Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund

To all of my friends who love to read; I've just finished a new book that was intriguing and captivating. I have read some of Jody Hedlund's books before and am never disappointed. It was a riveting story, filled with action and insight into the lives of miners and also lighthouse keepers.

Here is a description of the book from the back cover:
"1871
Eagle Harbor, Michigan
In a Town Mired in Darkness,
She May Shine the Light They Need

Running from the mistakes of her past, Tessa Taylor heads to the uppermost reaches of Michigan, planning to serve as the new teacher to the children of miners. She quickly learns the town had requested a male teacher, but Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since it's too late to replace her. Tessa can't help but thank him and say she is in his debt.

Determined to make herself irreplaceable once spring thaw arrives, Tessa throws herself into her work, and soon two students have decided Miss Taylor is the right match for their grieving father. At the same time, charming assistant lightkeeper Alex Bjorklund makes his interest known, surprising Tessa, who has never had men fight for her hand before. But not all is well as she feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her."

I felt the characters were well developed and easy to relate to. I haven't studied Lighthouse keepers before, so this gave me some insight into just how difficult the job was. This was a book I didn't want to put down and although it was #3 in the series, I was able to pick it up and not feel lost in previous story lines. I definitely need to find the first two books. I would give this a 10 star rating.
 Disclaimer: I received this book free from Bethany House, without any compensation, for my honest review. Bethany House has a wonderful blogger program if you are interested in receiving free books and reviewing them. You can find them here: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse

Have a fantastic Tuesday!
Noreen

Snow Fun

Happy Monday to you! We got more snow this last week and on Saturday I ran by one daughter's house to pick up a new book I just got. This is what I saw when I pulled into the driveway-all the kiddos(plus their dad)was out creating a wonderful Igloo. It was huge-about 3' tall and big enough for several to get in. It only took them an hour or so.

So very impressive!  Lots of hard workers in that crew.
On a side note, the book I picked up is called Choose Joy by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver.  It is the story of a young gal who battled a chronic disease that causes horrendous pain~however in the midst of being homebound, she still reaches out and touches lives.  Mary Carver was one of Sara closest friends and each page is filled with her insights while watching Sara live life to the fullest.  It is a new release, but I got it on Amazon.  I do plan on sharing it with others.
Today, I'm off to run errands in a bit and then hope to hit the sewing room.  Yes, I am still trying to finish up my individual blocks so I can begin stitching my rows together.  I also have a block I'm going to do for a quilt for a WWII veteran to receive in April for the Honor Flight.  I also have sewing with the grands this week; I've left the choice of project up to them, so it will be fun to see what they've chosen. It's cold here today, a mere 19 degrees.  I'm so looking forward to visiting Ca. soon so I can enjoy some warmer weather; I'm not thinking it will be much  warmer, but even 40 degrees sounds pleasant.  I hope you had a great weekend and that today will start a joy filled week.
Blessings,
Noreen

Fromm Liver Recipe Treats from Mr. Chewy

Happy Friday to you from snowy Colorado. It's been snowing since last night and although it isn't coming down heavily, it is wet and we have probably 4-6" on the ground. First thing this morning, hubby and I shoveled the driveway; some nice neighbors had already cleared the sidewalk for us. I have a new quilt group that I attend once a month and this morning was our meeting, so I had to get out before ten. The snow wasn't slick, but stopping in deep snow is always a challenge for me.
  I want to highlight this month's treats from Mr. Chewy. I love this program and want to state clearly that we are not paid in any way for our reviews, unless you ask Hunter and he'll tell you the treats are payment. All opinions are mine and I'm grateful for Mr. Chewy Blogger Review. We've tried Fromm products before and have never been disappointed.

These are a perfect size for our Hunter; they are crisp and easy to break apart.  I've tried them on his kibble in the morning and while he loved them as treats, he didn't care for them as much in his food.
These treats are made with fresh Liver and are made in the USA.  I didn't notice they have wheat in them, but Hunter doesn't seem to mind.  Fromm is a great manufacturer of dog food and treats.

 

Love this shot of him, in fact he is waving his paw trying to tell me to hurry up with the photos.

There is never a shortage of treats here and he knows it.  Many are from the blogger program~again we are not compensated for our reviews and opinions are our own.
Hubby finally told me I had enough treats for Hunter and I didn't need to put in another order until next month.  I buy all my treats and kibble from them~their service is prompt and cost so reasonable. A big thank you to Miss Sydney and the entire staff at Mr. Chewy.
You can find them here, please go check them out:  www.chewy.com

From a very grateful Hunter and thankful Noreen 

On Tipping and Such

It's Thursday already and I'm running around like crazy today.  Hunter went to the groomer this morning and while we love her, he shakes the entire ride there(I'm not so sure he loves her).  With prices going up, I'm seriously thinking of taking a series of classes on grooming or watching lots(I mean lots)of youtube videos.  I may even have to connect with Carol at Murphy & Stanley's home and see how she learned to groom her two doods.  Since our grandson is hoping to get a Poodle or Doodle puppy soon, he will also need to learn-so I'm hoping we can do it together.  Now, I'm off to the "groomer" aka hair salon for a cut and I'm just hoping she doesn't raise her rates at well.  Heavens, even in a small town it is getting pricey, but I love my gal and her skill, so am willing to pay.  All of the groomers in town must be in cahoots, because they all raised their rates substantially at the same time.  I can tell you that I used to pay $38. for Hunter plus a nice 20% tip, even though she uses her own/old garage space and has no overhead.  Now she's raised her prices to $43. and I've lowered my tip by half.  Many people I know don't tip their groomers, even though they work in a business.  I just met a close friend at the groomers today and she told me she's never tipped her, didn't know you were supposed to.  The last several appointments for Hunter weren't as well done, as she no longer has her ex-husband working with her.  I feel for her, but also know that every six weeks a tip can add up over the year.
Well, I've got to get ready my appointment.  I hope you have a great day and any of you that get your dogs groomed regularly, I'm interested to know your feedback on tipping.  Carol, if you are reading this I'm going to need some input.
Stay warm.
Noreen

Happy Wednesday to you. Today is outdoor Wednesday and I'll be walking with my friend Kam and her pup Lexie in a bit. However, I was so blessed this morning to look out our breakfast room window and see Geese on the course. Firstly, I need to make a disclaimer~while I love all wildlife, when we lived in our old home we had Geese that migrated to the development because of the lakes. I can honestly say walking and trying to avoid goose poop is not fun. When we found out that our golf course here was going to make the wetlands into a lake, we were excited(hubby loves lakes), but then the EPA got involved and said it would ruin some of the habitat for other animals. Well, we don't have a lake, but for the first time in two winters we have a flock of geese grazing through the dormant grass and sitting on the brown bits of land.

Today, they are a good distance away and this suits me just fine.  I love watching them, just don't want the mess.  There are new homes being built on the other side of the wetlands, so I don't anticipate having a major problem with them.  Years ago, I read a book by Jon Katz about his Border Collies; golf courses and parks would hire them to chase the geese away.  It will be interesting to see if they stay longer than a few days.  One island on a lake in our old development was so pretty, but when we kayaked around it, it had a horrendous smell from the geese.
I hope you are having a great week-for those in California, I know that you are thankful for the rain. I'd like you to keep it though for the weekend, so we don't get more snow.  Hubby and I will be heading to Carmel in a week or so, I would enjoy warm weather and no rain while we are there.
Remember seize the moment in your day and laugh!
Noreen

Looking Forward

What a beautiful morning we are having today; albeit cold, but also sunny. I love starting the morning in our breakfast area with a cup of hot tea in my hand and the sun pouring in. Our backyard is south facing, so we get a lot of heat in the winter. When the old owners told me it just gets too hot in the winter, I laughed and shook my head because I couldn't imagine it. I have learned that if I have friends over for a visit in the afternoon, I have to close our living room blinds because the sun is too intense and you can't see each other. I will say though, with the severe cold we've had for the last month or so, the sun and warmth are always welcome. I worked on putting dates on a new calendar this morning and looked at all our plans. Each February or March, we gift the family with a two night stay in condos up in Estes.  I always love going up to Estes with our entire family, minus our pups, for a weekend. WE used to try to get everyone out snow-shoeing, but with the littles it was just too hard. So now they all go to the sports store and do indoor rock climbing. This is our big family present for both girls.

When it is too cold outside to walk or bike, I spend my days on the computer, bible study or sewing.  Love it, but this is the year that we meet hubby's friends in Kauai for two weeks-so the guys can golf. The gals and I get along really well and enjoy our time together; one highlight for me is connecting with Val of My Girlz Got Paws.  I am never up to the long hikes Val takes, but love spending time with her.
Here is one of the beaches near Val; hubby and I are hoping for some new adventures this year, like kayaking on the river to the hidden water falls. 

Dreaming of this will help pass those cold winter days here!  I always miss seeing whales(we go at the wrong time of year), but love seeing the Monk Seals and their pups. 
Do you have special plans or trips that you are dreaming of that helps pass the winter months?
Have a joy filled day!
Hugs,
Noreen

A Brand New Year

Good Morning to you on this brand new Monday in a brand new year. I hope you have a great New Year's and will have an exceptional year. On Thursday night, hubby and I went to our favorite restaurant for a very early dinner-4:10 p.m. You won't believe it but we still had to wait quilt awhile. However, the wait was worth it! Here is our dinner entree~Char with spinach, blue cheese and bacon over it. Hubby had mashed potatoes and I had Jasmine Rice. We were home before 6:00; this restaurant is so efficient that you are never rushed but they manage to get you in and out in a little over an hour.

We have decided that we want to fix this dish in the future for our loved ones and dearest friends, it was so good! New Year's eve we also went over to our girls house and played cards for several hours. We were home by 9:00 and just watched a little t.v. before heading to bed. We haven't stayed up til midnight since we lived in Ca. New Year's day was filled with taking down the rest of our decorations, rearranging furniture and cleaning/organizing our storage area before we put our Christmas boxes away. It felt so good, but this gal was tired after all the work. WE also got lots of items to go to charity next week-you know old clothes, books, a high chair we won't need again etc etc. As you know, I usually try to discover what word I am inspired to have for the New Year. I don't do resolutions. I always hope for some goals to be accomplished, to be more disciplined in my life. Last year's word was Trust and believe me I really learned that when I was facing my uncertain health issue and surgery.
So this year, I actually have two words that are somewhat connected.  My first word is Anticipation~I felt that this is in regards to my hopes, dreams, visions, prayers for the future.  Then yesterday I woke up with a worship song on my mind-one line says "change me from the inside out" and when I went to church the sermon was on change.  Hummmm.  I don't like change, because I always think of it in a negative way; however I have decided to embrace that any changes will be positive.  What about you-do you have resolutions, goals, that you plan on or do you have a new word for the year?
I hope you have a fantastic  day!
Blessings,
Noreen