Happy Sunday to you! We are on the road again in No. California. It’s been a good trip so far, visits with family and staying with dear friends. Our days have been so filled that I haven’t been able to get here. I hope to post some pictures this week; until we meet again.
Blessings,
Noreen

Happy Tuesday to you! I wanted to share the latest photos of Banning, Copper's puppy that Kim's family adopted. He is so adorable and settling in well.  Here he is with Petrol, sharing his new bed.

This little guy is growing so quickly, is so smart and is already house trained.

I tell you that I would have taken one of these pups in a heartbeat.  Will you look at his paws though.
His father was only 50-55 lbs and Copper weighs 40, which is small for a Standard Poodle.
Hope you have a great day!
Noreen

Canidae Pure Morsels for Small Breeds review

As a #ChewyInfluencer, it is once again my privilege to share a great little wet dog food with you. As you know, I have got Hunter on grain free foods and add in some frozen raw food too. He is so picky and was totally unsure of this food until his cousin Petrol gobbled it down. It looks just like a stew I would make.

Key Benefits

• Cacciatore style dinner with lamb and carrot morsels for finicky small dogs.
• Simple, limited ingredient recipe is great for sensitive eaters.
• Comes in convenient single-serving trays for less mess and leftovers.
• Nutritious recipe is made without corn, wheat, soy or carrageenan.
• Made with uncompromising quality in the USA by the family-owned company.
  

I love that it has beneficial ingredients without added fillers and is great for sensitive eaters. I also love that is it made by a family owned business and right here in the U.S. Hope on over to Chewy and check out there great products. I received this product free of charge; no review positive or otherwise was required of me. Thank you Chewy for such a great company.
Noreen and Hunter

40 Years Together

Forty years ago tomorrow, I walked down the aisle and met the love of my life to pledge myself to him. It's amazing how fast the years have gone and one thing I know for sure is that he is my best friend, my partner, my hero, my forever love and my husband. We were driving in the car this morning and a country song came on the radio-one line so sums us up-You were made for me and I was made for you. Many thought we'd never last, but here we are. I can't believe how young we looked; hubby says we should have gotten married sooner.

Here we are in February celebrating the 50th wedding anniversary of my brother & sister of my heart.

God has richly blessed us with an incredible family-starting with Carrie and Kim-words can't describe how much these two mean to me and to us, two phenomenal son in laws(who are more like sons to us) and 11 incredible grands.

I couldn't have married a more remarkable and loving man, I'm so thankful the Lord blessed me with you Babe!
Always and Forever!

Happy Thursday to you! I hope your week has gone quickly; to those who live near the wildfires in southern Colorado, please be safe. Yesterday we met our daughter's inlaws for lunch, something we do every month or so. We went to a local brewery and I ordered the gluten free Shrimp Tacos; I specifically asked if they were spicy, as I have gotten where I don't like anything more than mild. The waitress assured me that they weren't. It is a very nice looking plate.

However, now I know to ask what type of seasoning is on the shrimp or meat...it was Cayenne Pepper and was spicy. I scraped it all off and it wasn't too bad. Today, I've already walked my 3 miles with a neighbor and in a bit have to go to the doctor to have 9 stitches taken out(I had a little lipoma taken out last week). I haven't been able to lift any weights at the gym, so just doing bicep curls, walking and bike riding. Next week we head out to attend a wedding in Ca. so will also miss the gym-it will be like starting over when we get back.
For those of you who visit here, I want to ask if you have seen a huge decline in visitors to your blogs. With everyone active on FB and Instagram, I'm sure many have stopped blogging.  However, I never started blogging to get followers, but got used to those would would come and comment.  Now I understand why so many are quitting this wonderful world of blogging.
Have a great day.
Noreen

We Are Family

Good Morning to you! I hope your weekend and Monday were great and that today is just as fine. As you know, our youngest daughter and her family are getting one of Carrie's pups and we are so excited from them. Kim's family lost their Samson several summers ago and they knew they'd always get another big dog, but had to have one that didn't shed. So they were the first to pick out this little guy~name Banning; yes it's another Irish name. Here he is pictured with their toy Schnauzer, Petrol.

We took Hunter over on Sunday to have some play time, but it was already really hot out and the pups didn't play as much as I thought they would. Banning is already taller than Hunter and as cute as any pup in the litter.  Banning is learning how to play from Copper and she has already brought him stuffed toys and taught him tug-of-war.  He is pretty much house trained(amazing at just 8 weeks), so he'll go home to Kim's and make it easy.  All his littermates have left now, so he is adjusting to being with  Copper and Lily; Lily is even playing with him.  He will be staying at Carrie's until Saturday and then will be enveloped into a household of love and activity.  The grands are so very excited about him; I'm happy to say that Petrol adjusted well to him; usually she is a typical "terrier" and a bit grumbly.  Yesterday they were so cute together and Banning actually gave Petrol lots of kisses.
I'm so thankful that one pup is staying in the family!  Also yesterday, our youngest granddaughter Miss E(dog lover extraodinaire) asked if Nana could please go get Heidi for a visit.  I told Carrie to tell her that when we get Banning and Heidi together for a playdate, I'll make sure she is there.  She fell in love with Heidi and one other little female.  I see a dog owner in the future...which will mean there are three poodle owners in Carrie's family; of course Miss E is still really  young-I figure it will be another five-8 years before she gets one.  Miss O on the other hand will be one in two years.
I'm off to walk now, then will have quilting with Miss O and later today a bike ride.  I had a little thing on my back removed, but I can't do weights for another week or so, so for now I'm walking and biking.
Joy to you!
Noreen

Together Forever by Jody Hedlund review

                                                    
As a Bethany House Blogger Reviewer, each month I am given the opportunity to review new release books written by some of my favorite authors.  Jody Hedlund has become one such author for many reasons.  Her writing is developed and accurate for the time period her story is written about; her character and rich and inviting, drawing you into the story.  She will often throw in something you weren't expecting and makes each plot exciting.  This book was so rich and is the first I've read dealing with Orphan Trains.  As always, after I read one of her books I find myself wanting more.
From the publisher:

 Will the Mistakes of Their Past Cost Them a Chance at Love?
"Determined to find her lost younger sister, Marianne Neumann takes a job as a placing agent with the Children's Aid Society in 1858 New York. She not only hopes to offer children a better life, but prays she'll be able to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train so they can finally be reunited.

Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing-out trip, is a former schoolteacher who has an easy way with the children, firm but tender and friendly. Underneath his charm and handsome looks, though, seems to linger a grief that won't go away--and a secret from his past that he keeps hidden.

As the two team up, placing orphans in the small railroad towns of Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever."

As a blogger reviewer, I received this book free of charge from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise was required; all opinions are my own.  I would give Jody Hedlund a 5 star rating, for such an incredible story.  Thank you to Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing for having this wonderful program.

A Challenge Quilt

Happy Friday! I want to share my challenge quilt with you; today is the day we turn it in. Back in February, we were presented with a fun challenge~using only fabric from our stash, cut 5" squares and make a quilt without cutting them or using a pattern. The gal that was hosting this challenge had made one previously and her theme was Seasons. I knew immediately I would need a theme/story centered around the quilt I'd make. This is what I came up with; make sure you read the theme behind it(next picture). It has machine quilting as well as all the different size circles are hand quilted. Today we have our monthly meeting and we are taking our quilts in a nondescript grocery bag and then have to vote on who made which quilt. Since many of the gals know I was raised and lived most of my life in northern Ca. they will no doubt figure out mine first. Those participating put $5. in and the quilts will be taken to our local quilt store in town(without our names on them)and be judged for creativity. Remember, we've got some incredible quilters in our group-both with piecing and also machine quilting. I would love to win the gift card, which could amount to $55. We'll see.

Meanwhile now that this is done, I have three other quilts in the midst of stages that I need to work on.  It's been hot here this week, which I love!  We are running our AC and trying to get all our outside jobs done in the early morning.   I'm looking forward to a great weekend; I hope you have a fantastic one.
Hugs,
Noreen

Saying Goodbye

Happy Thursday to you! Today I'm thankful that I got to watch the wonderful time of puppies at my daughter's home. I am so happy that they are all going to wonderful homes and that one will stay in the family. I am also going to miss watching them grow into wonderful adult poodles. Here they are playing outside on Sunday; it has been such a great experience for Carrie's whole family. In fact, in two years another daughter wants to keep one and do her own breeding.  This is Carrie's youngest who just turned five~she adored the puppies.

Copper with the pups.

Rough housing.

Yesterday the first four went to their forever homes; one family is hoping to get another one from the next litter.
All I can say is how precious this time has been.
Hope you have a great day!
Noreen

Music Recital

Happy Wednesday to you; I'm doing my happy dance because hubby is in the air on his way home today. My granddaughter now is earning money for a archery bow and does little jobs for me each week, so today she is helping clean house. On Sunday four of our granddaughters had a music recital and I love watching them. Here are two of Carrie's girls, both ready to play pieces on the piano.

All of Carrie's girls; they are growing up so fast.

Here is Kim's crew-two will be playing for our enjoyment. The oldest Miss S played several piano pieces while Miss M, top right in the green outfit wearing glasses played the violin.

Here are all 11 of our grands. I love that the oldest two boys are century guards over the group.

They all did a wonderful job!  Couldn't be more proud of any of them.  WE are blessed beyond measure.
Have a wonderful day!
Noreen

Quilt Mini Retreat

Happy Tuesday to you! As you know, our county quilt guild is holding a mini-retreat for two days at the golf course banquet area where I live. I had never gone to one before, for several reasons and believe it or not, because I can be quiet if I don't know people. One of my goals though, for this year, has been to step out of my comfort zone and join in. So I went today; thankfully I knew some gals from my mini group that would be there and I sat at a table with a close friend. There were three places at each table; by the time I got there-15 minutes after the doors opened, I got a table in a corner near two barn doors, which provided lots of fresh air, breezes and light. This barn is used for wedding receptions, wine tastings, big parties etc. as you can see from the chandeliers and lace.

I believe there were 40 of us spread out.  I can tell you it was so much fun with lots of talking and tons of sewing.  The guild even had a silent fund raiser for donations of miscellaneous quilt fabrics and tops; I didn't get anything, but my friend got a lovely Wedding Ring quilt top.

I love this little table which came from Office De*ot.  I may need to get one for future trips, because after this retreat I see more in my future.

I also love this fold up wagon; when the gals sent out a list for things to bring they mentioned wagons-I thought they were referring to a children's wagon.  With all the things I had to take today, I now understand why women would own one.

After talking with one gal extensively, the past president of the guild, she told me I have to go to the retreats next year.  They go to Cheyenne, Wyoming for 4 days and have a ball; they eat, sew, play games, eat, shop, sew and repeat.  There is also a retreat in October near Estes, which would be a good one to try.  I had fun sewing and took my old machine, since we leave everything overnight in the locked barn.  I didn't want to chance it with my year old expensive machine.  I felt like I made some new friends!  At 6:00 p.m. about 30 of us headed to a nearby Mexican restaurant for dinner.  I didn't get to sit with the friends I had hoped to, but got to branch out and meet some more new quilters.  The quilt I am working on is one by Missouri Star Quilt owner Jenny Doan and I'm using white fabric and different batiks-so it will be somewhat scrappy.  It's called Summer in the Park.

Tomorrow will be another full day of sewing and I'm hoping to finish the strip piecing, shown above and start the next step.
I hope you have a great day!  Tomorrow I will be walking early and then cleaning house with the help of our oldest granddaughter, in preparation for hubby getting home mid morning.  I always miss him when he's gone, but try my best to have some fun.
Joy to you!
Noreen

While The Cat's Away...

Welcome Monday! Today I'm off to a sew day/mini retreat with our area quilt guild; we will be close to home and spending today and tomorrow sewing to our hearts content. Tonight we will head to a local restaurant for dinner. It's a great way to spend some concentrated hours sewing and quilting; it's the first time I've done this with our guild and I'm hoping to get to know some more ladies. I know a handful, but not enough to feel comfortable traveling with; since they host two retreats each year and are now adding in bus trips to Missouri Star, I want to feel at ease enough to join in. Saturday hubby left for his annual Reno Golf Tournament and whenever he goes on this trip, I make sure to do something fun for me. Two years ago I started getting a facial when he is gone and this year I planned on the same thing. However, I went to a new salon and am so glad I did! The gal I saw also works in a medical spa salon and with dermatologists. She was knowledgeable about skin care products for aging/sun damaged skin and I came away looking so much better than I did at the previous salon. So while I was enjoying it, hubby was taking his five friends around Lake Tahoe. Hubby spent every summer there and loves it; I started going when we were dating and for all the years we had our girls at home.  This picture was taken at Sunnyside Restaurant on the west shore-a place that we love.

Edgewood Golf Course a course hubby used to play at a lot.

After my facial, this is what I did-another summer outing for me.  Not the best photo but I loved getting Pedis-makes me feel ready for summer.

I also went shopping and got a new pair of Sketcher sandals; I have a sprained ligament in my right foot and they really help support it.  Yesterday I went to the gym, ran to Pet*mart for some things for Hunter, ran to the grocery store, went to a music recital for our grands and spent time getting items ready to take to my sew day.  It is supposed to get up to 90 degrees today, so I'm wearing shorts and a tank top.  Whatever you've got on your agenda, enjoy life.
I  hope you have a great day!
Noreen

Fun in the Sun

Happy June to you! Our nice warm weather is back and yesterday our crew was planning on meeting at the pool, however when hubby and I got there a sign was posted that it wouldn't open up until noon(when it should have opened at 10:30). So what is a family to do, but make their own water play. Both families were already at Carrie's house and water balloon fights ensued. Papa even joined in the fun, helping the girls take on Mr. B.  Large containers were also used in pursuit of getting Mr. B wet and he did his fair share of getting the girls wet.  Afterwards, the kiddos took turns spraying the inground tramp and having others run and slide on it.

We enjoyed lunch outside in the sunshine, before I had to take off to help my girlfriend set up her garage sale. Kim's kiddos were so tired they went home and just hung out inside where it was cool. Carrie's older boys went to do their weekly lawn mowing, 6 houses and 5 today. The heat is going to ramp up a bit, so I'm sure there will be days spent at the pool. Hubby leaves Saturday morning and that means I've got plenty of time to sew and also do some fun things plus hit the gym.
I hope your week has been good and that your weekend is even better.
Joy to you!
Noreen