Nora's News

Our lovable Nora.  Our adopted Flat Coated Retriever/Labrador Retriever who acts like a house cat.   That 'you cannot teach an old dog new tricks' Nora.

Big news on the Nora front!

Our city recently opened a dog park.  Finally!  We have a great big yard and we love to walk her - but she needs to run with other dogs.  We have been going pretty regularly.

I have seen changes in her - positive ones.  First - its mentally stimulates her.   Second - she is making friends.  Third - she is picking up real dog behaviors (hopefully only the positive ones).  She is really learning from the other dogs.

Now, when the other dogs run and chase that tennis ball she really is just chasing the other dogs.  But she is engaged with the pack.

She makes my heart leap when I see her playing.  Because, as I have mentioned before - she does not play with us.  At all.

The last few days though we are seeing changes.  Those dog instincts are starting to wake up.  Like the moment she took her first swim this summer.

She now has a stick.  A real stick in the yard. A stick that is all hers.  She has been carrying it around and running with it and just this morning - she RETRIEVED it!  We threw it - she went and got it and brought it back.  My retriever actually retrieved.  She even sat down and chewed on this stick for a while too.

I am having a proud mom moment.  She has really become a part of our family.

 

Cookie Dough Bars

So, while I have seen pictures of these online... 

I thought there was some big secret web recipe that I had to seek out. 

AND look what I found at the market!  

The box minus its Box Top label. 

While they are VERY easy to assemble two things stand out.  You need a stick of butter (that's why they taste so good).  The other is if your butter is not soft enough this part takes some elbow grease:

You pop them in the oven and out they come:

I have been baking for 3, yes THREE bake sales in the past month.  Let's just say that I gave up my from scratch recipes for a while.  And MOST of these made it to the sale I had to sample one, or two didn't I!

 

Planet Juniper

Or is it Jupiter?  The girls tell me it is the first.  

Either way - did you see it this week?  It was right there up in New England!!  I had no tripod or special lens - I think my photo's show that.  

See that SQUIGGLE to the right of the Moon?  

That's It!!

What I am Reading

I did it.  I finished Game of Thrones Book 2:    


There was a time when I thought I could not do it.  But I did.  Tyrion & Sansa's (I did NOT like her in book 1) chapters rock.  I also am very partial to Jon Snow... the TV one (not the 14 year old in the books... that would be wrong!).

I was pleased to see that I had had the foresight to pre-download Book 3 during a big Kindle sale this summer.


After this one I think I will take a break.  Of course, there is a whole new Nora Roberts series came out THIS WEEK!  I just downloaded it.  So much to read - not enough time!!

sigh...just the distraction I need.

I also checked out from the library last week:

AND I am glad to report I am still wearing the right colors, I do look younger and still feel great!  ;)

What's on YOUR Kindle/Nook?

The White Factor: Month 4

I had not thought I was going to do monthly updates on this LOVELY subject.  Yet, every morning when I look in the mirror it's obvious to me that change is happening.  So why not write about it more.

It is also ironic that my first The Gray Factor post was my 7th most popular post.  Interesting huh?  SO, I either have a lot of 'let's look at the crazy lady' people or I have people who are 'thinking' about white hair!  Also, not easy to share such close images of yourself!

I have decided no longer to call myself 'gray'.  I am sticking with 'white'.   Gray has such a 'connotation' to it: old, craggy, aging, menopausal.  I also have no immediate plans to cut it short.  I just cannot go there.

SO, for a refresher - this was me at 3 months:

And  here I am 4+ months later:

Ouch - that is harsh to see them next to each other.  Yup - it's Salt and Pepper!!  That seems like a lot of change in a month?

This shot shows where my struggle lies.  All that faded 'brown' demi permanent.  I wish it was gone already.

Side shot.  This is how people usually see me.  Clipped up.  This is how I wear it to dry every day. 

 And I will say - it's getting easier.  I have my good days and my bad days.  I am feeling more confident. 

I am wearing more make up now.  That of course is a seasonal thing - Summer is over.  I also pay a LOT more attention to the colors I am wearing.   I even have a new pair of 'raspeberry' colored glasses.  The hope is they will draw your eye to my eyes not my hairline!

I worry that people think I am 'not fending well in these tough economic times' and had to stop coloring it.  I try to mention it was a choice when I feel 'staring eyes'! LOL

All those little 'wirey' ones are blending better now.  They don't stand out as much against the dark.  I am still having a Keratin Deep Condish when I go in for my hair cuts.    

I would not say that I am feeling 'older' but more 'authentic'.  THIS is who I am.  This is my true coloring.  I recognize the person in the mirror.  

NOW - if I could just get past my 25th reunion coming up.  Do I want to go as my authentic self???  I guess I made my choice already. 

Do you think I am the 'crazy lady' or do you 'think about this' yourself?  Leave me a comment!

 

DECOR: Thanksgiving Centerpiece Planning

I am searching for ideas for my Fall Centerpiece that is NOT Halloween.

I am challenging myself to using items I already have - and limit myself to $10.00 for this.  I am sure I can do this for much less?!?

I have found these ideas so far from Pinterest:

Just so pretty and simple.

I have a three tiered stand.

I did something like this last year

I have a sparkle pumpkin!

I am waiting to see all YOUR great ideas before I commit for sure!

Pressure Cooking: Chicken Alfredo

So, once again my day went off balance and dinner took the hit.

I said- what can I do with the Pressure Cooker?

I threw in -

• a package FROZEN Chicken Tenders (yes, they were frozen solid) 
• a jar of Alfredo Sauce (which is something I NEVER usually have... much too good!).  

I popped it on for 20-25 mins/40 psi.  While it was cooking I boiled some pasta and prepped romaine for salad.

Not Bad!  AND it tasted GREAT!!

Of course, now Coco has decided she LOVES Alfredo but I had to explain it is not something we can have every week.   As I learn some new recipes I will share!!