Happy New Years!

Happy New Years Eve to all of you.  I shared this small quilt on Friday, but just got this photo yesterday~we were at Kim's house and Carrie took it on Christmas morning.  It isn't nearly as big as his old flannel quilt and I hope to make a larger one this spring.  Maybe.  I've also decided to start on Christmas presents in September, so when a brainstorm hits about another homemade gift, I'll have time to do it properly.  This was done in 3.5 days.  On Friday, I started working on a Winter panel to hang-I loved the barns and buggies in it and decided to do a quick outline of the squares.  I want it up by this afternoon or tomorrow; I'm thinking it will last another month, before I start yearning for spring time.  I also have another baby quilt to assemble and then our mini group will begin a challenge~we will be making all the same blocks for different size quilts and in fabrics of our choosing.  I got my pieced block fabric on Saturday with a friend and then realized that I have some left over Log Cabin blocks(alternate blocks)from the quilt I made for our bed three years ago.  The colors are perfect for the pieced blocks and it saves me money-yay!  I may start taking decorations down today, but we'll see how I feel after I get home from the gym.
Tonight hubby and I are going out for our special yearly dinner and then will head to Carrie's and spend the evening playing games.  It should be fun.  Tomorrow is open, so if I don't take everything down today, it will definitely come down tomorrow.
I wish you the best in the New Year; may you life be filled with joy, happiness and health.
Blessings,
Noreen

Well the chaos of the preparations for Christmas is done and it is time to relax a bit.  We had a wonderful Christmas day with our crew, had incredible food to eat and so much love to share.
Here is the lap quilt I made for my hubby; I raided my stash and literally threw it together in a couple of days.  It's smaller than his last flannel quilt, so there will be another one in his future.  He thought it was a wall hanging.  As if I don't have enough projects, my mini group is starting a quilt challenge in January, so I'm also gathering up lots of fabric for it.
This is the project my hubby made with our two oldest grandsons-two Corn Hole Games for their yards.  He did an excellent job and it was much more reasonable than if we ordered them online or got them in a store. The families both loved them!  Carrie even mentioned that she had really wanted one for their yard, which made us so happy.

The rest of the week is relaxed and seeing several friends.  I hope you aren't too tired today!
Have a great day!
Noreen

Christmas Blessings From Our House

      Christmas Blessings from our heart and home to you and yours.  May you find Love this Christmas!

I'll be back soon, until then have yourself a very Merry Christmas.
Joy to you!
Noreen

More Quilting Items Completed

Happy Monday to you! Can you believe in a week we will be celebrating Christmas. Where has the time gone? Wait, I know-I've been busy sewing. Today I deliver these table runners to my close friends and walking partners. Since none are quilters, I always try to make them a little something.

Each runner is slightly different-two have the same fabrics, but arranged differently and with different backing.  The middle runner was in different, more traditional fabrics; some of the fabrics were obviously made out of our country, because they were printed incorrectly.  I was disappointed and will not buy Jelly Rolls(2.5" strips)from this manufacturer again.
Today I was deciding whether I wanted to make my Winter wall hanging or do something else.  Call me crazy, but I'm choosing to do something else and make my hubby something.  Since he visits here, I can't say more, except he is banned from my sewing room.
I have an easier week, so to speak-getting my teeth cleaned tomorrow, going to hear grands do a speech at their class, going to lunch on Thursday.  Friday night we have a sleepover with our three grandsons and Saturday we are taking our daughters and sil's out for dinner. Everything is done with our families presents and if I don't get the item accomplished by Christmas I'll work on it after.
O.k. so my week is still crazy!  Wishing you peace and love this week.
Noreen

Stir and Boom Raw-Raw Lamb Dinner for dogs

Good Morning to you! As a #ChewyInfluencer each month Hunter gets to try a new treat. This month we are trying, successfully, a new raw dog food that was made in Boulder Colorado. The idea is to provide our dogs with real food created by Pet People. I wasn't sure how Hunter would like it, because he doesn't eat a lot of wet food.

The consistency reminds me of oatmeal with larger pieces in it.  I followed the directions, but cut the portion in half~however, it was a bit too watery so I've adjusted that with his following meals.  Just add hot water and let it sit for 15 minutes and you have a great meal.

You can see Hunter eating it.  He is used to having freeze dried Lamb and knows the smell, so he dug right in.

Things I like about this product is:
~It's Holistic dog food for all ages.
~Ingredients are Free Range Lamb, Sweet Potato(which he loves), Veggies and Fruit
~It is non-GMO Protein and Produce, helps Healthy Skin and Coats from Omegas 3 & 6
~There are no fillers or by-product meals, artificial preservatives, flavors colors, corn, wheat, rice, soy or gluten.
~It is so easy to prepare and this one bag makes up to 10 lbs of food.
~It's made in Boulder, just down the road from us.

Once again, Chewy has given us the ability to test a product and see whether Hunter would eat it.  With how picky he is, it's always a good thing.  We love Chewy and the entire staff.  We were provided this food free of charge from Chewy in exchange for our honest review and opinion.
You can find this great food here:  Chewy.com

Have a great day!
Noreen and Hunter

Fun, Fun, Fun

Good Morning to you! These days are just flying by so quickly and the computer seems to be the last thing I sit down at. I'm pleased to say that almost all of our gifts are wrapped and I'm just finishing up a couple of table runners-should hopefully have them done by the weekend. Last Saturday morning we all gathered to once again celebrate two of our granddaughters birthday's. Here is Miss O., now 11, opening her birthday present from us.  Little does she know that there are five more presents inside.

Miss A. turned 9 and also had five presents inside her box.

Instead of a lunch or dinner, they choose a breakfast and it was so good.  Belgium Waffles, fresh fruit and Maple syrup as well as home made whipped cream, scrambled eggs and bacon all filled us up.

Around noon, I headed south to see my friend whose out dog sitting.  WE went out for lunch and then toured an historic home decorated for the season.  It was so much fun.  I no sooner got home and relaxed and we had to go to another Christmas Open House, hosted by a quilter friend of mine.  She was dressed up as one of Santa's Helpers.  It was so much fun.
This week is just as busy and Saturday is a repeat of last Saturday-a brunch at church, one party at 4:00 and game night with my best gal pal Kam at 6:30.  How am I supposed to sew?!
Hope you are all having a great week and enjoying the season with all it's busyness.
Hugs,
Noreen

Earthborn Holistic Earth Bites for Dogs

Happy Friday! As a #ChewyInfluencer we are able to try some wonderful products and see how our pet likes them. Firstly, let me just tell you that the entire staff at Chewy.com are incredible; the customer service is the best I've ever expiernced with an online company. If you add in the fact that their products, for all types of pets, are reasonably priced and arrive within a very short time-generally two days- I'd say you've got a win/win business. This month I choose the Earthborn Holistic EarthBites Hip & Joint treats.

The size is perfect for Hunter and they are moist and easy for him to chew.

He loves them!  I'm hoping it improves his gate when going up and down the stairs.  Now that Hunter is 7 yrs old, I think it's time to get him on this supplement, to prevent any future issues.
The things we love about this supplement/treat is:
Grain Free and Gluten Free
Made with Turkey Meal, Molasses, Honey and Maple Syrup
Fortified with Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Antioxidant Rich-Vit. E and C, plus veggies and fruits in every bite.
Most of all, I am confident in the product because it is made right here in the U.S.
 You can find these treats and other great items here: www.chewy.com


Once again, thank you to all of the staff as well as Natalie.  Truly we love this company.
These treats were provided to us free, in exchange for our honest opinion and review.
Noreen and Hunter

Happy Thursday to  you.  Today is cold, wintery and snowy~the perfect day to stay inside and sew.  I'll be running some errands with hubby this morning and then hanging out until tonight.  Our ladies group at church has an annual Ornament Exchange and tonight's the night-can't wait.
I hope you are having a great week.
Blessings,
Noreen

Fun Family Times

Happy Tuesday to you! Last Friday night we gathered to celebrate Kim's birthday and Carrie took this photo to show just how tall our oldest granddaughters are getting. Yes, Miss S is taller than I am and Miss F will be there soon. Thankfully, Peanut will probably be my size.

Saturday all 17 of us went down to Denver to see the Nutcracker.  The only thing better would be if my brother and sister of my heart were with us.  Two  years ago they came out and the girls all went to the ballet while the guys all went to Cabela's.    This year we took up almost two entire rows; it was such fun, especially with all the guys there.

Hubby and I enjoying the family outing!

When it was over we headed home and went out to dinner together; so many traditions!  Our girls remember the years we always went to the Nutcracker in San Francisco at the Opera House.  My sister and sister of my heart would join us; we would walk through Union Square and then have lunch.  Such precious memories.
I'm busy as a bee and must get a move on.  I have my crown put in at lunch time today and hope to sew this morning.
Enjoy the season.
Blessings~
Noreen

Happy Birthday Hunter

Happy Monday to you all! It's hard to believe December is already here, but alas it is. It is also hard to believe our Hunter is 7 years old today. I had to go back and pull some photos so I'd remember what a little ragamuffin he was when we first met him. I wish we had gotten him at 8 weeks old, but he was almost 5 months old when he came to live with us.
Here is the first photo we have of him; I believe he is on the far left-I can tell just from his looks.  His apricot ears are showing there, but they aren't quite are predominant as they once were.

Here is he above when we picked him up.  He was sooo shaggy and needed to be groomed.

Here he was last March, notice no tear staining at all.  Of course, he had just gotten groomed.  I'm sad that after this photo he started having the red tear staining; he is just as adorable with or without it.  I've tried switching foods, which hasn't  helped at all.  I know there is a powder I can add to his food, but I'm hesitant to try it.  Some dogs have changes to their system-maybe too much iron or other mineral which causes it, I may never know.  He is pure love and is such a wonderful companion; I hope we have may more years together.  He got a special bone for his birthday and will have a special dinner tonight.

We had a wonderful time on Saturday at the Nutcracker and I'll post photos tomorrow.
Have a great evening.
Noreen and Hunter

Christmas At My House

Happy Thursday to you all. It's once again Thankful Thursday, so count your blessings! Here is the first of four Christmas table runners I made; this one has hand quilting on it, so it will stay right here with us. I love the colors and fabrics. I should have ironed it last night, but just wanted to get it on the table.

Our antique table with special angels on it, my kneeling Santa, the Shepherd Boy in front of Baby Jesus and a little book and candle that says Wise Men Still Seek Him.

My Lizzie High collection, gifts from the sister of my heart~ Susan.  I've had all of these for at least 20 years if not more. I still  love their whimsical look.

Here is my new Cardinal collection-I got started a couple of years ago; love these birds, wish we had them here.

My Nativity scene~it is at least 30, maybe 32 years old.  I've thought of getting another, but this I purchased when my girls were young.

My Dickens village, which is probably about 37 years old now; my sweet MIL gave me all but one of these buildings.  The Needlepoint and Quilt store came from my best friend Barbara(aka quilting and traveling buddy and next door neighbor for 17 years).

One of our Tomas Kinkaid paintings; actually it is our daughter's, but they felt it fit in so much better with our others.  Love the scene.

Love this Kinkaid plate that my hubby bought me back in Ca.  It must be about 20 years old.

For the joy of the season, the gift of Love coming down to us, for family and friends and even decorations that are more sentimental than costly, I am thankful. I am thankful for a warm home, a beautiful state to live in, our beloved companion Hunter and even the ability to get out to walk and exercise.  I am so thankful that on Friday night we will be celebrating Kim's birthday; we celebrate it early because she was our Christmas miracle and we've always celebrated her at the beginning of the month.  It made it so much easier when we had birthday parties for her as a child.I am thankful that Saturday all 17 of us go to see the Nutcracker in Denver and then Sunday parties start~it seems that each weekend is almost full with Christmas Parties.
Whatever you have going on in your life, I wish you Joy.  May you find reasons to celebrate.
Noreen

Another Thing Checked Off the List

Happy Wednesday to you! As you know I'm working very hard to get things done for Christmas. I got the pattern for this cute little zippered bag and decided to make my friend Cyndi one for Christmas. Cyndi doesn't come here, so I'm safe sharing it. Although I modified the pattern so the wide end was on the bottom, I think it turned out so cute. I machine quilted it prior to assembling it, much easier this way. I'm had another full day-errands this morning, walking after lunch and then to the gym. Our internet has been throwing fits, so this took awhile to get posted.

Now I'm heading downstairs to quilt. I could barricade myself inside for days and not be done, but I'll do my best. Hope your week has been smooth and that you are enjoying life.
Hugs,
Noreen

One More Thing crossed off the list

Hello to you on this crisp November day. I pray you all had a blessed Thanksgiving! We had such an incredible time with family, especially my brother and sister of my heart. I have previously mentioned that I had finished a special gift for someone special, but couldn't reveal it. Well Susan now is in possession of it and I can share. I fell in love with this pattern for the runner and found the fabric, so had to make it for her and my brother for Thanksgiving. I am making at least three other runners in Christmas fabrics and I am able to share that because the neighbors don't read blogs. I hand quilter it all and it went very fast.

They left on Friday afternoon and the weekend ended up being very busy.  Saturday afternoon the entire clan went to see The Grinch, which was a very cute movie. Typically during this season we all take one afternoon and go to the movies-such fun.  Sunday when I got home from church hubby already had the tree up and decorations out.  Needless to say most of the morning was spent decorating, though it's still not done.  After lunch I ran to Walmart for prescriptions, Kohl's for Levi's on sale and Joann's for fleece for our village scene.  I've gotten so tired of using batting over the years and just don't have the time to whip up a runner.  Today I'm hitting the gym, hope to be back on my normal three day a week schedule.  This afternoon two neighbors and I are heading up to The Perennial Gardener in Fort Collins to get a gift for our other neighbor whose birthday is today. We are taking her out shopping and to lunch tomorrow. She is such a precious friend!
I hope you are having a good day!  Stay healthy, lots of bugs going around; I think my eyelid infection is over-yay!
Hugs to you today.
Noreen

From our home to yours, may your blessings overflow and the food fill your tummies.
May you count your blessings and reflect on what all that you have.
My brother and sil arrive today and our time will be filled with lots of wonderful moments.  Thursday we will gather and give thanks for family, health and beautiful Colorado.
Hugs,
Noreen

November Sunset

Happy Monday to you all! I've been sewing up a storm, working on Christmas presents and wanting to make even more. This weekend was really low key for us and this week will definitely be busier. The weather here is cold and clear; the photos below show a sunset this weekend, with Longs and Meeker Peaks in the shot.

My brother and sister of my heart are in the area, but won't arrive until Wednesday.  It will be too short of a visit, but we gladly take any time we can get with them.  Thursday there will be 23 of us at Carrie's house; I know it will be a time of Thanksgiving, laughter, love, joy and craziness all thrown in.
I hope your week is blessed and that you have much to be thankful for!
Joy to you.
Noreen

Hello Friends,  Today I woke up with a very swollen eyelid-all red and really sore.  I determined quickly that it is a Stye, ugh and does it hurt.  My girl suggested using very hot compresses, which I have been doing all day.  I skipped the gym-just didn't feel like exercising, but hope to get there tomorrow. I did walk Hunter and also did some sewing and went to a friends house so she could share some secrets with me on a zippered pouch.  I'd love to go back downstairs and sew, but will relax a bit.
Hope you are having a great week.
Hugs,
Noreen

Happy Monday to you all.  Yesterday we woke up to several inches of snow and decided it was a perfect day to stay home and enjoy a relaxed day.  Hubby worked on a new Marquetry project while I worked on several Christmas gifts.  We watched football most of the day and evening and enjoyed beef stew I made.  Today has been full~the gym this morning, grocery store and now I'm working downstairs again.
For those of you who watch t.v., you may remember the last two years there has been an ad on for Cuties(small tangerines) with a toddler hanging in a backpack on the back of a door trying to get one.  The toddler is the son of one of my oldest girls best friends and I just saw a glimpse that there is a new commercial coming out staring him-so be on the lookout.  He's adorable with curly blond hair.
This week will find me in front of the sewing machine, working on various projects.  One, I have finished and will share after Thanksgiving; it's a gift for someone and I don't want them to see it here before they receive it.
Stay warm and if you don't have snow, enjoy your weather.
Hugs,
Noreen

Hello to you on this cold Thursday morning!  We just now reached 30 degrees; it seems like it's been colder, for more days, than we normally get at this time of year.  I can tell we are getting a little older because we keep on furnace on at night, unlike how we used to turn it to 55 degrees. I know my brother will be more comfortable when they visit in a couple of weeks.  I'm thankful for a furnace that works that we can heat our home with.  Today I'm heading out on an errand and then have a dentist appt. to begin getting a new crown. Ugh.  Somehow I wish my teeth would stay healthy, but I didn't inherit good genes in that department.  Glad I have a good dentist that I am comfortable with.
May your day be filled with joy!
Noreen

Northern Flicker

Happy Outdoor Wednesday to you. Now that the elections are over, we don't have to mute our t.v. at all the ads. So thankful. I'm also thankful we have the freedom to choose here in the U.S. and that we live in a free country. On to more pleasant topics.
Yesterday morning I looked outside and saw a beautiful bird on the railing of our deck. I couldn't get the camera fast enough, but knew enough to know it was a woodpecker checking out our posts. Our neighbors have been bothered with them for years; I've been thankful we haven't been. However, this bird is so beautiful I didn't mind seeing it. He quickly moved on from our deck railing to our Pergola to see if it was worthy of its work.He quickly left-probably due to the stain we put on it.

I was amazed at the orange under it's wings and found in my bird book that it is also called the Red Shafted Flicker.  From what I read they look mainly for dead trees; our neighbors have an Austrian Pine that blocks our view and is right next to our fence-thus dropping all it's needles in our yard.  It's a huge mess and we've nicely offered to buy it from them, to have a tree company come out and take it down and replace it with something smaller that doesn't shed-like a miniature Blue Spruce.  They can't even see it from their house, but have said no.  So if this woodpecker has to hang out nearby, it is welcome to that tree.  We really like our neighbors, they are in the late 80's and 90's and I imagine will move in the next five years.  Maybe then we can hire a tree farm to come put something in that is nicer; when the houses were built the builder had to put in so many Pine trees-I don't understand it but we've taken out several.

WE are off to the gym this morning, then later I have a craft day with a friend and we are joining neighbors going out for dinner tonight.  Hope you are staying warm, it's freezing here!
Hugs,
Noreen

Cuteness Overload

Happy Tuesday to you. I came across these photos in an email and they just made me smile and say AWW. Hope you enjoy!

Babies are so adorable, even the baby Squirrel.
Hugs,
Noreen