Dog Pile

Good Morning to you! As I mentioned yesterday, we had our daughter's two dogs with us for the weekend; we often trade dogsitting for trips and Hunter loves both Lily and Copper. It gets a bit crazy at times, especially since we don't have the acreage for all of them to run. This photo was taken yesterday morning, when they are all full of energy. Lily is getting older and doesn't play as much as she used to, so Hunter will whine a bit at her and then he turns to Copper.

Bitey Face.  Hunter loves being with his cousins and little did he know they were going home yesterday afternoon.

This is how the dogs spend the evening-Hunter snuggled up with Lily.   Two peas in a pod; it is going to be a sad day when Lily isn't able to play any longer.

We call Copper the moose-you can see why.  She is out for the count.  Copper and Lily are such wonderful dogs and we love it when they are here with us.

 Our house is quiet again, but in a few weeks Hunter will go to their house for a few days.  

I hope you have a great day.

Noreen

Be Still My Heart

Happy Monday to you!  We have had such fun on our road trip, visiting with friends and our next door neighbors and exploring new areas of Az.  Again, we absolutely love Sedona and would like to go back and stay there as well as Oro Valley, near Tucson.  However, somehow on this trip I've managed to catch a cold and hope to fight it off.  Although we've loved our time here, the rain has put a bit of a damper on it and I'm more than ready to head home to family and to this little guy.  Carrie sent this pic to me yesterday and it made me want that fluff ball in my lap.  Luckily, our friends have their dog Dukie with them, so I got some time with him-I'm sure Hunter will be miffed when we get home and he smells his buddy from next door.  Being here actually made me think about spending a month here sometime-maybe in a year or two.  We'll see-if I can avoid big cities and their traffic, hubby might actually be able to talk me into it.
I hope you had a fantastic weekend.
Blessings to you!
Noreen

It's A Good Life

Happy Monday to you. Here in northern Colorado, we can tell Autumn is really here~the nights are really cool and there is a dusting of snow up in the Rockies. Please no more snow-I'm not ready for it yet. Hubby and I went on another drive on Saturday, looking for more colors up in the Canyon but we didn't see any. I'm still wanting to see more and that may mean a longer drive with a night away-we'll see.
 For the last week, Petrol was with us. She is such a sweet dog and was a great playmate for Hunter. Our neighbors even brought their dog Odie over to play; all three got along perfectly.

Yesterday afternoon I went by our oldest daughter's home to pick up some fresh veggies and a special treat. I haven't seen Copper and Lily in a couple of weeks, so it was fun to see everyone briefly. Copper had recently been groomed and she looked so gorgeous. I don't think she's gotten any bigger, she is now almost 9 months old.

I'm off to walk this morning and then not sure what hubby and I will do this afternoon-except all my windows need to be washed and the screens hosed down, so maybe that is what I'll accomplish. I'm ready to put the binding on one quilt and I found a Christmas wall hanging on Friday that I will want to start this week-it is a simple panel, but I loved the fabric. My blue quilt, from Oregon will probably wait until after the holidays because I've got too many other projects to work on.
I hope whatever you have planned for today, that you find some time to spend outside.
Blessings~
Noreen and Hunter

Animal House

We've been having so much fun with Copper here; it does show me that I need to start doing some weights though, because I'm not strong enough to hold her back if needed. Hunter has had so much fun and I know he'll miss them when they go home on Sunday. However, that having been said, Petrol(Kim's family dog)will be with us in a little over a week and Hunter will be happy again.  We were downstairs watching t.v. and saw Copper's leg draped over Lily. Copper is half on the couch and half on the ottoman.

She's been having nice long walks each day and playtime with Kim's kiddos-she's dog tired!

Didn't even make it up to the couch in this shot-so funny,

Two peas in a pod.

We've given Copper the nickname Moose, because even though she isn't full grown she lumbers through the house like a moose.

When she starts playing and running, we just get out of her way.
Such a great three-some, the three Amigos.
I hope you have a great day and wonderful Labor Day weekend.
Joy to you!
Noreen, Hunter, Lily and Copper

When The Fur Flies

Happy Monday to you; do you realize that it is the last Monday in August~oh my! As I mentioned we have two houseguests this week and what fun they are, especially according to Hunter. The play tag and chase each other and Hunter and Lily gang up on Copper. She has done pretty well considering her peeps are gone; of course her daily walks aren't hurting her either. Kim's oldest is coming over to walk her daily and that helps me. Yesterday hubby and I took all three dogs for a walk-he had Copper, because of her size and strength and I had Lily and Hunter. Here they are in the afternoon-Hunter's just enjoying the warm sunshine.

I kept trying to get a pic of Copper standing up-she has gotten so tall.  The breeder said her parents and generations back were smaller, but she seems big to me.

Here is Lily, wondering why I'm taking photos.  There is no way I can get pics when they are running in circles.

We had our neighbors over on Saturday evening and they brought their Bichon, Odie, to play.  It was funny seeing the three white fluffs surrounding Copper.  She is so good natured that he plays gently; I have noticed that she is still timid around strangers-like our next door neighbors. She'll hear them and then go outside and bark at them; when I corrected Copper I've been told that she is fine and not to be bothered.

The only thing I've noticed is that I need to feed Hunter separately-otherwise Copper wolfs down his food and Lily's-but Lily is quick to go to Copper's food and eat it.
I hope you have a great day!
Hugs,
Noreen, Hunter, Lily and Copper.

Gratitude

Hunter here; mom said today is Thankful Thursday so I decided to hijack the blog, because I want to share just how thankful I am for my mom and dad. Dad was up early the other day and woke me by taking a picture of how comfy my sleeping quarters are. When I came to live with my parents, my mom wanted me sleeping in a crate, but my dad said no-I was just to small and needed to be on the bed with them. I made sure I kissed him after that. So each night I get to snuggle up with them and keep them warm. Mom doesn't understand why I had to have my leg on her head and my bum right there too; she said can't you please keep your head up near the pillows.

I know this takes a lot of love to let me sleep like this and I'm so thankful for them. I have the best family ever. I really love my cousins-and of course the kids are good too. I can't imagine life anywhere else. The two things I don't like are going to the groomer~she's really nice, but I don't like it. I also don't like going to the vet, nope not one bit. Mom says I should be thankful that we have enough money to go to both.
 I hope you have a lot to be thankful for!
Hunter

National Love Your Pet Day

No matter what Hunter's doing or where he is, this momma loves him to pieces(he knows it too).
I simply can't imagine life without him!  So go hug your pet and give him/her some love.
Treats would help too; we are out of Hunter's favorite treats and I need to run to the store later to get some, but for now I'll be downstairs sewing.  In case you are thinking I'm a fast sewer who gets lots accomplished, let me put your mind at ease-I'm still working on Thursday's block and have to make another Honor Flight block. Tomorrow I'll get another block to make and next week, I'll get the border for my quilt top and then once I've got that one, I'll be able to sandwich it and start quilting. 
Enjoy your weekend.
Noreen and Hunter

Weird Weather

Baby(you know) it's cold outside when  Hunter snuggles in to a nice comfy blanket and just won't move.  Last night was such a night.  We were supposed to get snow, but got rain instead and then heavy snow and blizzard strength winds were supposed to hit us during the night. I had decided if the weather was to be that bad, that I wasn't going to our last study this morning.  It was a brunch for our last class and I had a large egg & vegetable casserole to make, but decided I wasn't going to make it since I probably wouldn't be able to go.  Dear hubby kept telling me to make it as the weather wouldn't be that bad, even thought the forecasters were saying it would be. When I got up at 6:30 am to look out the window and see who much snow we'd gotten, I saw no snow.   So we got up and hubby ran to the golf course to open, while I began making the casserole.  I was able to get out of the house on time and make it to the study.  I'm so thankful I did, I have loved the ladies and although I'll see most of them in Jan., I wanted to wish them the best over the holidays.  It is amazing how close you can become to a group  of ladies in 10 weeks time, but that is what happens when you share your heart with others.  Now I've got more free time to work on my quilt and on miscellaneous projects for Christmas.  It does feel good to have  time off, but I know by January I'll be ready to be there again.  Our weather today is clear, but snow is covering our foothills; I'm heading downstairs to continue on in my sewing room. I hope that you are staying warm and safe, as many of the states are having unusual weather patterns too-such as Kansas and Texas.
Until tomorrow~
Noreen and my adorable sidekick Hunter

A Handsome Pup

Happy Wednesday to you. This morning, Hunter and I are joining two friends and their pups walking around our local town lake. It has been quite awhile since I joined these gals; I am looking forward to it, as I'm sure Hunter will be to when he recognizes where we are. Yesterday, it was in the high 80's and since Hunter was smelling pretty doggy, I decided to give him a bath. I just have to say, he is one sad looking pup at the beginning. 

After the bathing is over, we begin the long process of blow drying his hair.  He doesn't mind this to much.

The end result was well worth it; however, I must say that he looks dry but after about thirty minutes his hair gets curly again.  

 
 I hope you have a wonderful day; I will be as I've got two granddaughters coming over for sewing. Now I just need to figure out our lesson; why I ever threw out our books from our "intro to sewing", I don't know. I'm sure we'll figure something out.
Joy to you!
Noreen & Hunter

Friday Fun

We arrived home yesterday, late afternoon; we then picked up our little furbaby, headed to the grocery store and came home. It feels so good to be back; love our trips, but love heading home. Needless to say, Hunter was over the moon excited to see us. He had a great time with Lily, but all evening he just crashed. I would say, he played hard while we were gone. I was really close when I took this photo and he never even opened an eye.

There were so many great things about our trip~getting to have lunch in Pike's Market in Seattle during our layover, having time alone together in Kauai, great weather, hiking and exploring new areas, seeing Monk Seals and talking to volunteers, great seafood; there were a few not so good things for me~getting overheated while hiking one day, being considered a buffet lunch for mosquitoes another day. Our flights were easy and staying in Seattle overnight is always a much easier alternative for us. However, there was a problem with the bathtub faucet and I didn't sleep much Wednesday night. I certainly made up for it last night though. It is so hard to believe it is Labor Day weekend; where did our summer go?! Fall is in the air here; in fact, we watched football on t.v. last night. I have lots of laundry to do and more grocery shopping tomorrow as well as picking up my new glasses today. Right now Hunter is standing at the cabinet whining-his way of telling me that he missed his salmon treats while I was away. I'm going to take him for a walk before I begin all my chores. We don't have a lot of plans for the weekend~we are having our realtor and his family over for lunch on Sunday as a thank you for all his hard work for our family the last 9 mos. Our town has its annual Harvest parade and also art & wine festival-so we'll see if we go to those.
Photos of Kauai will start next week. May your day be sweet and easy!
Hugs,
Noreen & Hunter

Just Another Day

Happy Paws to you! I've taken over mom's computer today and wanted to share photos of moi. We had a good weekend~firstly my cous' Lily came over Friday night with her kiddos. I thought she'd be here for the night, but she went home after dinner with herour peeps. The oldest two girls spent the night, but I still slept with mom and dad. The rest of the weekend was pretty laid back, as you can see from this picture.

Mom is trying to experiment taking photos of me for a Christmas card; can you believe she is already thinking about that. Ugh!

Actually, she is loving the bright flowers in our yard; she says she wants to be able to look back on them when the weather gets cold. Another exciting thing about yesterday was that my parents watched a game on t.v. with guys playing catch with a weird looking ball. All I know is that there was lots of screaming and laughing going on and something about what a game.
We've already been on a walk with Lexie and her mom Kam.  The days are still really warm here so the earlier we can get out the better.  Mom says she  thinks it is only 2.50 mls and not 3 mls like she used to think. 
Paws and enjoy your day!
Hunter and Noreen

It is hard to believe it is only Wednesday and that it is already 3:30 in the afternoon. You've heard the expression "dog-tired", well that is how hubby and I are feeling right now.  I got up and walked first thing this morning and then came home to ready the house for the Interior Designer/Stager that our Realtor was sending over.  I will tell you that when we lived in Ca., I had two experiences with Interior Designers that didn't impress me.  I always knew there was someone out there that would, but wasn't sure I'd ever use one.
Well, our Agent has a gal who works along side clients to ready their homes to sell.  What a breath of fresh air she was; of course it helped that there weren't any big issues to change.  She walked through our home, advising us to get rid of placemats, doilies and lots of items that I thought would be o.k.-such as a mortar/pestle on the stove etc.  I guess many of the designer tips have come and gone.  We opened everything up visually, so the space looks even bigger.  I will say we had two bookcases and a round oak table that got moved to the garage.  I'm wondering why we never rearranged the furniture in the family room before.  Hubby and I had taken down a lot of art pieces and she had us put them back up.  Some of the things we did hubby doesn't agree with, but if it makes our house sell faster, I'm all for it. I told hubby if I ever needed a Interior Designer, she is the one I'd call. 
After we finished doing most of what she wanted, we made a run to our oldest daughter's house to finish putting up a wire fence for the dogs.  They haven't yet gotten their corral fence up and so other than putting the two dogs on a lead when they are outside, this will give them an area to run, sit in the sun and also take care of business. Hunter and Lily played outside while hubby and the grandsons worked on the fence.  When we got home, Hunter just crashed.  I think he isn't secure with all the changes going on here.  The next month could be a bit unsettling for him, poor pup.
Tomorrow, we have a photographer coming over to take photos of our home for the MLS listing and the fliers; it will also be on You Tube.  All I know is that I'm counting on all our hard work paying off. 
I'm not sure whether I will be posting the rest of the week, too many things to finish. I will be touching base with all of you though-so don't give up on me. 
In the next week or so, I will have a surprise for all of you dog lovers and dog bloggers....I will have photos of a good friend and her two dogs,  who I'll be meeting up with.  No hints though.
May your Easter be filled with love, family and good food. 
Until tomorrow,
Noreen & Hunter

A Lazy Boy

Happy Wednesday to you! It is beautiful here today, but tomorrow will be another story; a massive storm is headed our way. As many of you know, Hunter was our first Bichon and only the second small dog we've had. We had a Chihuahua mix when we were first married, but other than that our dogs have been medium size. Our first small dog's name was Brandy and she was a really smart dog, but when we got her she was very small and her coloring was liver. The people at the humane society said she might have Weimaraner in her-we were teased continually when she never grew. We were excited that we were getting a hunting dog-only to find out she didn't have any of the breed in her genes. So fast forward to Hunter and as hubby loves to say "he is one spoiled dog". Yes, he sleeps on the bed with us and pretty much does whatever he wants. What makes me laugh though is that he is not a morning dog. Often we will get up and all come downstairs and after he goes outside, he will go back upstairs and go back to bed. I've never known a dog to do this. He loves to sleep in and sometimes won't even get up with us; of course in winter we try to stay in bed as long as possible.

Here he is this morning- awake, but very comfortable while I was blow drying my hair. I know if Lily or Petrol were here, they'd be playing non stop. So maybe it's boredom, I just find it silly.
This little guy has got our hearts! If we didn't have Lily around so much or Petrol, we would definitely have another Bichon.
Hope you have joy and love from an animal in your life.
Noreen & Hunter

Fun, Fun, Fun

Last Friday, when my girl and her kiddos were here, they brought their miniature Schnauzer with them. Petrol is such a smart dog and gets along well with the other two. It is wonderful that our daughters dogs get along with Hunter-makes it so easy to swap dog sitting. Here are the three of them.

 

For some reason, we couldn't get all three to look at me for a shot. Can you tell that dogs in my home get spoiled?!
 Have a great Wednesday.
Noreen & Hunter

Hunter Won A Sweet Relish Box

 

Last week, while checking out some blogs we hadn't visited before, I came across
My Brown Newfies.  Being that our youngest daughter has a Newfie mix, I was intrigued that Jen was doing a product review for Opie & Dixie blog and specifically Rosemary Snoutstik; a product that helps combat allergies, dry skin and irritations.  My daughter's Newfie mix has always had a very dry and often irritated nose, so I thought I'd enter the giveaway.  I was so thrilled when the box arrived on Friday; the contents smelled so good and Hunter came running before I even opened it.  We received Oatmeal & Almond Shampoo, Botanical Creme Rinse & Conditioner, Healing Paw Balm and the Rosemary Snoustik.  I can tell you that the shampoo and creme rinse smell heavenly; I'm anxious to try it out on Hunter.  For those who take their dogs on long hikes or runs, I think the healing paw balm would be wonderful.  I'm taking the Snoutstik to my girls house to apply it on her Samson.
Please drop by Jen at mybrownnewfies.com and say hello.  She has a great blog and her Newfies are wonderful dogs.  If you are interested in any of the products, you can find more info here:   http://www.opieanddixie.com/ .
We are still awaiting the phone call.  We saw our Carrie yesterday and she looked good; everyone is so eager to meet the newest member of their family.  We also went on two bike rides, equalling almost ten miles.  I'd like to ride every day; however once we have a houseful of kiddos, the rides will have to wait.
Hope you all had a great weekend.  Remember to seize the day!
Noreen & Hunter

It's About Time

 

Happy Tuesday to you! Well, I've been to the dog park and walking already today. I feel energized and ready to take on something-not quite sure what. So tomorrow, finally, Hunter goes to the groomers. I love our gal and am so thankful for her, but seriously I will not wait 9 weeks again; Hunter just gets to matted and hubby and I had to trim the hair around his eyes so he could see. I'd hate to go elsewhere but I have discovered that I really like a nicely groomed dog. He is adorable even when he is scruffy but he won't sit still for me to get rid of the mats and I know they are just getting worse. Even hubby holding him is difficult. So tomorrow, we are going to see a new dog; I wonder if dogs enjoy being trimmed, like we do when we get our hair cut. I have used the best conditioner I can find to help with his mats but the longer we wait to get trimmed, the more he develops.

The snow in our backyard is melting and almost gone; with temps today and tomorrow in the 50's and 60's(that is warm here), I think it will disappear. However, our front yard is north facing and a lot slower to melt. A girl can dream though can't she!
I haven't been to the gym since last week-I actually had a bit of a virus of sorts and decided my body might just be fighting it off without my adding to it with heavy exercise.  I am hoping a few more days and I will be able to hit it.  Still walking though-better is a little than nothing at all.  Trying to work with Hunter on his training; his last class is this Saturday, I think we will continue on though.  Yesterday, a blogging friend-Val, asked if we ever let our dogs off leash when outside.  My answer would be a big No-Hunter just isn't that dependable in returning to me; so until I can be sure,100% of the time, that he will stay by my side and come when called, he will be on the leash. 
I hope you are having a great morning and seeking joy in your day!
Joy to you~Noreen & Hunter

Mischief

Hunter, where are you?  What did you get into to?
Mom, I don't know what you are talking about.  Even though I love to shred Kleenex, I couldn't have done this; I know how you tell me to leave it whenever I go near a box.  Seriously, you can't possibly think I did this mom; really would I do something like this?
It had to have been done by someone else; hum, you say there is no one else home but you and me.  Humm.

Saturday giggles to you friends.
Noreen & the mischief maker

Misc. Wednesday

Happy Wednesday friends! Hope you are having a great day so far. I've had a busy morning and now have to get ready for a thank you lunch, a friend is hosting, for those of us who helped her pack her home for a move. So this will be short and sweet.

Hunter and his gal pal, Lexie, along with her mom and my bff, Kam.

Three of our grands had riding lessons yesterday; it was such fun to watch and brought back memories of my girls riding.  This was the first time they were in a saddle; the trainer wanted them to get the feeling of the horse by riding bare back initially.

Faith loves horses and if you could have seen her, you would have seen a smile that went from ear to ear. 

I loved the fact that the trainer ran next to the horse for the entire lesson; our girls just had a trainer in the center of the ring who shouted out directions-wasn't too reassuring for this momma.
The fire is still going but at least 10% is contained; it is so smokey here and it could be a month before it is out totally.
Have a great day!
Noreen & Hunter

Happy Monday

Hunter here saying hi to all of you. Mom has been following me around this morning with this black box trying to get pics of me and I don't like it! She even tried bribing me with a treat, which is why this pic looks so funny-I was staring at the goodie. She says I need to get used to having my picture taken, whatever that means.

Mom and Dad got me this cool name tag yesterday-isn't it just the best.  Both my tags so hang pretty low but they say as I grow it will be better. 

We had a fun weekend, I loved going to our friends house for dinner.  They have an old guy, mom says he is a Cairn, and he doesn't play much but I like him.  The bestest thing was that his mom brought out all his old toys that he doesn't play with anymore and I got to play with them all.  There yard is pretty neat too-it has low fences that I can look through.  I was inside and some big kid came onto their deck and I started barking at him; that surprised everyone but he isn't in their pack and I was just defending their turf.  I went on a nice walk yesterday with Mom and Dad and Dad was so impressed at how well I'm doing.  But, you're not going to believe this, a big brown poodle came running out of a garage and nipped me twice on the nose.  Mom was trying to block him and dad was pushing him away; we did not think that was nice at all.  I didn't have any marks but mom was not to happy with the dogs owner.  Mom says not to let it worry me about future walks. 
Well, the other thing is I'm having horrible itching; mom says it's some sort of allergy, so she is going to get some other kibble today for me.  I'm scratching a lot and they think I must feel bad too.  I just hope it isn't to grass, wouldn't that be horrible.  Have fun romping and playing today.
Paws and enjoy the day.  Hunter and Noreen

Hunter's First Week

Good Morning, Hunter here. Mom surprised me this morning by taking my picture, even though I won't get a haircut for another week.  She said somethin about a lady being too busy this week. 

My mom and dad are the nicest pawrents a pup could ever have.  They let me sleep on the bed with them.  Last night I quietly crawled  up on them, while they were sleeping and just curled up on the pillow beside them.  Yep, I'm settling in quiet well and the training of my humans is going well.

Mom has fallen totally head over heals for me; even the vet staff fell in love with me too.  They told mom that I should weight between 10-12 pounds when I'm full grown.  Mom says she wishes I would be a tad bigger, cause she wanted a bigger dog, but after all she is short(or as she says, petite).  I am meeting friends and family and doing pretty well; sometimes I'm just not sure of other dogs but I met a really old Cairn yesterday and wagged my tail at him.  Mom and Dad want me socialized with all sorts of dogs, big and small but they have to remember that the only family I knew were my size and looked just like me-cause it was my mom and dad and brothers. 
Mom says today we are going to Petsma*t to get some new toys and maybe a book-I think that might be something to chew on.  Then we are going to one daughters house to meet their mini-Schnauzer, a little girl. Wonder if I'll like her and play?  This afternoon we are going to the other house that has Lily the dog that looks kinda like me.  Mom really wants me to play her with her.  We'll see.
Happy Paws and Tail Wags to you.
Hunter and Noreen