More Than Meets The Eye by Karen Witemeyer

As a #BethanyHouse Blogger, it is once again my privilege to review a new book.  I had never read anything by this author, but I loved her writing.  The story takes place in the 1800's with children on an Orphan Train heading to Texas and centers around 3 children, left to make their own way.
Evie and her brother are desperately looking for a home; something they've found difficult because Evie has two different color eyes and many feel she is cursed.  In an accident on the train, Evie's older brother dies and she is left with two older boys they befriended.  They soon become a family and Zach, the oldest, does whatever it takes to provide for Evie and Seth.  The story is touching and the characters are rich.  The authors weaves humor into her story and integrates redemption into the main plot.
I had no idea that those born with two different color eyes suffered so much.  This is a fast read, but with some twists and turns and lots of love.  I would rate this book 10 stars; I will definitely look for more books by this author.
I was provided this book by the Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing free of charge.  NO review, positive or otherwise was required.

Noreen

Incredible Dog Breed that the Navy Seals Use

Happy Friday everyone.  I saw this video yesterday and although I'm familiar with Belgian Malinois, this is incredible.  Glad they are on on side. Let me know if you are unable to see this.
Noreen

A Dilemma

Hello Friends, In this season of social media I'm wondering if any other bloggers out there have noticed a steep decline in comments on their posts.  While I initially started blogging as a way of keeping a record for my family and grands, I've made some wonderful friends.  I've noticed many are on FB or Instagram, but also curious about how many have considered leaving blogging.  Many of the programs, such as Bethany House have changed up there blogger program; it's understandable, but hard when I no longer fit into what they expect.  So if  you've noticed a big change with your blog, please let me know. Otherwise, this may become private and just for family.
Hugs,
Noreen
P.s.  my sil in law suggested I have Carrie leave a comment to see if it came to my email for moderation-it didn't, so I went back and apparently none have come to me, which is why I thought there was no longer interest. I'm not sure what changed, but have published them all(I hope)and plan to look into this further.  For those who have been leaving comments, thank you-you've all become good friends and I've missed you, even though I read your blogs.
Love to you.

Fun in the Sun

Happy Monday to you!  The days of summer fun seem to be dwindling and we were able to enjoy Saturday at a nearby lake.  It was so fun, but this gal didn't get into the water-I just wanted to enjoy the sun and scenery.
Yesterday I attended a bridal shower for my Colorado gal pal's daughter, Kelsey.  Such a blessing to have watched the relationship grow and blossom.
Hope you have a great day!
Noreen

Play Time at Nana's

We have Petrol and Banning spending the weekend with us as Kim's family is camping. This is the second time he's been over and I'm hopeful that with Petrol here, Banning will be fine. These are a few of Hunter's toy Banning has spread out on the kitchen floor.

I've had a busy day~walked 3 miles with the neighbors at 6:00 AM, then came home to water the front and back yards plus the pots of the back deck. Hubby came home from the golf course and we headed to the gym and did our weight workouts and then hit the bike to do 1.5 miles.  We came home and realized the three baby Robins had flown the coop, so hubby got the ladder to get rid of the nest-which then lead to cleaning outside windows.  We've had lunch and he is watching the Open and I'll head downstairs to sew.  Glad we don't have any other commitments.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Noreen

Glenwood Springs

Happy Thursday to you! We are back at home after a fun getaway to celebrate our anniversary and hubby's birthday. Tuesday night we went out for a nice dinner in Glenwood Springs at a restaurant called The Pullman and we had an excellent dinner. I ordered the Alaskan Halibut and it was so delicious, hubby had the Organic Chicken and said it was so good.

While we enjoyed going to Glenwood Springs again, seeing Meeker again, visiting Grand Junction for the first time I have to say that the Village at Vail was the highlight of our trip.  We've heard so much about it, but enjoyed seeing it firsthand.
I'm off to lunch with a friend and then the weekend is packed with fun activities.
Have a joy filled day!
Noreen

Vail, Co,

Yesterday we had lunch in Vail and it was such a fun time exploring and eating.

Hubby had Lobster Mac and Cheese and said it was delicious.

I had a gluten free burger-it was very tasty.

Love the polka dot umbrella.

Noreen

Happy Monday to you! Hubby and I are heading to the mountains for a couple of days, to celebrate our anniversary and his birthday. After we got home from our last trip, we noticed that a Robin was still flying back and forth to a nest by our bedroom window. Most of the birds have finished with their fledgings and it surprised us that there might be more-sure enough there were two or three babies in the next. They are now getting quite big and I anticipate that soon they will be out on their own.

Our weather had definitely been different~the Cicada's are already chirping in town and my Mums have buds on them.  I'm wondering if we won't have an early fall; our Palisade Peaches were being sold a full month early and there are other signs I'm seeing.  Last week the weather was so hot and then yesterday it was cloudy, cooler and we got some rain.   I'm not at all ready for summer to wain!
I hope you had a great weekend and have a fantastic day!
Blessings~
Noreen

Skydiving Part 1

Good Morning to you! Thursday afternoon, hubby and I joined our sil Eric and his parents and headed to Longmont where the three guys would go skydiving. Eric's dad wanted to do this in celebration of turning 65 in March. Eric graciously invited hubby and so both Eric's mom and I also went to watch. Also, our close neighbor who sky dives on a regular basis met us there-he wanted to take the jump with hubby.  Here is hubby on the left with our neighbor Allen, whose been jumping for over 50 years.

Hubby looks so ready to go.  We had to wait quite a while because there were many in front of us and only one plane.  It was fun watching all those who were jumping tandem, as our three guys would do.

We are so blessed to have two incredible son-in-laws, they are simply the best and we love them.  Here Eric is with hubby.

We got to the airport around 1:45 and out to the tarmac about 2:00; by 4:00 the winds had picked up and there was threats of lightning.  The jump was delayed due to weather and the guys finally called it; when we got back to registration the day was cancelled.  So when Eric can schedule another day to jump, they will go down.  Weekends are really bad, so not sure when they'll make it again.  I probably won't go, simply because while I love watching those jumping, the wait and lack of bathrooms doesn't work well for me.  Our oldest grandson, who turns 18 next March wants to jump then, so I think he'll go in my place to see what its like and to take photos.
Last night we had our 8 granddaughter's over for a sleepover-they love it.  Today, I'll be running a couple of errands and then hoping to sew all weekend~I've still got three quilts to finish before November.  Last January we made a list up of goals around our quilting-I've got two quilts done already and most of my goals, just need to finish up.
Hope you have a fantastic weekend.
Blessings,
Noreen

Oh How We Love Chewy

Hello friends~Happy Friday to you. Hunter would like to share some unexpected goodies that he got this week from our friends at Chewy. It was a large box, delivered by Fed-Ex and it contained some summer fun! It had a very nice thank you card and a plastic food dish with Chewy's name on it; I'm thinking they want him to know they supply his food.

Next came a pair of sunglasses and a wonderful hammock so he could chill out and enjoy warm summer days.

Here is the hammock in it's own bag-it will be useful when camping.

Also a special tug-of-war toy for Hunter and his cousins.

Thank you to all the staff at Chewy for these wonderful gifts.  It was a total surprise to us to receive them.  They are just the best; please stop by and visit them here:
chewy.com

Hunter and Noreen

Stainless Multi-Pet Pet Fountain

As a #ChewyInfluencer, each month a special package comes in the mail and this month we choose to try out the MultiPet Pet Fountain. Often we will have more than one dog, sometimes just two extra and there have been times when we have three extra pups  for a weekend. I was excited to get this fountain and to try it out with the dogs. I wanted to post this review right away, without waiting for two extra dogs.

It is supposed to be an indoor fountain, but with Copper and Lily and Banning coming to stay soon, I knew water would be all over our hardwood floors-this is in on our covered porch.

The description from Chewy:  "With fresh, filtered water and a free-flowing stream, there's no need to lead your pet to water; she's already lapping it up! The Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Pet Fountain was designed to increase dogs' and cats' drive to drink by mirroring a natural water source instead of a stagnant bowl. It holds one gallon of water, making it perfect for multi-pet households, and the stainless steel construction resists bacteria and makes cleanup simple: it's dishwasher safe! Key Benefits Dishwasher-safe (excluding pump) Ideal for multiple cats and dogs under 60 pounds. Holds up to 1 gallon of water. The free-falling, 360-degree access stream keeps water fresh, encouraging pets to drink more.  Receiving ramp and adjustable flow control reduce splashing. Rubber feet prevent sliding Submersible pump for nearly silent operation. Dishwasher-safe(excluding pump) †Capacity is calculated by total volume. When using container, choose a capacity greater than what you need to prevent overfilling and spills".

What I like about this fountain is that it keeps the water circulating and will entertain several of the pups.  Hunter isn't too sure of it, but I know once his cousins are drinking from it he will join in.
I just use Stainless Steel bowl for Hunter, thus trying to prevent his tear staining; I also give him Distilled Water.
This product was provided to me by Chewy.com free of charge.  No review, positive or otherwise was required.  All opinions are my own.
A big thank you to Chewy for sending us this  product.   You can find this fountain here:https://www.chewy.com/drinkwell-360-stainless-steel-pet/dp/48106
WE LOVE CHEWY AND THE ENTIRE STAFF!

Noreen and Hunter

A Fly Over

Happy Monday to you all. I hope you had a great weekend and didn't experience record highs, like we did here. Hubby and I prefer hot days verses warm days and while we may stay inside more, we aren't bothered by it. On the 4th, several jets from a local air base in Cheyenne, Wyoming were on display for Greeley's annual parade; afterwards they did a fly over our area. We are used to seeing them each year and sometimes several times, but this year it seemed the pilots were practicing just how low they could go over the houses. WE've been told they have to stay at least 500' above any buildings, but when you look at these pics-you tell me. Although I'm used to them, this year really concerned me with how low they were.  This first picture was when we saw them and I know the right jet looks like it is lower than it was, but believe me when I say we could almost see the pilots face-if he wasn't going so fast.

We did not see this angle, but I imagine those living in the house were pretty scared.

I realize the skill of the pilots/airman are phenomenal, but all I could think of was a flock of geese flying into one and then it would be all over for those cause in the path.
I am so thankful for those that serve in our military and those skills that are practice again and again.

WE are expecting more highs today in the 90's.  Hope you have a great one.
Noreen

A Dog Day Afternoon

Happy Friday to you! As you know, our lives are filled with dogs and these pics show a couple of shots that make me smile. Banning is now 12 weeks old; he has settled into Kim's family easily and has learned quickly. I keep telling hubby I'm amazed again at how easily Poodles are trained.

Yesterday Kim and gang took him for his second set of puppy shots; here he is on the way home with Kim's oldest.  I think she was tired due to a late evening 4th of July party.  Banning has one paw over his face.

Our friends Aletha and David got a new puppy the first part of May. Nellie is on the left and is part Border Collie and Cattle Dog.  She's very smart and energetic; next to her is Ruby(also known as Yoda, because she looks like him)~part terrier and Chihuahua.  She been entered in Ugly Dog Contests, but hasn't won any. I will tell you that she is so different looking that she is adorable and has the sweetest disposition.

I didn't think to get any photos of my brother's Border Terrier or to take pics on Wednesday night when we had Copper and Lily.  Today I will return to the gym and start my workout routine from scratch as I was unable to get in the last three weeks.  I also have other errands to run, grocery shopping and cleaning our hard wood floors.  The sister of my heart sent this pic of Izzy, all dressed up for the 4th of July block party.  Isn't she so cute and so well behaved!
Our temps are back up into the 90's and it's so darn hot out right now, we are just enjoying AC inside.
Noreen

Happy Thursday to you!  I hope you had a fun and safe 4th of July; ours was nice, went to a party at our oldest daughter's house and had dinner then returned home to relax and hang out with three dogs.
Today is a low key day, sort of~I went walking this morning, then ran to pick up a new tool for my sewing machine-that makes circles and this afternoon have to have a prep for a crown.  I don't like having to do this, but better do it before it gets worse and I need a root canal.
I just have to say I'm so thankful that we are back home again.  I always miss our family and Hunter so much when we are away; I wonder if it's age or just loving our life here.
I hope your day is blessed.
Noreen

Happy 4th of July, 2018

We are so happy to be back at home and will see family later this afternoon.  We will have Lily and Copper here with us tonight, so will watch the fireworks on t.v. 
May your 4th of July be blessed, as we reflect of the freedom we have here in America.

Noreen

We're Home Again

Hello Friends, We arrived back home last night at 10:00, after a long 14 hr drive from Reno. That drive is a killer, but we had such a fun trip. Here is hubby and I at hubby's sister's house in Lincoln. She has a beautiful yard and you can tell that gardening is her passion.

Next on our map was  our old next door neighbors, dearest friends and traveling companions.  Although we only stayed for three nights, we had a blast going to Benziger Winery, touring Santa Rosa to see the remainder of the fire storm from last Oct. and also playing cards every night.  Hated to say goodbye.

Here is Aletha and myself-we went to high school together, were thick as thieves and still as close as ever.  This was taken at a wonderful restaurant in Big Sur called The Sur House.

David, hubby, myself and Aletha-such great times.

When we got to my brother and sister of my heart home, we decided to hit the Tech Museum in San Jose. What a wonderful time it was; we also went into the new Apple Store adjacent to their new headquarters which resembles a space ship.

The reason for our trip out, besides to see loved ones, was to attend our nephews wedding.  Here is my big brother and myself.  The wedding was held on Sunday to commemorate my sister's passing 13th years ago.  Let's just say the tribute our nephew did in honor of her brought tears to my eyes. I love this photo.  Hard to believe he is 12 years older than me.  Love you Rich!

After we got in last night the unpacking began and you would have thought I'd hit the pillow in an instant.  Not so, due to the fact that I was very concerned about Susan, Rich's wife who had taken a fall yesterday and ended up with this~ it was a nasty fall and broke her right big toe and either fractured her left foot or ended up with a Lisfranc injury.  We are praying that both feet will heal quickly and she'll be up and around very soon.

I wish you a safe and joyous 4th of July!
Blessings~
Noreen