From My Library

During the winter, I tend to read much more than when the weather beckons me outside.  Of course, being at home during my recovery has left me with time to read even more.  The funny thing is that I didn't grow up reading and it wasn't until I was in high school that I discovered the joy of it.  Whenever we travel, I take books along or in the last couple of years I have our IPad with my ebooks on it.  Last week, hubby and I ran into Wal*art for a couple of things and I had to stop in the book section. I saw this book and picked it up-it was pretty cheap.  I haven't read anything by Rose Ross Zediker before; this book is three novellas or short stories centered in South Dakota, about quilt projects that lead to true love.
Each story was unique and relevant; but all the stories had quilts woven through the plot and also had situations that the characters had to overcome.  The book was a quick read, which is something that I needed at this time.  I would read one of the novella's and then pick up my quilting.  I would rate this a Five Star and hope to find any other books that the author has written. 
I've got one more book to read and plan to take it to the mountains with us.  The family is looking forward to our get together, unfortunately though our youngest granddaughter was sick last evening so we are praying they are all well enough to join us.  Our other sil will be traveling out of the country for 12 days and no one wants to share any bugs with him.
On another note-my dear sister of my heart, aka sil, is having surgery today.  I never would have thought the two of us would have the same surgery within a month of one another.  If  you would lift up a prayer for her, it would be appreciated. She is the rock of our family, we love her all so very much and want her to fly through the surgery without any complications. 
I hope you have a wonderful Thursday and remember to give thanks for this day!
Joy to you~
Noreen

Happy Wednesday to you~This morning hubby drove me to a coffee house where some close friends from church were getting together for coffee.  I seriously thought about canceling, but decided to go for an hour. I was glad I did; nothing like a Chai Tea to boost your mood.  After that, hubby and I ran to two stores, one for birthday presents for our oldest grandson and then to Wal*art to get hubby a new phone case and car charger for his new IPhone.  We've had lunch, played cards and I'm headed for a nap.  The ladies today couldn't believe I was out and about-several of them who've had this surgery said it took much longer before they were out doing things. Made me feel good because my energy still is used up after just a short activity.
I hope you have a good day today.  I'm looking forward to some sunny weather. 
Blessings,
Noreen

Love Poured Out

Happy Tuesday to you! Three weeks ago, when I had my surgery my daughter posted here and on FB how it went~well I have to share with you what she told me after she posted. She told me "that I had lots of friends who loved me"-or it was similar to that(remember I was on heavy pain meds). To put it mildly, I have been so blessed by all of you! I won't say this has been easy(what surgery ever is), but with your encouragement, prayers, emails, notes etc. it has been better than I ever thought. Yesterday the doorbell rang and a flower delivery man was there-I was in shock. I had received a floral arrangement from our bff's in Ca., but couldn't figure this one out. It was from my nephew in Ca. It made my day! I've read that emotions can bubble up to the surface during recovery, but truly didn't expect them to impact me; however I know that if I am tired I tend to be more emotional. I love the green spider Mum(I think that is what it is)in the arrangement. This brightened my day!

Then in the afternoon, hubby retrieved the mail and there was a package from a blogging friend in Utah-Michelle and Goose. We have followed Goose as long as we've been blogging and love all the adventures he has with his mom and friends. You can find them here: www.gospelofgoose.blogspot.com

Goose and his mom have made See Beautiful a lifestyle and we are always reminded to look for beauty in daily life.  They have impacted more people than they can possibly know and I am so thankful for them. 
I received a wonderful card from another blogging buddy, Cindy at Consider It All Joy.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, who knew that blogging could be so rich and rewarding?! Too all of you, you have made my life so much sweeter and I hope you receive the love right back poured over you, like it has been to me.
Hugs,
Noreen

Happy March

Good Morning to you!  I can hardly believe it's March already and that three weeks ago I was having surgery.  I found this picture years ago, when I first started blogging; it so reminded me of winter and spring in northern Ca.  The hills of Sonoma County are always green in the winter and by now, spring flowers and bulbs are starting to poke their heads out of the dirt. While we do experience a lot of sunshine, even in winter,  the ground here is brown and most of the time we have snow around us. 
We had a good weekend, nothing too exciting happened-just more naps for me, stitching and reading.  We watched 'Becoming Jane' Saturday night and it was so good; I wasn't sure how hubby would like it, but once he got into it he thought it was a good movie. 
I am ready to get back into my regular daily routine, but know that I've got a bit longer to regain my strength and energy.  It has been three long weeks since I took Hunter on a walk and he lets me know about it daily.  This coming weekend the entire family is heading up to Estes Park for a fun filled family get away.  WE always give both daughters and their families this trip for Christmas.  We used to take them all snowshoeing, but with little ones we had to skip that. I imagine in another year or two, they'll be back to going.  Instead, the older kids go to an indoor rock climbing facility; we spend the weekend laughing and playing games.  The girls and I will go to our favorite quilt shop and see if there are any projects that they are interested in.  We still need to finish their Feb. project,  I'm thinking next week.  I continue to work on my quilt in the evenings and it is coming along; one of my problems though is that the longer I sit and stitch on it, the more I want to add to the quilting. Keeps me busy that is for sure.
I hope you all had a great weekend and find joy in today.
Blessings,
Noreen

Friday Fun

  

     A person can only stay inside so long, before the need to get out and about takes over.  Recently we saw McFarland USA advertised when we saw another of Kevin Costner's films.  Today, I talked hubby into going to a matinee; what else do retired people do when the weather is cold? Usually, we go to Tuesday matinees because of the price break. A couple of bits of trivia-one of my dearest friends grew up with Kevin and I heard about the fun times she had with his family.  Secondly, my closest friend from my teens coached Cross Country in Carmel Ca. and her team ran against McFarland  for years-she told me they were an incredible team!  Also, part of the plot revolves around my hubby's high school in Palo Alto, Ca.  I attended another high school in Palo Alto. 
I have to tell you that this movie is one of my all time favorite movies!  If you are looking for something to do this weekend, take in this movie-you'll be glad you did.
We don't have plans for the weekend; more snow is forecast so we will probably stay in.
I hope you have a fantastic evening.
Hugs,
Noreen

It's Thankful Thursday and I want to know what you are thankful for?  Today the sun is peeking through the clouds and the snow has stopped, for now, so I am thankful for the hope of spring. I am thankful that it has been cold and snowy while I've been recovering~it is much easier to stay in and take naps when the weather outside doesn't beckon me outside.  I am thankful that each day has gotten easier physically and that running errands doesn't totally wipe me out; I will say my idea of running an errand is going on a drive with hubby and letting him get out of the car. I am thankful for my faithful friend Kam and her bringing me lunch yesterday. I am thankful for the love and care my family are giving me-especially hubby doing most of the cooking and chores.  I am thankful that spring looms ahead and gives me a goal to aim for-lots of walks, biking and garage sales.  I am so thankful for the answers to prayer concerning my recent surgery.  I am thankful for all of you dear friends, who have prayed for me, encouraged me and continually checked in on me.  I am blessed indeed!
May your day be filled with blessings and may you find unexpected smiles and joy throughout your day!
Hugs,
Noreen

Review on Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

Happy Wednesday to you!  When I got home from the hospital this new book came for me to review.  I love Bethany House Publishers blogger review program, if you are a blogger and interested in receiving books to review you should check out Bethany House.
Here is a synopsis of story from the author:
"Alaskan Courage Series – Book 5
Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey’s search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light.
Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits. Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank’s daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper’s bidding or she will die.
Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is only threatening a girl’s life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen."

There are two book genre's that  I am drawn to-firstly any books about the Amish/Mennonites and secondly-stories that take place in Alaska. Dani Pettrey has woven a masterful tale of intrigue that centers not only on Dog Mushers and the Iditarod race, but also the oil industry.  I found this book to be so captivating that I was able to read it within a day.  Initially I was concerned because it was book 5 in a series that I hadn't read, but found it wasn't an issue at all.  The characters are well developed and the story one that could take place today.  I love Alaska and given my love for dogs, it isn't surprising this book held me captive.  The author reminded me so much of Dee Henderson, in fact at first I wondered if she was writing undo another name.  I loved how Dani weaved scripture through the story as well.  Now that I've finished it, I want to go back and read the rest of the series.  I would give this book 10 stars. 
I received this book from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing, free of charge in return for my honest review. 
If you need a great book to read this winter, look for any of Dani Pettrey's books, you won't be sorry.

Noreen