I
know, I know...I read a lot of Patricia Sprinkle mysteries this month.
They are mostly small paperbacks, and I got a bunch of them at the
library on the last day of 2015. Plus my mom had a few more that she
passed along as she finished them. I thought I might finish January
with only her books read, but I was able to branch out some. In fact
the last one was a five hundred page book of a much serious matter. I
finished it the evening of January 31 so it made this post!
When Did We Lose Harriet? by Patricia Sprinkle -- another MacLaren Yarbrough mystery; this time MacLaren gets involved in the case of a missing teenager - is she a runaway or did she get taken by force - or what?
A Mystery Bred in Buckhead by
Patricia Sprinkle -- a Sheila Travis mystery dealing with Aunt Mary's
old friends, and things that happened in their younger years; I had a
hard time keeping some of these folks straight at times
Who Let That Killer in the House?
by Patricia Sprinkle -- a MacLaren mystery; a good reminder to look out
for possibly-troubled children and youth, and to be a good example and
mentor to them
Sean and David's Long Drive by
Sean Condon -- this is a Lonely Planet book when Sean and David took a
long drive around Australia. It was funny at times, but it wasn't that
interesting to me. I don't get Aussie slang so I missed a lot of
important parts (yeah, right). A lot of it was just crude talk, and I'm not a fan of
getting drunk which these guys did a lot of. This was one of those book
exchange finds that I'd not waste my time reading if I had to do it
again.
Hold Up the Sky by Patricia Sprinkle
-- the story of Bilie and her disabled daughter Chellie, of Margaret
and the day her world was turned upside down, and how they met again at
their dad's house - along with their childhood maid - a good story of
the interdependence we have in life
Who Left That Body in the Rain? by
Patricia Sprinkle -- another murder mystery for MacLaren to solve!
This time their long-time friend Skye is found dead - hit by his own
car. Uh oh, who would have done this to the popular auto salesman?
Into Thin Air
by Jon Krakauer -- I know this book is rather old, but I only now read
it. Yikes...makes me not want to climb Mt. Everest, that's for sure.
Really interesting account though! Andrew wants to read it next.
What Are You Wearing to Die?
by Patricia Sprinkle -- the last MacLaren book that my mom gave me
after she read it; library book. This one is about a young mother found
dead in what appeared to be an auto accident. Until they retrieved the
body and found her beaten to death! What is going on in Hopemore,
Georgia, now?
The Carousel Painter by
Judith Miller -- an easy read I picked up at the library to read in case
we were stuck inside due to snow (we got more sleet than anything).
This is the story of Carrington and her new life in Ohio after her
artist father died. She goes to a factory and paints carousel animals.
Where My Heart Belongs by Tracie
Peterson -- After leaving home in a fit of rebellion, Sunny returns home
after twelve years to see how things have changed. A pretty easy read,
and parts of it hit home for me about true, unconditional love, and how
things change and can never be the same again. I read all of this book
in one day part of while sitting outside in the sun while enjoy the
snow melting nearby.
Up From the Blue
by Susan Henderson -- The story of Tillie and her military family,
mostly focusing on eight-year-old Tillie and the memories of her mom
My Mercedes Is Not For Sale
by Jeroen Van Bergeijk -- "from Amsterdam to Ouagadougou...an
Auto-Misadventure Across the Sahara" -- I got this at a book exchange.
Kind of interesting story of a Dutch man on a quest to sell his
Mercedes after driving through parts of Africa
Texan's Luck
by Jodi Thomas -- a paperback I picked up in a book exchange awhile
back. I am trying to read some of the books on my shelves before I get
many more library books. This was a good one to read while at the
beach. I could take it in my bag and read it while enjoying the sun.
It's about a young lady who shows up one day claiming to be the wife of
the captain. Apparently there was some situation involving her awhile
back where she was wrongly jailed, but in order to secure her release
she had to be married off. I didn't understand all those
particulars...maybe it was covered in an earlier book. But this couple
(Lacy and Walker) didn't have a good first meeting, five years later
Walker had to protect Lacy from a man who wanted to kill her. Kind of a
silly story, but like I said: easy beach read.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
by Laura Hillenbrand -- Andrew borrowed this book a few years ago from
someone at church, and read through it fast. I was amazed because it's a
long book, and he doesn't generally read books super-fast. He also saw
the movie. I declined both at the time. Fast forward to Christmas 2015,
and someone sent me the book which meant I had my own copy (and,
therefore, could take my time reading it). Well, I started it sometime
last week, and read through it fast. (I finished this in our room at
the beach on January 31 so just in time to make this list.) At first I
wasn't very interested. It was good, but trying to beat someone's time
in a race isn't my favorite topic. But then when Louie joined
the war effort in the Pacific, and the raft and POW sections...man.
Really, really interesting stuff!
The back of the book has a section on discussion questions. Here is one that really stood out to me.
17. Unbroken reveals
that, under the "kill-all order," the Japanese planned to murder all
POWs, a plan that was never carried out because of the dropping of the
atomic bombs. The book also explores the lengths to which the Japanese
were prepared to go to avoid surrender. How did the book make you feel
about America's use of the atomic bomb on Japan?
Also, do you find it's true that a lot of WW II literature has focused on the European war with a lot less on the Pacific war?
|
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
January Books
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Sleet Days
We had some snow/sleet recently. Actually one of our local meteorologists said, "In this recent storm, we saw about 2.5" of solid sleet
accumulate in the Triad. If that were all snow, it would have been about
8.5"." And it was pretty solid because I tried putting my fingers through it to see how much we got. After the first dusty layer, it was so very hard. I couldn't break it. Anyway, we played with the kids some of the time. I'll just post some pictures from a few different days.
But first, Andrew's bucket man. He says it helps add weight to the back of his truck. Plus, it's cute. He used old gloves and old boots. He removed the hat before driving.
Sophie found her bubble wand, and she would dip it in the sleet and eat it.
Zach tried to find deep enough snow to make an angel.
He had a snowball fight with Poppy and Tucky.
At our house, Zach slid down the front steps. I posted a video on Facebook of this. He didn't even need a sled or trash can lid!
He also had a snowball fight with the tree.
And then he rested.
Andrew's dad gathered a pile of snow for Zach. We named it Mashed Potato Mountain.
Zach liked sliding down it, and also crashing off the side.
He wanted an igloo, and asked if he could help.
I took a picture of the sky while they worked on the igloo.
Andrew decided Zach could help by going inside to see if it needed more shoveling. Zach thought it would be like an igloo he saw on Curious George. He said it needed an air hole, and to be higher so he could walk around in it and play.
Later we decided to walk to the park. Well, Zach rode in the wagon...
We played awhile there.
That night we had a beautiful sunset.
But first, Andrew's bucket man. He says it helps add weight to the back of his truck. Plus, it's cute. He used old gloves and old boots. He removed the hat before driving.
Sophie found her bubble wand, and she would dip it in the sleet and eat it.
Zach tried to find deep enough snow to make an angel.
He had a snowball fight with Poppy and Tucky.
At our house, Zach slid down the front steps. I posted a video on Facebook of this. He didn't even need a sled or trash can lid!
 |
| First he had to get dressed |
He also had a snowball fight with the tree.
 |
| It's too bright |
And then he rested.
Andrew's dad gathered a pile of snow for Zach. We named it Mashed Potato Mountain.
Zach liked sliding down it, and also crashing off the side.
He wanted an igloo, and asked if he could help.
I took a picture of the sky while they worked on the igloo.
Andrew decided Zach could help by going inside to see if it needed more shoveling. Zach thought it would be like an igloo he saw on Curious George. He said it needed an air hole, and to be higher so he could walk around in it and play.
Later we decided to walk to the park. Well, Zach rode in the wagon...
We played awhile there.
That night we had a beautiful sunset.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Kay Sisters
I've shared photos of my grandmother before, but I never had one of her with her sisters. One of Mema's sisters has been put on morphine and oxygen. She was ninety last July 4th so she is plenty ready to be reunited with her loved ones. I would love to see the heavenly reunion when Edith sees her sisters, and mama, and beloved husband (and others of course...best of all Jesus!).
One of my mom's cousins posted this on Facebook so I saved it, and wanted to post it here.
One of my mom's cousins posted this on Facebook so I saved it, and wanted to post it here.
Friday, January 8, 2016
2015 Meme
1. What did you do in 2015 that you’d never done before?
August 10; reasons I won't rehash since my goal this year is to not hold onto bitterness :)
21. deleted question
24. What was the best book you read?
This is always a tough one for me because how can I pick the best out of dozens of books? Among my favorites were the memoir from Regina Calcaterra (what a horrible childhood!), and the Fairlawn funeral home series (seems weird, but I liked that trilogy - kind of easy reading, but also meaningful to me for some reason)
Karen Heiss in late July
35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2015.
I am so thankful for books to keep me company because people just aren't
always around - and really, I don't want them to be since I like being
alone more than a lot of people do.
hiked several new places (Max Patch, Roan Mountain, Sharp Top Mountain, McAfee Knob, Buffalo Mountain, etc.)
saw bears while driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway
visited the local Catholic church
saw an LDS baptism
visited Tybee Island
marched in Burlington's costume parade with Zach on the day before Halloween
2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any, but I did make one this year (see previous post)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
no
4. Did anyone close to you die?
no
no
5. What countries did you visit?
none
6. What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?
Maybe visit a different state
7. What date from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
August 10; reasons I won't rehash since my goal this year is to not hold onto bitterness :)
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
our hike at McAfee Knob
mine at times; others at times
health insurance
traveling (except remember that I never get "really, really, really" excited about stuff)
The Old Rugged Cross, maybe
9. What was your biggest failure?
bitterness
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I got the family sickness once again, but it was during the summer instead of near Christmas.
I got the family sickness once again, but it was during the summer instead of near Christmas.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
books
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Andrew's - he's most always a cheerful, helpful guy
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
14. Where did most of your money go?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2015?
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
about the same
iii. Thinner of fatter?
probably fatter
v. richer or poorer?
about the same
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
traveling
traveling
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
staying home
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
It was very similar to last year
except only Zach, Sophie, and Lorraine were missing*. Also, we didn't go
see the lights on Marye Drive (several of us had gone before Christmas
this year; some of us more than once) or go to Walgreens. It was very
mild after days of mild temperatures and rain, rain rain. A few of us
(me, Steph, Michael, Mama, Megan, Daniel) did slosh across Stephanie's
yard and walked to Sheetz for free hot chocolate or coffee. We made
sure to see the full moon since it was the first full moon on Christmas
in several years (like the last one was in the late 1970s or something
like that.) Thankfully it wasn't a rainy or cloudy evening so we
actually saw it!
We
watched News 2's Christmas special with two Andy Griffith episodes: the
one where they have Christmas at the courthouse/jail, and the kerosene
cucumber one (when Aunt Bee makes pickles).
Earlier in the day Andrew and I ate at his parents' house with his brother and his wife.
Andrew
and I made plans to go to the beach the next day, and I made
reservations the day before so we finished packing for our trip, too.
* We had our family meal/gift exchange the Saturday before Christmas since some folks would be out of town on the 25th.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
NCIS or NCIS: LA -- and I learned the other day that DiNozzo is not coming back to NCIS next season: booooo!
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
noThis is always a tough one for me because how can I pick the best out of dozens of books? Among my favorites were the memoir from Regina Calcaterra (what a horrible childhood!), and the Fairlawn funeral home series (seems weird, but I liked that trilogy - kind of easy reading, but also meaningful to me for some reason)
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I don't know, but I really enjoyed the free outdoor concerts in the area during the warmer months
26. What did you want and get?
a small table to put beside the couch; Andrew bought the one I showed
him while we were walking near The Main Line in downtown Graham
27. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Book Thief -- I think that was my only movie.
28. What did you do on your birthday?
watched Zach and Sophie some; went by to see Michael for my yearly birthday picture with him
29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2015?
practical, comfortable
30. What kept you sane?
several short trips just to get away and enjoy nature; walking, walking, walking
31. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
*drawing a blank*
32. What political issue stirred you the most?
Syria/ISIS
33. Who did you miss?
Pop, Mema
34. Who was the best new person you met?
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
'Twas December
We had a great December for the most part. Weather-wise it was weird - much warmer, quite a bit of rain some days/weeks, but, thankfully, several nice, sunny days and evenings!
I could highlight several other things from this month, but I focused more on Christmas stuff.
First we went to see the lighted Christmas trees which Zach grew to really enjoy once he figured out how those trees could sing, blink their eyes, and such.
Andrew and I were tickled when he asked us "which one is the girl?" because a few solo parts were definitely sung by a feminine voice. Here is a minute of Zach's favorite part of the Hallelujah song. He especially likes the "lu!" part towards the end.
We also took him to visit this light display in another part of Graham.
We stopped by the lighted Christmas tree on the municipal building's lawn.
Zach posed for a few pictures, but then he was ready to play tag!
I noticed these blooms while we were there.
One evening we went up to see the synthetic ice-skating rink which was in town for about three weeks.
Since some of the family travels for Christmas day to see the other sides of the families, we celebrated with everyone who could make it on the Saturday before Christmas (the 19th).
Here are a few pictures from that day:
The ones of us in town on the 25th met for supper and to hang out for a while. News 2 aired an Andy Griffith Christmas special which we enjoyed.
One episode made a few folks crave pickles.
I could highlight several other things from this month, but I focused more on Christmas stuff.
First we went to see the lighted Christmas trees which Zach grew to really enjoy once he figured out how those trees could sing, blink their eyes, and such.
Andrew and I were tickled when he asked us "which one is the girl?" because a few solo parts were definitely sung by a feminine voice. Here is a minute of Zach's favorite part of the Hallelujah song. He especially likes the "lu!" part towards the end.
We also took him to visit this light display in another part of Graham.
We stopped by the lighted Christmas tree on the municipal building's lawn.
Zach posed for a few pictures, but then he was ready to play tag!
I noticed these blooms while we were there.
One evening we went up to see the synthetic ice-skating rink which was in town for about three weeks.
Since some of the family travels for Christmas day to see the other sides of the families, we celebrated with everyone who could make it on the Saturday before Christmas (the 19th).
Here are a few pictures from that day:
The ones of us in town on the 25th met for supper and to hang out for a while. News 2 aired an Andy Griffith Christmas special which we enjoyed.
One episode made a few folks crave pickles.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
50 Questions
I found this on Niki's blog, and did it because I'm a sucker for these things. :)
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Europe
6. What did you have for breakfast?
7. What is your favorite cuisine?
8. What foods do you dislike?
radishes, sour German salads
9. Favorite Place to Eat?
home
10. Favorite dressing?
Greek
11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?
12. What are your favorite clothes?
my comfy ones
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?
Europe; other places in the US
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
both at times
15. Where would you want to retire?
Southport, Myrtle Beach, or the mountains, or ...
16. Favorite time of day?
mid morning
17. Where were you born?
Greenville, SC
18. What is your favorite sport to watch?
used to be college basketball, but I don't watch much any more
19. How many siblings?
three
20.Favorite pastime/hobby:
reading, walking
21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?
I did it, Niki! :) anyone
22. Bird watcher?
no
23. Are you a morning person or a night person?
morning
24. Do you have any pets?
no
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?
nah
26. What did you want to be when you were little?
teacher
27. What is your best childhood memory?
playing with my cousins
28. Are you a cat or dog person?
either
29. Are you married?
yes
30. Always wear your seat belt?
yes
31. Been in a car accident?
no
32. Any pet peeves?
crooked blinds and rugs
33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?
onions, cheese, sometimes tomatoes or pineapple
34. Favorite Flower?
I love most of them
35. Favorite ice cream?
36. Favorite fast food restaurant?
37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?
none
38. From whom did you get your last email?
my mom
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
we don't max our credit cards in this house; I can't think of anything I want that much
40. Do anything spontaneous lately?
41. Like your job?
sure
42. Broccoli?
somewhat
43. What was your favorite vacation?
Syria
44. Last person you went out to dinner with?
Andrew
45. What are you listening to right now?
Andrew yawning behind me
46. What is your favorite color?
blue and red
47. How many tattoos do you have?
0
48. How many people will fill this out?
beats me
49. What time did you finish this quiz?
50. Coffee Drinker?
no
1. What time did you get up this morning?
7:08 or thereabouts
2. How do you like your steak?
I'm not much of a steak fan. I like it pan-fried and thin.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Spiderman or The Passion of the Christ ?? -- it's been a while
4. What is your favorite TV show?
I'm not much of a steak fan. I like it pan-fried and thin.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Spiderman or The Passion of the Christ ?? -- it's been a while
4. What is your favorite TV show?
NCIS or NCIS: LA
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Europe
6. What did you have for breakfast?
Aldi brand of frosted wheat squares
7. What is your favorite cuisine?
homey, southern stuff
8. What foods do you dislike?
radishes, sour German salads
9. Favorite Place to Eat?
home
10. Favorite dressing?
Greek
11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?
2001 Honda Accord
12. What are your favorite clothes?
my comfy ones
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?
Europe; other places in the US
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
both at times
15. Where would you want to retire?
Southport, Myrtle Beach, or the mountains, or ...
16. Favorite time of day?
mid morning
17. Where were you born?
Greenville, SC
18. What is your favorite sport to watch?
used to be college basketball, but I don't watch much any more
19. How many siblings?
three
20.Favorite pastime/hobby:
reading, walking
21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?
I did it, Niki! :) anyone
22. Bird watcher?
no
23. Are you a morning person or a night person?
morning
24. Do you have any pets?
no
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?
nah
26. What did you want to be when you were little?
teacher
27. What is your best childhood memory?
playing with my cousins
28. Are you a cat or dog person?
either
29. Are you married?
yes
30. Always wear your seat belt?
yes
31. Been in a car accident?
no
32. Any pet peeves?
crooked blinds and rugs
33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?
onions, cheese, sometimes tomatoes or pineapple
34. Favorite Flower?
I love most of them
35. Favorite ice cream?
this
summer I ate some good Hershey's chocolate that hit the spot after we
hiked McAfee Knob, but I like various kinds; Breyer's mint chocolate
chip is good
36. Favorite fast food restaurant?
Hmmm, Wendy's, I guess. No real favorite.
37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?
none
38. From whom did you get your last email?
my mom
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
we don't max our credit cards in this house; I can't think of anything I want that much
40. Do anything spontaneous lately?
no
41. Like your job?
sure
42. Broccoli?
somewhat
43. What was your favorite vacation?
Syria
44. Last person you went out to dinner with?
Andrew
45. What are you listening to right now?
Andrew yawning behind me
46. What is your favorite color?
blue and red
47. How many tattoos do you have?
0
48. How many people will fill this out?
beats me
49. What time did you finish this quiz?
7:03 PM
50. Coffee Drinker?
no
Friday, January 1, 2016
New Year's Resolution
I think I want to make this my resolution for 2016...
Ephesians 4
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)
or if you prefer the King James Version (the version I grew up with, and used for scripture memorization):
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (emphasis mine)
Beautiful words, really.
Ephesians 4
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)
or if you prefer the King James Version (the version I grew up with, and used for scripture memorization):
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (emphasis mine)
Beautiful words, really.
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