a private tour prior to donating the tin-type. Here is the photo hubby took of it. Unfortunately it had not been stored properly and had been folded in half-so you can see some deterioration. The museum staff said they would talk to their experts and see if any of the damage could be restored.

The other item that they brought out from Ca. was an oil painting  by hubby's dad.  He was such an incredible artist and most of his work were seascapes, so we are happy to have this landscape.  We are not sure where it will be hung, but we will enjoy it.

With having guests all weekend, I didn't get much time to visit with my girls, so I'm off to see them now.  Hope you had a great weekend.
Hugs,
Noreen

38 Wonderful Years

Today Hubby and I celebrate our 38th Anniversary and I couldn't be more thankful for this incredible man I married. He has always been the love of my life, my babe, best friend, champion and partner. Where or where have the years gone?! I am looking forward to this new year together and hopefully many more! We are getting ready for hubby's sister and companion arriving tomorrow. We did go out on a bike ride this morning, 3.68 miles down in 25 min. Now he is washing our cars and then we'll be going to Whole Foods to stock up on good food. Tonight we are going to our favorite restaurant, we'll be having great seafood as we reminisce about our life together.
I also want to shout out to my friend Kris at Simplify because it is her anniversary too.
Blessings~
Noreen

Summer Cuts

It's Thankful Thursday and one of the greatest blessings in my life is family! Here is our youngest, Kim, with her four girls sporting new summer haircuts.

Our Peanut, as she was nicknamed as a baby(bottom row on right)wears braces; for Mother's Day the Orthodontist held a contest for his patients.  The patients could write a short paragraph on why their mom was the best mom in the world.  Well Peanut and another child won; the prize was a gift certificate to a day spa down the street. Now this spa is the one I recently went to for my facial; I can tell you that it is high end and wonderful.  What's a mom to do, but share this prize with her girls as well-so they all got pampered yesterday.  None of the girls had been to a salon before and I dropped by to say hi-they all had such fun.  The granddaughter standing in front of Kim had hair down the middle of her back(I'm not sure she'll cut it again, but it grows so quickly that will be long soon), now it's below her shoulders.  Her two sisters got theirs cut right above their shoulders and Peanut got hers cut below her shoulders.  Let me tell you that girl has the thickest hair and she is only 9.
I think they all look beautiful.  Both our daughters are so beautiful that they can wear any hairstyle and it looks good.  Mom and Daughter time-there is nothing like it.
I'm headed out for a walk and then will meet this crew at the pool for some fun in the sun.  I hope you count your blessings today!
Noreen

New Shoes

Happy Outdoor Wednesday to you! Yesterday was a great day~I took my neighbor shopping with me, I needed some new tennis/walking shoes. Another close friend who always wears Oasics told me that getting a running shoe is better because they are lighter than a tennis shoe. I have worn Oasics for several years now and have been happy with them. So, I went to a running store to get advice and to be fitted properly. Firstly, a very nice young college girl was working and although very sweet, she didn't have a lot of knowledge about running shoes except her own preferences. When I was young, I always had pronated knees and ankles; that has changed over the last several years though. I asked about prices and the majority of shoes were over $140., there were two pairs on sale for $120. O.k. so here is where I become very frugal/cheap. Since I'm not a runner and don't do 50 mile fundraisers, I don't feel I need such an expensive shoe,(after all, we are going to Sisters in a few weeks and I'd rather have some money to spend there).  I wasn't impressed with her knowledge, so we moved on to Sierra Trading Company. I have to say I love that store! After trying on three different brands and price levels, I choose this pair. They are Brooks Launch 2 Road Running Shoes.

I also love the colors; wasn't crazy about the other shoes in neon green and orange.  I haven't worn them out yet, but know they will work for the walking I do.  Yesterday, I walked three miles in the morning and last night we went on a 3 mile bike ride.  Even with walking, my thighs are not looking very nice, so figured it was time to kick up the exercise another notch.
I didn't sleep well last night, so am skipping walking this morning with my friend and may just go on a bike ride after breakfast.  Tonight I get to take Copper and our grandson to dog training, so I'll try to get some photos.
I hope you get some time outdoors, even if just to smell the flowers.
Blessings~
Noreen

Ideal Balance Breakfast Medleys

As a #Chewy Influencer, each month we receive a product to test with Hunter and review. The blogger program from Mr. Chewy is a wonderful way to sample products before you buy them. When you have a pup as picky an eater as Hunter, it really helps. I do get most of Hunter's treats from Mr. Chewy and we love the entire staff.  It looks like something I would have made for him.

Just as we humans need a great breakfast to give us a good start to the day, our dogs need a boost in the mornings, too. Breakfast Medleys are tasty, soft, waffle-shaped breakfast treats for your dog so he can enjoy a great snack as he starts his day.

Key Benefits

• Natural, grain-free treats
• Real chicken is the #1 ingredient
• No corn, wheat or soy
• No artificial preservatives, colors or flavors
• Recommended for adult and mature adult dogs
• Made in the USA

It was hard to get a picture of Hunter eating this up; typically I will break it up and put it on his kibble-hoping to entice him to eat it.  Again, I will say he is picky.
We give this product a four paws for their taste and quality.
Thank you to Mr. Chewy for great customer satisfaction.  You can find other pet products here:
www.chewy.com

Noreen and Hunter

Happy Monday Friends~I hope you had a great weekend,  that you were able to  enjoy nice warm summer weather.  Our weekend was good, filled with errands, gardening and misc. chores.  Last night we had our neighbors over for cards and treats; we enjoy playing cards with them.  Today I walked with Kam in our old neighborhood and after getting home I watered.  The clouds and a thunder storm in moving in; I hope it doesn't last too long because tonight our sil has a co-ed softball game that we are going to watch.  The storm should have passed by then, at least I hope so.  Right now, I'm going downstairs to work on the pillow shams for our bed.  I'm hoping to get them done today as hubby's sister and friend are coming next weekend for  a short visit.
I hope your Monday is a fine one, filled with blessings!
Joy to you~
Noreen

Another Finished Project

Happy Friday to you! Well, I wished for summer weather and we have it-yesterday was in the mid 90's and today will be the same. Hubby and I took Hunter out for a walk this morning a little after seven and by that time I was already hot. We've got the house all opened up, but I imagine we'll be shutting it down soon. I have joined a quilt club at a local store and have enjoyed making the blocks each month; the teacher gives us a pattern for a block to do-which will be part of a finished quilt at the end of the year. She also provides a pattern for an extra project and last month it was this cute table runner. I bought the fabric so I didn't have to fuss with pulling from my stash. As you know I don't do applique, but I'm trying to broaden my horizons. I also do not machine quilt, but did this one because I wanted to get it done and also want to be able to get better at the skill. So this is it; I am happy with it! I have to learn not to compare my projects to other friends' projects, mostly because they have been quilting forever(some do nothing but quilt). I enjoy it; I can say it's a passion, but I'm not a perfectionist and my quilts are works of love.

Today I'm going to my neighborhood quilt group and taking three antique quilts to share. Not sure what hubby and I will do this afternoon-maybe go hit the pool. I hope you have a wonderful day and weekend and get to enjoy some time outdoors.
Blessings~
Noreen

It Is Finished

It's Thankful Thursday and I am here to say I am so thankful that the quilt is finally on our bed. I am very happy at how it looks; will be even happier once I get the shams made. Hunter is very familiar with it due to the fact that he would sit on part of it each night that I quilted it. I do wish that I had made the strips a bit thinner, but in all for my first queen size hand quilted quilt I am pleased.

I am thankful for a hobby that I love and that helps pass the winter days and nights. The batting is wool, so I know it will keep us warm next winter.
I hope you have a glorious day filled with all that makes you smile.
Blessings~
Noreen

More Peonies

It's outdoor Wednesday and I again wanted to share more of our Peonies with you. The are all fully opened and some are already dropping their petals; not sure if it is from the rain and wind we've had or just that the blossoms are short lived. I also had someone tell me that the reasons they open up is because of the ants inside are forcing them to open~to tell you the truth that sounds like an old wives tale to me. I know they are filled with ants and that is why they are outside in the flower bed and not inside. These are the first Peonies I've ever had and I love them.

Today is a busy day as well~I'm walking first thing with a friend, then my neighbor wants to go out to lunch while my hubby's away. After that I'll be polishing the floor and trying to get some pillow shams made-I don't want to post pics of the quilt until I have the shams. Hubby will get home around 7:00 p.m. and I'll be thrilled to have him back. I can tell you that my days were full and I enjoyed some shopping etc., but it's always good when he gets back.
 I hope you have a great day and find some time to get outside.
Noreen

Puppy Play Time

Happy Tuesday to you! This weekend we puppy sat Copper and Lily for the day, while his family was running and playing in the mud. She did so well for being just 5 months old; I wasn't sure how she do with the family gone, but I got her out right away and took her on a 2.45 mile walk. She responds so quickly with her new harness that prevents her from pulling. I had thought about getting Hunter one, but with his quick pace it keeps me walking fast-so not sure I want to stop that. As hubby and I ate, Copper gave me big "doe eyes" and a look that pleaded with me to feed her. I didn't, though it was tempting. For those dog bloggers I think you'd agree that she looks just like Wilhelmina.  It also looks like she is smiling at me.

I wanted to get some pics of her size to send to Wilhelmina's owner Sophie, so that we could compare  their sizes. Wilhelmina is two months older than Copper, but it is amazing how much they look alike; it's got me wondering if there are some common blood lines since Red Standard Poodles are very rare.

I wanted to get her picture with Lily so we  could compare the size.  I'm wondering how tall Copper will be at maturity.

We are trying to get Copper used to being here without the family because in the fall they will be going on vacation and both Lily and Copper will be with us. Of course, by then Copper will have at least four months of obedience training.  She is one of the sweetest pups I've ever been around and is so eager to please; truly she is a love.
I'm off to walk this morning and then after lunch have some pampering(you know the old adage about while the cats away, the mice will play-it rings true for me)and later I'm going out to dinner with two girlfriends.
I hope you have something in your day that brings you a big smile!
Joy to  you.
Noreen

How Can She Be 3?

It seems like just yesterday that our youngest granddaughter was born, but in fact it was three years ago. The entire clan gathered on Friday evening for dinner and a party, just to celebrate her. With our family all together, there are 17 of us and it's a party in itself.  Here she is with Carrie and brother B.

 My Peanut is growing up quickly as well, so is Copper.

 Cousins, aka best friends.

 Cousins or sisters?  These two love each other, but so do all of the cousins.

 Our oldest grandson goofing around; he has got a wacky sense of humor just like his dad.

 Now you can see where the oldest gets his sense of humor.

 He is growing into such a handsome young man.

 Ice cream with all the toppings.

WE had a wonderful celebration!  I will tell you that the whole gang, minus hubby and I, went down to Colorado Springs on Saturday to run in the Big Dog Run~it's a 2k obstacle course in the mud.  Our daughters and the two youngest couldn't join in, but I can testify to the fact that the others were covered in mud.  I would have done it when I was younger, but now the idea of being covered in mud doesn't appeal to me much.
I'm off to walk this morning with the neighbor gals before it gets hot.  I am hoping to clean and polish the wood floors while hubby is away and finish some sewing.  I machine quilted a patriotic table runner yesterday, not sure if I'm happy with it or not(it might be hand quilted after all)and I've got to make some pillow shams for our new quilt.  Plus throw in getting to the pool.  It will be a full couple of days while hubby is away.
I hope you have a great Monday!

One Of KB's Bears?

Happy Friday Friends! This day has been filled with driving all around town and stopping at garage sales; I got some great Christmas decorations and some misc. items. I have to admit the sales don't thrill me as they did years ago, before we moved and had to pack everything up. Now I'm much more careful about what I'll buy; hubby is thankful. So this is the last wildlife photo I've got from our daughter-this was taken up in Estes.

Now, for those of you who know my friend KB at http://romp-roll-rockies.blogspot.com , you know that she always has the best photos of animals in her neck of the woods. She share bears, mountain lions, elk, moose, deer etc. and when my daughter sent me this, I wondered if it could be one of the bears that she's had her trail cameras get pics of.  My girl said there were actually two bears; what a beauty this one is.  I love all the Aspen trees too.
I'm just glad he/she isn't in my backyard; KB has a wonderful sense of the wildlife that inhabit her area, lets them know when she and her dogs are coming.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs,
Noreen

Wildlife

Happy Thursday to you all! Well, I told you my daughter and her family were camping and they have had a great time. They woke up yesterday to Elk in their campsite and enjoyed watching them. Last night I got these texts~deer in the campsite. How fun for the grands!

They took a drive into a state park area, where we camped 6 years ago and what did they see but this young Moose eating in the meadow. We've seen Moose at Grand Lake once, when we camped there as well. I never understood the attraction that Moose have over people(you know those that buy stuffed Moose etc), but once I saw a herd up close I totally understood it. I love these creatures. Makes me want to take a drive up to the park to see some. We've been told that they are coming over the ridge from Grand Lake to Rocky Mountain National Park. I'm not sure what impact they would have on the park, other than having more cars and people visit during the summer.

Today I'm walking with Kam and then will go visit another friend. She has a lung condition and doesn't get out as much as she used to, so I love going over and catching up over a cup of coffee. I finished my Patriotic table runner yesterday and my daughter will machine quilt it for me. Today we are supposed to get into the 80's and I hope to join my firstborn at the pool this afternoon with her kiddos. Right now it's a bit foggy; I've actually got jeans on. Yesterday I did 3 miles with friends, but today Kam is bringing Lexie and we tend to go a bit slower. It's just good to be enjoying the time together.
Tomorrow we have our annual town garage sale, so I'll be out with Kam and her family first thing-as in 7:30 am, hitting the area.

I hope that whatever your day holds, you find a bit of time to stop and do something that you love.
Blessings~
Noreen

Miscellaneous Wednesday

It's outdoor Wednesday and I'll be heading out shortly for a very fast walk with neighbors. On Monday Hunter and I went on a 4.38 mile walk in our neighborhood and made it in 45-50 minutes-which is really fast for us. Yesterday, he and I walked but had to stop to catch up with some other neighbors-so we cut our walk short and our pace was only 13 min mile. I'm trying to walk faster so I can keep up with the neighbor gals, one of whom is 70. I want to be able to talk as we walk and not feel so winded. I've never been a runner, but feel like this is training.
 So our daughter Kim and her family are camping for two days up in Estes. It never fails to rain on them and I'm hoping this trip will be different. This is a text I got this morning, bright and early. This is their campsite-isn't it beautiful. Kudos for my kids continuing to camp in Estes after so many years of being rained and flooded out. There were lots of Elk in their campsite and this doe was closest-behind the fire pit near the trees.

Petrol is staying with us while they're gone and she loves her little bed. Here she was yesterday in the kitchen just sitting in it. She's been here enough that she knows she has the run of the house.

Here is Hunter relaxing at our neighbor's house on Sunday evening. He is so comfortable there.

Our Peonies are finally blooming; I always love seeing them, but won't bring them in because they are generally filled with ants, even after rinsing. I found that out last year and then someone also commented to me that it is a common problem with Peonies. I also learned that is why we have so many yellow jackets on them before they open, because they feed off the ants; what's funny is I never see any ants on them.

I hope you have a fantastic day! For those in Texas experiencing flooding, please know you are in our prayers.
Joy to you!
Noreen