From my bookshelf

It always surprises me that during the spring and early summer, I don't read too much; it surprises me because I love to read, especially at night.  I guess with the nice weather, I am much more active and thus tired by the evenings.  I did get this book this week and wasn't disappointed by Shelley's writing; again I find her an excellent author.  The Search is her second book in the series, The Secrets of Crittenden County.  This series is set in Marion, Kentucky(one of my all time favorite states) and is a suspenseful story about a murder of a young Amish man and the detective who is sent in to investigate it.  I especially appreciate the honesty behind the authors stories and the portrayal of the pull that the Amish face with outsiders.  It was a great book and I will be looking for the third in the series, Found.  I would recommend that you put this book on your reading  list.
Happy Monday to you. 
Noreen & Hunter

Happy July dear friends! It is hard to believe it is already here and that we celebrate the 4th this week. With so many wildfires all over our state and in many other states, I know that fireworks will be pretty small this year, if at all.  Our grands are asking for those little "snakes" that you put on the ground and they grow.
I am so happy that the High Park fire is almost contained; what a relief for those firefighters and also for the folks living in this area.  I'm hoping that the rain we have had this weekend, although light, helped the Waldo fire; I also think many of the firefighters from High Park will be going south.  I am thankful for the men and women who have worked tirelessly through all the fires here and in other states.  We salute you all.  I'm thankful for groups like the Red Cross who give aid and for the countless volunteers who have stepped forward.
Our weekend has been good; yesterday morning we spent time at our oldest daughter's house, hubby worked on the grands fort while the rest of the adults divided up the meat we just got back from the slaughterhouse.  Two racks in our freezer are now full of steaks and ground beef and the other 2/3 of our share is at daughter's house in their freezer.  We are going to bbq some steaks tonight. I just hope I can eat the meat without visualizing the cow. The children are all doing fine with the entire process and are even calling the steaks by the cows name.  It will be interesting to see if they are as good as friends who've raised beef cattle, tell us it is. This afternoon I am going to a baby shower for the daughter of one of my close friends.  It should be fun!
This week, we are having 7 of the grands over to spend the night.  We will build a big tent in the family room and it should be such fun!  The next day is the 4th and there is always a parade in our development, so we will take the kids to see it.  Our oldest and her hubby always host a pot-luck celebration for their church, so we will go to that as well.  I'm sure we will call it an early night, after all we will have had a full day with grands.  The good thing about no fireworks is that the dogs who are so fearful of the noise will not be scared this year.  In the past, all of our dogs were terrified of both fireworks and thunder; thankfully Hunter isn't fearful of thunder.  Although he will be 7 mos this week, he remains very shy and somewhat timid. He is getting socialized with both furfriends and people; I am hoping this helps him grow more secure and friendly as he gets older. 
I hope that your weather is cooling off and that you are staying safe.  I have heard that many blogging buddies have been dealing with fires and some dealing with flooding.  Stay Safe.
Blessings to you today, Noreen & Hunter
Happy Glory Day, Dee. It's hard to believe it's been seven years since you left us; we miss you every day!

The Waldo fire isn't new news to most of us and yet looking at this photo of homes going up in flames is a reality check.  I can't even imagine how devastating this is to the folks that live in this community but I well remember the threat of wildfires when we lived in California.  This blaze has had more fatalities than the High Park fire, probably because the area is more densely populated.  I love Colorado Springs and this scene is so sad.  I was reminded yesterday that often we humans love to build homes where we shouldn't-be it in northern California on the Russian River, that floods every year and was intended to only have summertime residents, or in the heavily forested mountains.  Regardless of where, the loss of one's home is overwhelming.  My heart aches for all those impacted by the fires here in Colorado. These devastating losses makes me thankful for all that I am blessed with. I am thankful that I am not watching a fire destroy everything we have. I am thankful for life and liberty here in this great country; for the men and women who fight tirelessly to protect what we have-be it in the armed services or firefighters/police.  I am thankful for the hope of a new day.  I am thankful for cooler temps and light rains that have helped.  I am thankful for eternal HOPE because like the photo above, one day all our things will be as ash. 
Will you join me in prayer for all those impacted across our country by the wildfires? 
Be Safe!  Noreen

Happy Thursday to you!  It's been a busy day for me already- I've been walking, to a garage sale, run errands and watched the last half of our grands swim lessons.  Next I'm off to get my hair cut; I had planned on color as well, but my family says it looks perfect the way it is, so I think I'll wait another cut or two.  Last time I had it colored, I had my gal use organic/natural color that is supposed to be better for your hair. It is a bit more costly, but it's been five months and it still looks good. 
I hit the library yesterday for a couple of new books but of course they didn't have them yet, but I did come home with two.  I also checked into reviewing books for Bethany House but I don't meet the requirements.  Bummer. 
Today I'm thankful for cooler temps; the High Park fire is almost contained and hopefully some of the firefighters from there can go to the Waldo fire.  My prayers are going up for those who have lost their homes and belongings in these fires.
Blessings,  Noreen

How has your week been so far?  How is your weather? I'm amazed that in parts of the east, there are heavy downfalls and flooding going on, while here in Colorado we've had five days of over 100 degree weather and new wildfires blazing around the state.  I've already been out walking; back to our 1.5-2 mile walks with Kam and Lexie, which tire pour Hunter out.  Next we go to swim lessons and then right before lunch we go to watch the grands, who will be exhausted by then, take their riding lessons.  The rest of the day is really open and it is supposed to only be in the low 90's today. 
I hope your weather is affecting your health; there are many folks here who are having asthma from all the smoke in the air. 
I'm thankful that we don't live in the beautiful foothills though, because we might be without a home. 
I'm headed over to KB's blog, Romping & Rolling in the Rockies, to check on her.
Have a peaceful day.
Noreen & Hunter

Hunter's Summer Do

Hunter here, just stopping by to see what happened to me today.  Mom is always sharing about everyone else, but she wanted to show you my summer cut.  I will tell you that it does feel better but I'm not sure whether I like the place or not.  When we got there this morning I was excited until I got to the door and then I remembered the place.  They get me all wet and put some girly purple shampoo on me and if that isn't bad enough, after I got my hair cut I have to have this loud dryer thing blowing on me.  The lady told mom I really don't like the hair dryer; but I don't like the air conditioning, in the car, blowing on me either.  Mom says I look different but she loves seeing my eyes.  She works really hard at keeping me brushed, every day, and making sure I don't have mats.  She loves me so much, even  especially when I smell all girly.  As long as I don't have to go back too soon, I'll be o.k.
How do you stay cool in the summer?  I don't like water so that is out and I guess this will have to do.
Tail Wags,  Hunter
p.s. she did buy me a new soft, squeeker toy that is a badger and a new soft towel for my den, so I guess I'll forgive having to get this cut.

Tuesday Tidbits

Today is going to be one of those errand days I think.  Now that my girlfriend Kam is back,she and I will be walking Lexie and Hunter first thing this morning, before it is too hot.  Immediately afterward, I'm taking Hunter to the groomers; I know getting trimmed will make him feel so much better, just hoping he does well there.  Right down the street from the groomers is the town pool,, where our grands are taking lessons, so I will swing by there to watch them. They are doing so well and have improved so much over the last month.
I also need to get a nice  bath towel for Hunter's crate; I had a throw blanket in there but he has decided he loves to chews on the strings on the edge. I do worry about his choking and thought a nice soft bath towel would work better.  By the time I get back to pick him up, it will be in the 100's for sure, not sure what I'll do to stay cool.
I forgot to mention I've officially been bitten by the Pinterest bug. I put off looking at this online board site for so long but finally did, after my daughter's told me they were on it.  I like being able to see photos of decorating, food, entertaining and then to save them for the future.  I guess it would be like a folder but it is organized easier.  Have you checked this site out yet?  
Have a bright and beautiful day!
Noreen & Hunter