Celebrating Fall

 

Happy Tuesday Friends~Yesterday, I got out my mil's china and set a Fall table. Although I never liked the china was I was younger, it just wasn't my colors or style, I've come to appreciate it-especially this fall. I thought it would be fun to set a Harvest table for my brother and sil; here it is for you to see.

 

The writing on the back says Mitterteich Bavaria, pattern is Norway Rose made in Germany. Some of the piece have numbers on them, but not all. Their is dinner settings for eight but dessert plates for 16. It screams autumn to me.

 

My island makes a wonderful setting for all sorts of seasonal displays.

 

My treadle sewing machine is always adorned.

 

Our oak dining table is now in the family room, used for games and sewing. I put on a table topper that I had in Ca. and some misc. things. You can also see two autumn quilts on the back of the couch.

 

Our family should be arriving at any moment and I am so excited. Not sure what we are doing today or tomorrow, but I'll be around when I can.
Enjoy the beauty of the day.
Noreen & Hunter

Crisp Fall Weather

It is a brisk 43 degrees here this morning and believe it or not, this is warm compared to what it has been in the mornings. Last night we didn't have a frost/freeze warning and I was able to leave our bedroom window open without freezing hubby. I can tell it is getting colder at night because Hunter has quietly made his way up to snuggle between us. Of course, he did get his "fall cut" on Friday and I'm sure he is noticing the difference. Doesn't he look so cute here?

I will tell you that on Friday night, while he was out in the yard he must have found some pretty good smells or he wanted to get rid of the smell from the groomers shampoo. He came in, covered with sticks, twigs etc. from head to tail. I couldn't believe it; he got a firm talking to and I preceded to start brushing him out. You see, I wanted him looking and smelling nice for my brother and sil, who arrive today. I didn't think I'd ever get all the twigs out, but I did. I was ready to either vacume him or turn the blow dryer on him. We do get bunnys in the yard, so it is possible he was rolling in her scent. Anyway, he is back to normal now. I belong to a Bichon Lovers Club online and found out that another of his silly behaviors isn't just restricted to him, but many Bichon's do it. Are you ready? Whenever Hunter wants a treat/bisquit, if I'm not paying attention to him, he will sneeze. This started when he was a pup and I thought I had rewarded him and caused the behavior. Well, I posted it on the wall of the club and low and behold, many Bichons sneeze when they want something. I always thought it was like Hunter saying Please. Just makes us laugh at his antics. He make life fun! Speaking of fun; I may not be here tomorrow or Wednesday-depends on what we decide to do with my Rich & Sue. We will be having family dinners here so they can see our girls and grands. We were gifted my mil's china recently. I had never favored the pattern before and didn't think I'd like it; however when I opened the box it was so much prettier than I remembered. It is a fall pattern in browns and rust; in fact, today I'm going to unwrap it and use it on our fall table. I would like to attribute this change of heart to all you wonderful "table scapers" out there who have inspired me with your different seasonal place settings. Now I have three complete sets of china and my mom's partial set-yellowed with age. I actually use our wedding china for every day dishes-it was inexpensive and I didn't want to save it but rather enjoy it now. Guess one of these days I'll have to start using them all.
I'm off to walk with Kam and Lexie today; Kam was gone for a week so it will be fun to get back into our routine. I desperately need to ride this week as well.
I hope you had a good weekend and are enjoying the changes all around.  For those impacted this weekend by the tornados, our thoughts and prayers  go out to you!
Hugs,
Noreen & Hunter

Happy Friday

Good morning to you all.  Here in Colorado we are having cold, rainy and somewhat slushy weather; snow is in the forecast for the day and I'm glad I can stay inside.  Hunter is off to the groomer and if he thought it was cold out when I took him this morning, he will be in for a shock when he gets done.
These are the mornings when it feels so good to be retired and able to stay under the covers a bit longer. Last night we were under a freeze warning, so dear hubby threw old sheets over the plants in front; now they are soaking wet and dirty so I put them in the wash.  I would hate to loose our Mums so soon.  My Hydrangea is just starting to bounce back from the hailstorm and I'd hate to loose it again. 
The weekend will be quiet; our oldest girl and her hubby are going out to dinner tomorrow night, so five of her six will be with us for the evening.  Last night we had our youngest daughter's four over and it never ceases to amaze me at how calm they can be until their parents get back-then it is pure craziness.  I remember experiencing the same thing when we'd leave our two with family or friends, only to come back and have them act up. Whoever had watched them always told us they were great until we came back-must be a kid thing. 
I hope you have a wonderful day today and an excellent weekend!
Lots of love,
Noreen

Thankful Thursday

Blessings to you this new day!  As I sit writing, the sky is blue and geese are flying overhead honking, to let me know they are back. I love having them around but they do make our walking path a land mine, it is hard to avoid all the poop.  I am so thankful for the blessings on life; how about you?  On Tuesday, hubby and I ordered Plantation Wood Shutters for our living room; I am so excited that we are getting them in a month and can't wait for the transformation.  I have always loved shutters and never thought we'd have them until hubby declared he wanted them(once he made his comment, I jumped into the car so we could order them before he changed his mind when he saw the price)-as I complained about the very old faded Roman Shades we had.  The shutters will be white and I believe will make our living room look much more formal.  Recently I took a "decorating style" test and it confirmed what I new-I am a traditional gal with antiques thrown in here and there for good measure.  I know anything will look better than what we have and I'm very thankful hubby suggested it! 
I am so thankful my brother and sister of my heart are coming out for a visit on Monday. Actually, they will be in Salt Lake for two days arriving today, drive to Vail for two days and then spend time with us.  I'm praying that the snow predicted doesn't get as heavy as the weatherman says; I don't want them driving up over the mountains in bad conditions.  They have assured me that they will postpone the trip, for a day or two, if the weather is really bad. 
I am looking forward to meeting my good friend for lunch today. I am also thankful Hunter gets groomed tomorrow, he is looking a bit shaggy. 
I hope you have a splendid day and count your blessings.
Hugs,
Noreen & Hunter

Outdoor Wednesday with America's Cup

Good Morning to you~When I worked outside the home, coworkers would come in and say Happy Hump Day. I never really cared for that expression until the t.v. commercial came on this year with the camel. I think it is so funny! I had meant to to post these last week but that cold had me under the weather. Feel free to scroll through these photos quickly; it was an experience of a lifetime and I'm hoping that the race is back in S.F. in four years. If so, hubby and I will be there.
This next photo is the Oracle Team USA Catamaran.

 

When I watched the pre-series race on the internet, you realize the catamarans are big but you just can't imagine how big they are until you see them in person.

 

Loved seeing these Press helicopters flying in formation over the boats.

 

 

Loved this little yellow tug boat.

 

Here is Oracle nose to nose with New Zealand's Emirates.

 

 

 

The second race of the day was delayed for fifteen minutes due to wind gust and speed. I am not a sailor and get sea sick on small boats; the water here was not appealing to me, in the least.

 

I can tell you that being at this event was the thrill of a lifetime, even for a non-sailor. It reminded me of attending the Olympics. Here the crew came by the Pier and were cheered on.

 

I hope you have a great day! Our day is wide open, not quite sure what hubby will want to do.  If the roads to the Rockies were open, we'd head up there but it will be months before we are able-unless we want to drive 3.5-4.0 hours. 
Until tomorrow,
Noreen & Hunter

Another Birthday Celebration

Yesterday was another grands birthday; our Miss F, Carrie's oldest girl, turned 8. Last night the whole group got together for dinner and celebrations. It was so fun; the birthday girl decided she wanted a dress up party, so most of the kiddos and some adults wore western clothes. Here are the two youngest granddaughters, in identical outfits. They both have names starting with A, so on the right is Carrie's girl and on the left is Kim's youngest daughter.

 

The birthday girl opening presents; our Peanut said no to western wear and choose a ballerina outfit instead.

 

Papa had planned to wear cowboy boots with shorts, to be a redneck, but they no longer fit; here is he holding Hunter's best buddy Lily.  

Little Man; a friend asked if any of the girls have curls, the answer is yes and that they've all had ringlets but it just doesn't stay curly. It will be interesting to see if his hair remains the same.

 

One of the things Carrie's kiddos have decided to have at birthday parties is a Pinata-here is Miss F taking the first swing.

 

 

 

Little sis is wild with a bat.

 

 

Instead of a cake, each person got their own cupcake and decorated it-such fun!

 

Of all Carrie's girls, Miss F is the most like her. A true joy to be around, always a helper and such a special girl. We look forward to watching you grow dear one. Papa and I love you so much.

 

It is hard to believe we are entering October; fall is definitely here and I love it. Today the roofers started putting on our new roof-at least it will only be two days of hammering. Hunter and I have already been on a walk, but he isn't quite sure about not going outside in the yard.
 I hope your week has started on a good note; enjoy this day and all the blessings it holds.
 Noreen & Hunter