Where in the World is....

As many of you know, hubby and I are jetting off for a short vacation tomorrow.  Hunter got all cleaned up today, so that he will be nice and clean at Carrie's.  I also got my hair cut today, it feels so much better.  Some of you may wonder where we are going this time, especially since we will only be away 6 days.  Well, the only hint I'll give you is that I'm hoping to spend at least one afternoon with a good friend.  I'm looking forward to warmer weather as well.  I am hoping to post while we are away, but can't promise anything. 
I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy some warm weather, especially for those who live in snow country.
Joys to you!
Noreen

Blessed Beyond Measure

Happy Wednesday to you! Yesterday was a wonderful day and a great way to start a new year in my life. I decided to spoil myself in the morning by getting a pedi and mani. I haven't had a manicure in many years, mainly because I didn't feel the need for one and being a hand quilter tends to trash my nails. However, I really needed some attention to my cuticles and it felt so good to have one. I also had been fighting a cold and just wanted a pick me up. That along with some natural immune boosters did the trick. Yeah! Here are all the beautiful cards I got, again I was so blessed by the outpouring of love.

Last night we gathered at Carrie's house to celebrate; only 1/2 were there, the others were dealing with a cold. The girls and their families went in on a "summer" theme and presented me with these wonderful gifts.  One of my favorite sayings, that is heard repeatedly, is Choose Gratitude and I got a shirt with that on it. In fact, I'm wearing it right now-love it; it is so soft and I know I'll be wearing it a lot.  I also got a waterproof bag to put my phone, wallet and keys in when we go to the pool or somewhere that they might get wet. I got candy bars, dried fruit, an HGTV magazine, sunscreen, lip balm, nail polish, beautiful note cards by an artist whose work I love and a soy candle, all items designed for our relaxing summer. 

Barbara sent me a beautiful infinity scarf she made and a gorgeous pair of earrings.  Another friend gave me some foot lotion and a pumice stick-she knows I always want me feel looking nice and one set of granddaughters gave me some lavendar soap that they made.

Carrie fixed my favorite dessert-a flourless chocolate torte. She served it with strawberries and whipped cream. Can you say delicious! 

One of the other fun aspects of an incredible evening was that Hunter is getting adjusted to this beauty; Copper is already taller than Hunter and Lily.  Hunter is enjoying playing tag with Copper in the yard and can actually outrun here; it is amazing how tired they both get after chasing each other. Before you know it, Copper will outrun our little guy. 

I know by the time we get back from our getaway, Hunter should have settled in with his new cousin. I imagine she will be evening taller by the time we get back.
Today, I'm ironing and packing for Friday, also need to figure out just what clothes to take and what to leave home. Usually I pack lightly for this trip, but I've pulled lots out to look at.  I've also got two books to take with me, so that while I'm outside relaxing in the sun I'll have something to read. 
Thank you for all the birthday wishes.
Have a great day!
Hugs, Noreen

Storm Troy

We just received an alert from The Weather Channel that a new snowstorm is heading our way-it is called Troy.  It appears that it may stay up in higher elevations, which would suit me just fine. Many of our friends in Utah and up in the Rockies are looking at another big dump of snow; I'd love it if it didn't materialize down here on the plains.  Today I am spending the day running errands-getting things for our getaway and also giving myself my annual pedicure.  For those who know me, you may remember I usually treat myself to one right before a trip.  With spring almost upon us, I do like my feet to look nice and since our getaway destination will be warm and have me wearing flip-flops or slippers as they are called where we are going, I best have cute toes.  Today is my birthday and I'm proud to say I'm 64, hubby says the day is all about me.  Hubby took me out for dinner last night and we will be celebrating with family tonight for dessert.  Hubby also made me a large ironing board, for quilting, as well as a storage cabinet and bench to go in our laundry room.  We've got to paint it black-black because the shelf above it and coat rack is black.  I will take pics when it is finished.  This way our shoes/snow boots will go underneath the bench(and stay tidy) with a basket for hats and gloves. 
I hope that the storm doesn't produce as much moisture as they are saying, except for those who live in a drought stricken area.
Joy to you!
Noreen

Happy Monday to you.  It's hard to believe that we are in the last week of March. The good news is, well maybe not good news for some who live in a wild fire area, that April-Sept. in the northwest is going to be above normal temp-wise. Now for me, who is yearning for the warmth of spring, I was happy to see that.  Remind me of it when it is in the 100's here this summer or when we are having to drive to Bend Oregon in July and it's hotter than the desert. 
I hope you had a great Easter; ours was so nice.  It started out early, so I could go to church; after I got home, I began the lunch preparations.  The entire family came over at noon and we had a great lunch with baked ham, chicken, kale salad(my favorite), fresh veges, deviled eggs, rolls, fruit salad and for dessert had a Sunshine Cake I made-didn't even think to get a photo and most of it is gone and  Rice Krispie treats. We had a mini "egg" hunt for candy inside and our little man found most of them before it was even time to find them. It was such a fun lunch and family time.  The rest of our day was pretty uneventful and I even took a power nap-30 minutes, in the afternoon. 
Today a friend and I are going out for lunch and then I'll probably be sewing.  Hubby and I have a quick getaway at the end of this week, so I'll probably be getting things together for that. One of the things I love about being retired is the ability to pick up and go when you want to. 
I hope your day is filled with accomplishments and joy.
Hugs,
Noreen

Good Friday

Thank You for the Cross, Thank You for the Cross

Thank You for the Cross My Lord.

Today is an important day of remembrance in the lives of believers.  When my girls were young, we always took Good Friday off of school and later when I worked, I always took it as a personal day.

I pray you will be blessed this Holy Day and give thanks for all He has done for us, may you experience the Love of  Jesus.

Humbly,

Noreen

It's Thankful Thursday and today I am thankful for sunshine.  Colorado, I love you so just wish we didn't get quite so much snow!  Yesterday was a day spent inside for the most part.  A relaxing day, but one that I wished was sunny.  Hubby spent a good part of the day watching t.v. or outside shoveling the sidewalk and neighbors driveway.  I spent a good portion of time downstairs; also took my neighbor her necklace for her birthday.  It was productive, but at this time of year when the bulbs are poking through the ground and we are teased with warm weather I'm longing for those summer days.  This morning hubby and I ran to Costco and to the grocery store and got all the fixings for Easter lunch here.  This afternoon, very shortly, I have sewing with two grands.  There shorts are so cute and I will post some photos next week.  Next week is jam packed with lunches with friends and a special time that will occur next Friday.  So I hope you are having a great week.  Remember to cultivate a attitude of gratitude, give thanks in all things.  I am thankful for so many reasons-The Father's Love being poured out for me in His Son, Grace that saved me, a beloved hubby who I adore, daughters who are incredible gifted women of God, son in laws that I am so proud of and grands that bring joy to my life. Let's not forget the pups in our family-each of them love us unconditionally. 
I'm thankful for you!
Noreen

Baby It's Cold Outside

Well, just as I thought- old man winter returned last night. I woke to heavy rain pouring outside during the night; we can use the rain, but that quickly turned to snow.  We are on a Blizzard warning today and lost power throughout the morning.  Thankfully, we have a battery back up in one of the fireplaces and also have a gas stove.  This morning we had at least 8"; it has stopped this afternoon and is supposed to be gone by tomorrow.  What's a gal to do but sew.  Hubby and I played some games at lunch time and he is watching a movie right now, so I'm going to make use of the time, while we have power, to work on some blocks.
Hope you aren't snowed in!
Hugs,
Noreen