Tuesday, May 29, 2018

What Happens At Nana's



Happy Tuesday to you! How was your weekend? Did you do anything exciting or special? I hope you took time to remember those who have served our country and given all for us. It is with Gratitude that I'm always remembering the sacrifices of so many. Friday night we had 8 granddaughters spend the night~it was so fun. They brought dinner and the movie The Greatest Showman, plus a few others. We only had time for one though. So in the midst of watching the movie, our youngest granddaughter who turns 5 next week, decided Nana needed a new hairstyle. With comb and brush and rubber bands, she did this and said I looked like Princess Leah.  The waves on the bottom are mine naturally; it wouldn't be bad if I had them all over.  You  know the saying, what happens at Nana's stays at Nana's.
Saturday was an easy day, Sunday we had the whole family over-all 17 of us for a bbq.  It was so pleasant outside until the wind came up.  The kiddos all enjoyed themselves and we discovered a new talent-Miss F had a stair down with her brother B  and she took the price.  It was amazing, we had no idea she had such a strong look.  Yesterday was cloudy and rain hit in the afternoon; we had some neighbors over for dinner, but couldn't eat outside due to the pouring rain and strong winds.  Apparently there were four tornadoes east of Denver.  Today I had another granddaughter over to cut fabric for her first quilt(the pattern is a Snowball Quilt); she got 120 squares cut and we got the diagonal lines drawn.  Next week I'll have her over to help her start sewing them.  This next week or two is going to fly by.  I have lots on the agenda~lunch with a friend, helping another friend set up for our annual town garage sale,  lunch at the pool with the grands, I've got to get time in for the gym too.  We have a birthday party Friday evening, hubby leave Saturday and believe me I've got my calendar booked.  The puppies will go to their forever homes next week; it is bittersweet.
I wish you a productive and pleasant week.
Hugs,
Noreen

Monday, May 28, 2018

Happy Memorial Day

                         Celebrate, Honor and Remember
Thank you to all those who have served our country, past and present; to those who have lost their lives securing our freedom. We will never forget.

Saturday, May 26, 2018

A Warm Spring Day

Happy Saturday to you all.  This morning we went over to Carrie's, hoping Hunter would not be used to the puppies and want to play~but this is what we found.  A couple engaged Hunter, but they didn't really run and play; the ground must have been warm and the litter mates to snuggly.  So precious.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Noreen

Friday, May 25, 2018

Summer in our Yard

Happy Friday!  Most of the day has flown by-first thing this morning I walked the 3 mile loop with my neighbor, then headed to coffee with my mini group, then met my girls and their kiddos at the park for lunch-where it was extremely hot.  I only stayed one hour, then stopped at Costco and finally came home.  I realized I had forgotten to get orange juice for tomorrow morning's breakfast for the 8 granddaughters, who will spend the night with us tonight so headed back to the grocery store to get it.  They provide dinner and movies, we provide the fun.  I love it that all the grands love sleepovers at our house, such a blessing to be close to them physically as well as emotionally and spiritually.
This week we got so much done in the yard-took out one huge tree stump from an Australian Pine and planted a weeping Crabapple that only gets 6' tall.  Then hubby transplanted some grasses and even out that side of the yard.  It is very hard to make out, but the Weeping Crabapple(also known as the Pink Princess Crabapple) fits perfectly in the corner and won't get any bigger.  We wanted to make sure we didn't obstruct our neighbor's view.  You can see the little grasses on each side of the tree.
 My Dwarf Korean Lilac finally opened her beautiful blooms.  We have another one too.
 This shot is hard to see as well-we have a new rain gauge and three Iris plants, as well as other perennials coming up.
 Our Peonies are ready to burst open; one thing I was always concerned about is the amount of Wasps we get with this plant, but a friend told me today it is because of the ant trails that they are drawn to the plant.  Once the flowers open up, they are gorgeous and the wasps will be gone.
 Here we have Purple Echinecia and Sunflowers as well as Snow in Summer-a perennial ground cover that we love.
So for now most of the yard is done, except getting a bit more mulch. Some branches need to be trimmed off of our Linden tree-but that will be easy. I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Thank you to all those who faithfully serve our country, past and present.
Joy to you!
Noreen

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Puppy Love at Six Weeks

Hello friends, hope your week has gone well so far. Just have to share our puppies at 6 weeks old today-they are so adorable and it makes me wonder why we never became a breeder home for Canine Companions For Independence. My friend in Ca. who had a breeder, used to say that by the time they turned 8 weeks both their mom and the humans raising them were very happy to release them. Not sure I'd feel the same way.  This morning when I went over they were all snuggled up together after play time outside.
The parti on the right top is a very special dog to us.
My quilting friend Michelle holding her girl Heidi.  She hasn't seen her in a month, so was surprised at how big she's gotten.
Heidi on her Mom's lap with Banning next to them.

Doesn't Heidi have the sweetest face!

I love this pose, so regal.   Three Amigos.
Love this shot!  I am definitely going to miss these puppies when they go to their forever homes in two weeks.
Have a great day!
Noreen

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Happy Outdoor Tuesday!  This morning first thing I hit the gym, but only did weights as I was planning on walking with a neighbor.  It was a fast workout and then I ran to Target to look for another long workout tank-no luck.  I came home and changed into shorts and met my neighbor for our three mile walk.  It is already 76 degrees outside, so glad we got it in.  I decided to go back on Overstocked and check out cushions~I may have found some that will work, just have to show hubby.
This afternoon I have another annual doctor's appt., when that's done I'll head to the grocery store with hubby.  I think we are having pizza for dinner tonight, doesn't that sound good.   Tomorrow I am going to Carrie's to meet my girlfriend and take pics of her holding her new puppy Heidi. This weekend will be fun~Friday I have coffee with my quilting gals, Friday night all of our granddaughters will be here for a sleepover and then Saturday maybe we'll look for that tree for the yard. Sunday, all the family is coming for a bbq and Monday we have a couple from across the street coming for a bbq.  The weather is supposed to be warm and wonderful and I love starting summer like this. So all in all, a great and blessed week.
May you enjoy life and share love.
Hugs,
Noreen

Monday, May 21, 2018

Happy Monday to you.  How was your weekend?  Here in Colorado, it was rainy and cold~which means we stayed in most of the weekend.  Yesterday afternoon though, hubby and I went to a huge store called AT HOME~it's a big warehouse filled with everything you might need for a home.  We are in desperate need for new outdoor couch cushions, but the problem is the size of the couch(plus the fact that we are both picky about the quality).  We went to this huge store and found some that would work, but I don't want to settle on them yet.  We then went to two other stores and by that time I was out of steam.  I also don't want to spend $400.-500. on them; otherwise we'd just go to Cos*co and get a new couch with the cushions.  There is one more store I want to check out; I've searched online and that is where I've seen the really expensive cushions.
Today I had to run and have a test done to rule out kidney stones-it did.  Afterwards, hubby and I went out to breakfast.  It was so nice to go out in the morning, not something we do on a regular basis.  Last week, I told hubby I want to start having a date day or evening each week-where we go out to eat and enjoy each other.  In a couple of minutes Hunter and I will be heading over to see the puppies and  see how Hunter reacts to them.  There is no concern that he won't be nice, but I can see him running in circles around them(his normal behavior with puppies)and tiring them out.  This afternoon I may walk since our weather is back to warm days and I need to go find a couple of tablecloths-one for outside and one for our dining room.  I'm hoping Targe* will have them. I'm still working on hand quilting my challenge quilt that is due the 2nd Friday in June.  It's been so fun to be creative and have a story behind it.  Once it's finished I will post a picture and the story here.
Have a fantastic Monday and give thanks for all the blessings in your life.
Hugs,
Noreen

Friday, May 18, 2018

Exploring the Great Outdoors

Happy Friday to you. I hope you've had a great week and are ready for the weekend. Yesterday hubby and I went over to watch the puppies explore the grass in Carrie's backyard. They are getting so big at 5 weeks and although a bit wobbly, they are doing fine on the grass.


Copper is weaning them and they got their first taste of kibble this week.  They love it.
Love this little guys paw up.
Playtime with brothers.
Old Grandma Lily letting the puppies know that she is in charge.
Next week I'll take Hunter over, because he is younger and more apt to play with the pups.  The little red girl on the left is Heidi, my friends puppy.  She is so anxious to take Heidi home, but the pups will stay until they're 8 weeks old.
They are all so cute and I love watching the personalities develop.
Until next time~
Noreen

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Happy Thursday to you all.  I hope your week has been filled with contentment and gratitude.  Today will be somewhat busy, but in a good way. This morning hubby and I will head over to Carrie's house to watch the puppies playing outside~I can't wait!  Carrie said they are so cute and one even played with Lily(whose now the old lady in the pack at 10 yrs old).  I am so thankful for them; even though in 3 more weeks, they'll be going to their forever homes, it's fun to spend time with them now.  They will grow into loving and well adjusted companions.   We are also joining Kim's inlaws and going out to lunch.  It's been a month since we've seen them and this time frame seems to work better for us, rather than several times a month.
I'm sure this afternoon will be spent outside in the yard~rain is headed our way tomorrow through the weekend.  Unfortunately, this weekend is our developments' big garage sale, I'm wondering if the weather will cause some to cancel.  It's always fun to go by and see what folks are getting rid of.
For those friends who wished me well with the doctor appt., it was fine. I do have a follow up test on Monday morning and hopefully the results will be clear!
I will post photos of adorable puppies playing later.
Have a great morning.
So thankful for this life!
Noreen

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Happy Tuesday to you all. Our morning today is gorgeous and I'm hoping the weather stays nice all day. Yesterday was a very low key day~I've been dealing with being run down etc. and since it was raining all day, I ended up sewing quite a bit. Felt really nice. As I mentioned on Friday we had the End of the school year program and here is the whole group together-ages 17 through 5.
Each of these precious grands did such a great job on their projects and presentations-even our two five year olds.  These kiddos are growing up so fast.  I love seeing their gifts and the directions their interests take them.  From engineering to animal husbandry to cooking/baking to art.  What a priceless group, I couldn't be more proud of them.
I'm off to the doctor this morning and possibly I'll be able to get a walk in later, but we'll see what he say.
Count your blessings today!
Noreen

Monday, May 14, 2018

End of the School Year

Hello Friends! I hope you are all doing well and that you had a great weekend. On Friday night our family gathered for the end of the year presentation/program where all our grands could share a project they especially like that they completed. Our town's school schedule is different this year(due to remodeling of a school)and school started early last August and ended Friday.  The first picture is a verse Miss F wrote out for us, it was beautiful.  I am not sharing all the projects here, but some of the highlights.
Here we have a sampling of Mr. B's famous Guacamole and chips; next to it is an old iPhone that our oldest grandson took apart so he could learn to identify all the workings and also see if he could upgrade it.
Our Peanut loves engineering and has received many Metal Art kits-this one is a grasshopper, it was quite delicate and she had to be very careful putting it together.
Each grand gave an oral presentation on what they did-here is Little Man explaining all about the tractor he drew.  It's hard to see the wheels, but we thought he did an excellent job drawing it as well as telling us about it.  As you know, I don't like putting many photos of our grands here-but these next two are profile pictures.
Here is our youngest granddaughter telling us all about Cheetah's.
Here is Mr. B, aka dog breeder/hopeful Vet possibly/chef.  His topic was the Golden Gate Bridge.
It was a wonderful evening.
The three boys headed back to our house after we were done and had a sleepover.  Little Man so looks up to his cousins and they are such good role models.  On Saturday morning after breakfast, we had a game of Yahtzee and Little Man actually got five Yahtzee's-I was sitting next to him and it was all fair; we've never seen so many in one game.
Yesterday hubby and I went over to Carrie's after lunch for dessert; both families blessed with me thoughtful gifts and cards.
Today I am hoping to hit the gym and have some other things I need to take care of.  It rained much of the weekend and more is in the forecast-it's good for the plants I just put in the ground.
Have a blessed day!
Noreen

Thursday, May 10, 2018

A New Home

Hello friends,  So many of you have following along on the journey of puppies that my daughter's family have undertaken.  This little guy was name Blackie-due to the black collar he is wearing.  He was the last on the puppies and so very sweet and everyone has grown attached to him.  Last night a young family came to look at him; Carrie had told them if they were serious they could come for a visit.  The couple have two children-around ages 5 and 7 and the mom is a stay at home mom.  What could be more perfect for a puppy.  He now has his forever home and has been named Bennie.
We are so very thankful that he too will be placed with responsible owners.
I just got in from a walk and will go help hubby in the yard; tonight I'm going to a softball game to watch our grandsons and sil's play.  The weather is incredible, but rain will hit us by Saturday.
I hope you have a great day, remember to find things to be thankful for.
Hugs,
Noreen

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Happy Tuesday to you.  I hope that your weather is phenomenal; it certainly is here.  This morning I went to my new hairdresser, for the second time and got all fixed up.  It is so relaxing going to her~no more of a stylist getting in my face and arguing with me-or sharing her opinions on politics.  I never told her where I stand and she always thought we were on the same page.  I never realized how stressed I got when I was there, until I changed and go someplace relaxing.  Another bonus is that is is much more reasonable and she does a great job.  I've got to clean my hardwood floors and then will just kick back and enjoy the sunshine.  Hope you have a fantastic day!
Noreen

Monday, May 7, 2018

Happy Monday to you! I hope you had a spectacular weekend, filled with activities that make your heart soar.


Friday night we joined a couple from our street and went to our favorite restaurant.  Bonefish is incredible~their food is delicious and staff attentive. This is the special I had, more of an appetizer than a dinner as the portions were small; however it was so good.  There was a pineapple risotto and a glaze on the shrimp that was delicious.  It was the perfect size.  I usually have salads, but choose this and was so glad I did.
Today has started off on a normal schedule-first thing the gym and this afternoon I'm heading to our quilt guild meeting; they are having a guest speaker whose a quilt appraiser and judge at fairs.  Looking forward to hearing her.
Tomorrow I'm getting a cut and color, but going back to how I used to wear it-shorter and a bit lighter for the summer.  Lately my hair has felt so heavy and with the heat coming thought I'd change it up a bit.  Hope it looks good.
Have a wonderful day!
Noreen

Friday, May 4, 2018

Puppy Love

Happy Friday to you! It's been a somewhat busy week within our family, but whenever I'm feeling stressed I just look at these cute puppies. Monday our four oldest grandkids took an American Heart Association class and got certified in First Aid, CPR and using the AED. We are so glad they have this skill. All but one grandson has Standardized Testing this week, plus the youngest two aren't old enough for the testing; thankfully it was over yesterday, so today they had off. Today the four oldest are volunteering at a big event with their dads; they've taken a Colorado Youth Outdoor class that teaches them skills-such as Fly Fishing, Archery and Skeet Shooting. I know they've had fun working all day, but with the warm weather today(it's 74), I'm sure they'll be tired when they get home. So, I met the girls and their remaining kiddos at Carrie's for lunch today. The kids ate quickly and then ran to play in the warm sunshine. We visited, but then headed in to hold some puppies.  This is Heidi who is going to my friend.  She is so sweet!
Love the markings on this little boy!  He is a very special puppy and no he is not coming home to our house, but to some lucky family.
They are so much more alert and even barking, if you saw the video I posted on Face Book yesterday you will understand.

Heidi(in the pink collar) is pretty good size as is Moose, who now has been named Alfie.
Gosh I know the next six weeks are going to fly by, especially with the kiddos done with school around the 15th of this month and with our neighborhood pool opening up.
I feel better today than I have all week; even got a walk in today and will hit the gym first thing tomorrow.  Going out for dinner tonight with our neighbors; she is a quilter so I always enjoy talking with her.
Blessings on your day and weekend.
Noreen

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

May Colors

Happy Wednesday to you. Although it is cold and rainy here today, I'm embracing signs of spring all around. Our flowering pear trees and also our Payday Trees are covered with white blossoms, that are scattering in the wind. My Lilac bushes have buds and are growing-yeah! Several homes of the street have these beautiful Redbud trees and I love the bright pink flowers. We have many similar Crabapple Trees too and they are also gorgeous.

This morning was nice and slow, then we went to the gym and worked out.  We've gone to the grocery store and bought sushi for dinner.  Now I'm going to start pinning my challenge quilt so that I can quilt it.  I'm trying to get projects checked off my list; the challenge quilt has to be revealed in June, so I best get going.  Tomorrow rain is also scheduled, so I imagine I'll have more sewing time. Sure reminds me of winters in northern Ca.  At least the grass, the bushes, flowers and trees will get a good drink of water.
Have a blessed day!
Noreen

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Happy May Day!

Happy Tuesday and Happy May Day  to you! I decided to take a break on posting puppy pics and instead post touches of spring in our neighborhood. Yesterday while walking with my two gal pals, we noticed this front yard. It was so pretty and I was jealous of many of the flowers. My tulips have buds, but have not opened yet. Usually we get a snow before Mother's Day and they are covered; I can only hope it won't occur this year.
The tulips were so bright and gorgeous!
I loved the design of this yard, they even have the same flowering tree that we have.
I had fun yesterday afternoon with my grands and the puppies.  Today I'm off to the doctor first thing to see if we can adjust my blood pressure meds; I had a problem in Kauai and also since I've been home.  No wonder I'm so tired; I just want to have my energy back.  I have not yet caught back up to my previous weights at the gym and am wondering if my elevated blood pressure is part of the problem.  It is supposed to rain this afternoon, so I will be working on sewing downstairs.
I hope you have a lovely day!
Blessings,
Noreen