From My Library

I just finished this book and want to tell you that it was such a good read.  It is  historical fiction, set in the 1800's and an accurate portrayal of Pioneer Life.  I have read other books by Kim Vogel Sawyer and love her way with words; she truly is a beautiful writer.  The story is about three friends who leave New York and head for Kansas via Wagon Train; not just any Wagon Train but one that carried black families.  The plot surrounds a young woman named Tarsie who promises her best friend to care for her children and husband as her friend battles cancer.  The characters were rich and developed and the struggle of prejudice is woven throughout the story.  This was a book I didn't want to put down; Kim has become one of my favorite authors.  I look forward to more of Kim's stories!  You won't be disappointed by this book; if you haven't read any of Kim's books, be on the lookout for them-she is a great writer.
I would like to say Thank You to Bethany House Publishers for sending me this book to review.  I received no compensation for it and was asked to review it, whether my feelings were positive or negative. 

Monday Smiles

Good Morning Peeps~Hubby forwarded me an email today that had all sorts of wonderful dog and cat graphics but it is too long to put them all here, so I picked out a couple I love, just to share with you. Enjoy!

Hunter definitely agrees with this little guy-I think he'd live on treats if I let him. 

 I totally agree with this but I would add that each home had more than one dog.
We had a great afternoon yesterday; I did some much needed trimming in the yard and then we watched the Broncos play the Chargers....great game and I'm thankful the Broncos won! Hubby is thankful that I actually enjoy watching football with him, such a change from past years-prior to moving to Colorado. I can honestly say watching it on a big screen was what got me hooked, because it is like being there in person. For me, watching any sports in person has always been so much better, but not anymore.  Before you go thinking we have a big screen, we don't, but we have friends who love to share their afternoons watching games with us.  We actually have a nice size screen and it is fun to kick back and watch the games. 
I am thankful that it is Thanksgiving week and we will all be together.  I know that we will probably play games after dinner-maybe Uno, dice or something else.  A great way to start the holiday season. 
I am thankful that Hunter is small enough that I can bathe him whenever I want; in fact yesterday after Lily went home, I put him in the  sink and he looks so much nicer today.  Once he gets groomed on Wednesday we will begin taking Christmas shots of him, in his hat and collar and sitting in the sleigh.  I hope to get some good family shots on Thursday too, so we can get cards ordered.  So many of you are already ahead of us; I'm just thankful that hubby is going along with his silly wife and including Hunter in ours. 
I hope you have a wonderful Monday!
Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

Greetings friends~Yesterday was a great day; Hunter & I both enjoyed being back in obedience class.  Since starting the classes, Hunter has become much more friendly with the trainer and her daughter which is a wonderful thing to see. In general, he has become friendlier; he takes a minute or two to warm up to people he hasn't seen in awhile, but then he is next to them.  Instead of our hour lesson, we generally get an hour and a half-such a bargain.  There are still only two other dogs with us and although they are bigger, it is a nice group and Hunter seems to be getting over his fear of big dogs.  These two changes really show our boy is maturing.  The trainer and I worked on the car issue-specifically of getting into the car and after she watched me try to coax him in using various means, she deducted that it isn't that he is fearful of getting in the car, but he is concerned that he won't be with me.  So after many tries, when I was in the drivers seat and called him to get it, he jumped right in my lap.  The solution to his being anxious when we went to the airport is to take him on longer rides and reward him with treats while in the car. 
Today, I am thankful for our trainer!  We have a three week break but have lots of work to do between now and the next class.
I am also thankful that some of our dear friends from Ca., who are out visiting their daughter's family for Thanksgiving, came up for a visit yesterday afternoon.  They are both having some health issues and it was so unexpected to see them.  WE love them dearly and are planning to go out for lunch or dinner this coming week with them. 
Last night hubby and I watched Hunger Games; I think it was an interesting movie.  Don't know that I need to watch another, but was glad I saw what all the hype is about.  Today, hubby and I will head to the craft fair that I was planning on attending yesterday, to look for Christmas-stocking stuffers.
I hope you have a joyous day and don't forget to give thanks today.
Hugs, Noreen

Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful day~do you all remember that song?  It is a beautiful day here in Colorado, mainly because my man is home. We had such a nice evening, getting caught up with all that happened here, as well as in California.  Today, we will be stopping by one daughter's home to see the grands and then at noon Hunter and I have obedience training.  This will be level II and we both so need to get back in the routine.  I do work with him, but there is something about being in a class that is good for him. I remember being told that at this age, pups can develop new fears; here, I thought they developed much  younger.  This last week, I saw firsthand a new fear of driving in the car-it happened when we took my hubby to the airport. He might have sensed the stress that both of us were feeling about the trip.  I've got to start giving him treats when he gets in the car now, to help him look forward to rides.  After our training class, I will be checking out a crafts fair and then we will be picking up Lily for the night-Hunter will be so excited. 
Today I am thankful for our dog trainer and her working with us.
I am thankful for the cold but blue skies we are having, with no snow.
I am thankful for air travel, that brings my hubby back home quickly & easily.
I am thankful for retirement; as with most folks who retire, I am most certainly more busy than I was when I worked full time. 
I am thankful for our health and for Life.
Joy to you!
Noreen & Hunter

Post Script

Good afternoon friends,  I just wanted to give you a bit more background from my teenage experience of a man trying to break into the home where I was babysitting. Around the same time as this happened to me, another serious incident happened in Palo Alto, where I lived.  A young teen was babysitting and got several phone calls from a man and she ended up calling the police.  The children were upstairs and murdered by this killer.  It was a horrid incident and I had friends who went to school with the girl. 
Fast forward to the the late 70's, I am a mom and see a movie on t.v. and decide to watch it; hubby had gone to bed so I sat alone watching this movie, "When A Stranger Calls".  I can tell you it was the true story of what happened in my town almost twenty years earlier.  I can't tell you how scared I was watching it, especially since it was true.  Today as I was googling the name of the movie, there was a sentence that said it was an "urban legend" but I am here to tell you that it wasn't. It may have been a copycat crime, I don't know, but I do know it was real.  I can also say that there was a follow up on it because the man got out of prison and went back to finish the job on the girl,  now a mom, who sent him to prison.  Thankfully he didn't succeed.  So when I told you that the attempted break-in where I was terrified me, this is why.  I wasn't the girl who this story was about, but it could have easily been the same man.  I can also say that I have never been as scared by a movie as I was this one, because I knew it to be true.  I am thankful that even then, the Lord had His angels surrounding and protecting me.  I am also thankful that when I called home that night, my big brother came running down the street, to protect his little sister.  I am thankful that He still sends His angels to protect us; and as one of my comments said-no cute little cherubs, but big mighty warriors.  Can I get an Amen to that!  While I was raising my girls, I was protective and many thought over bearing; I realize that it was in part do to this, but there were other issues from my childhood that made me very, very cautious.  I am thankful that both my daughters are wonderful woman and incredible moms.  Today, I am thankful for blue skies and mild temps, with promises of a great weekend.  There is so much to be thankful for in this life-so speak it out ladies, let your gratitude grow.
Blessings, Noreen

Happy Friday to you!  Here at Nananors, I am doing a happy dance because my man gets home today. 
I've got a full morning: walk, then our antique store in town is having their Christmas Open House so Kam and I will be checking out their sale items, looking for bargains. After that, I will be giving the house a once over; I may even try to cut down some bushes in the back yard that Hunter loves to walk under, but that leave him covered with dried, dead blossoms-you would not believe what he looks like when he's been out playing.  I head down to the airport mid-afternoon and just can't wait.  I am so thankful that hubby went out to help his brother, but I tell you that I don't like it when he is gone.  A day or so doesn't bother me but much longer and I just miss him like crazy.  Last night there was a kid, probably, in the yard kitty-corner and he whistled when I was outside telling Hunter to go potty.  No, I've never been frightened in this home before, but for some reason last night I was; it sounded like the person was in our yard.  I hurried inside, locked all the doors and closed all the drapes.  I checked after that and no one was there.  I just realized that this is possibly due to the fact that when I was a young teen, babysitting, someone tried to break in the house I was at.  Thankfully the guy didn't get in, but he was able to see me through the window and talked and actually tried to cut the window.  It was freaky I tell you.  I can walk through those memories today as if it was yesterday.  So I guess I get a bit anxious when I hear a guy in the yard-or think he is in my yard. In truth, he could have been on the street behind out homes. 
So today, I am thankful that my fear was unfounded.  I am thankful that hubby did what he went to do in Ca.  I am thankful for angels all around us, especially when we don't know that harm is out there.
I am thankful for sunshine.
Have a thankful day, my friends.
Noreen & Hunter

I am very pleased to announce that the winner of my book giveaway is Rebecca of A Gathering Place. Congratulations Rebecca.

Rebecca is a wonderful lady with an incredible blog; if you haven't met her yet, stop by for a visit and say hi. You can find her here  http://rebecca-gatheryeroses.blogspot.com/  I love her romantic designs and am always inspired by her creative work.  I am thankful for her.
Rebecca, please email me your address and I'll get the book out this week.
Today, I am thankful for my ladies study; it helps me to be a better person and deepens my faith.
I am thankful for you dear reader!
Blessings, Noreen