What a Victory

Happy Monday to you!  I will be posting a bit later on Dogs Dental Month, but had to share that we had a fantastic afternoon yesterday.  The food was incredible here at our nest-one couple brought ribs-done two ways(one gluten free), fresh fruit and vege's, dessert.  Another couple brought chips & dip and contributed  to the ribs.  Another couple brought two types of wings and some special pumpkin bars(which hubby requested), while another couple brought some Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dip and Chips. We supplied Teriyaki Meatballs, spinach dip with french bread, candy and drinks.  Oh yes, one of the desserts was Fritos with Peanut Butter and Corn Syrup(which I dislike and avoid using) mixed together in clumps. Let me tell you that is so addictive. Something about the salt and sweet kept everyone going back for more. 
What a great game, we had one non-football gal with us who brought her knitting but she definitely got into it.  By the time the game was over, we all were feeling so full; I think I could go for quite awhile and not eat anything but salads.  We are blessed to have a home that can accommodate 14 friends comfortably and easily.  It did help that help put a second t.v. downstairs as well.  The gals got the big screen while the guys got the t.v. that didn't have the high def.  Too Funny.
By the time everyone left, most of the cleanup was already done and it only took about ten minutes to wash the serving dishes and utensils.  We were so excited for the win, but also that Von Miller got MVP and it was a nice way to go out if Peyton decides it's time to retire.
I am glad we hosted it and think it will become a tradition. 
Hope you had a great weekend and that your week will be so nice.
Blessings,
Noreen

Game Day

                                     

                                        All I can say today is

                     Go Broncos!

A Different View

The other day I showed some pics of our front yard and here are two I took yesterday. As you can see, the walkway is clear now, but it give a better perception of just how deep the snow was. Actually I should have put a ruler in so you could really see how deep it is.

The black box is actually a winter cover or mini greenhouse for a Japanese Lacy Leaf Maple.  We found that by doing this last year, the tree was able to survive our winter.
Today is warmer than the last two have been; right now at 8:30 it is 30 degrees, downright balmy. It's a busy day today~shopping at Costco, watching two grands and trying to get some sewing in as well as finishing a book to review. I hope you get some sunshine in your area and have a productive day!
Noreen

We've been told, all over the country by Punxsutawney Phil and his buddies, that spring will be early this year. I believe in some areas it might be early, but here in Colorado I truly believe we have several more months of heavy snow. Typically, we don't plant here until the end of May because we still might have frost and snow. This year we've had a lot of snow already, just in January and while we were teased by some warm days I'm not counting on warm weather until the beginning on May. These pics were taken on the landscaping lights in our back yard the other night.

Today, I'll be watching five grands and then this afternoon taking a friend shopping. We are having a superbowl party here on Sunday, so hubby and I will be getting some paper goods this afternoon as well.  It's beautiful out this morning, but our weather gauge says it is only 5 degrees.  Burrr.
Winter blessings to you!
Noreen

Winter Friends

Happy Wednesday to you. I'm not venturing out much this week, except to shovel and take Hunter downstairs to the patio. However, yesterday morning I spotted this Hawk and believe it is the same one we've seen on the pergola before. In fact, the last time I saw him he was about to have a tasty meal of a blackbird. Thankfully, hubby shewed him away before he dug in; I was concerned with the mess and organs left on the ground, plus Hunter and Lily were outside, in the same area, at the same time.

Even with the telephoto, he looks small. I do enjoy seeing the birds and wildlife, just don't like the harsh reality of watching other birds or animals die.
Snow is not in the forecast for today and I'm thankful; I couldn't believe how tired I was yesterday after shoveling for an hour.  I will keep myself busy today downstairs; I'm determined to get my quilt top together.  I hope you have a fantastic day today!
I also want to tell my brother Rich and his incredible wife Susan  Happy Anniversary!  They are such wonderful, giving people and I'm proud to call the family and friends.
Blessings~
Noreen

So Much Snow

Morning Friends, What a storm we've had-it snowed all yesterday and by the time hubby got home from indoor badminton, he said we had ten inches of snow out in front. It snowed lightly last night, but we got up early to shovel, as he was playing simulator golf today. What I can tell you is that we are so thankful for our neighbor across the street, because he was doing all the sidewalks with his snowblower when we got out front at 7:15. I immediately began shoveling the driveway where hubby's old Explorer sits, so he could get out. We only did 1/3 of the snow removal and it took us an hour. Norb cleared our driveway and also did the sidewalks on both sides of the court. Hubby actually admitted today would have been a good day to own a snow blower. I'm stating that because he has refused over the years that it would be useful, he just doesn't like them. I can say I love them. My big joke here is that if something were to happen and he couldn't go out to shovel, I would just buy a quad with a shovel on the front of it and do the whole court. I'm serious about that; though have to admit there is an older couple(in their 80's)that get out and shovel whenever we have snow and do the sidewalks too. She is my hero. I can also tell you that I can definitely feel my arm muscles after shoveling yesterday and today. If we continue to have snow amounts like this, hubby may just be willing to get a snow blower. The very first thing he did this morning was to clear the back stairs down to the patio and a path for Hunter to get to a covered area, so he could go to the bathroom. What a man! The photos of our front door don't  look too bad, but we've got steps going up to it and believe me the snow was deep.

Our deck.

It's going to be another inside day today; I'm supposed to go to something at the library tonight, but I think it may be cancelled.  I will be spending my time downstairs, squaring up my blocks and then sewing rows together.  It feels so good to be on this part of the process, maybe one day soon the top will be together and I'll be able to show it to you.
I hope you have a good day and if you have snow like we do, stay warm.
Hugs,
Noreen

Misc. Monday

Happy February and Happy Monday to you! Well, old man Winter has returned with a wrath~snow has once again pummeled our state. We had a foretaste of spring last week and I loved it. The snow will keep me busy-I will be helping hubby to shovel and will also be spending time downstairs. Last week we had Lily over for a few days and these two pups are the best friends. Aren't they cute!

I happened to find a new recipe at Gluten Free Homemaker for Paleo Muffins, so Saturday I made some.  I get tired of buying g.f. muffins in the store because of the high amount of sugar they add-maybe manufactures think sugar will add to their flavor.
For those who are gluten free here is the recipe:
Paleo Muffins
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salk
2 tsp cinnamon
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup chopped walnuts(I substituted almonds)
the recipe didn't call for chocolate chips, but I would add some and maybe some shredded coconut.

~Preheat oven to 350, grease 10 muffins tins. I used paper liners and actually had enough batter for 12 muffins.
~In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
~Add the eggs, applesauce, vanilla and honey.  Mix until combined.
~Spoon into muffin tins and sprinkle with nuts.
~Bake for 20-25 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.  Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Yesterday morning hubby and I had these for breakfast; I loved them, but would add more ingredients like I stated above.  Hubby said they were edible, just not his favorite-which I attribute to the lack of sugar.  He is very good about trying gluten free food and they didn't taste gluten free, just very light.

Hope you have a great day!
Noreen