What a Great Book!

I just have to tell you about the latest book I've finished. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society was a most delightful novel as well as a great history lesson. You see, I slept through all my history and geography classes, so I'm illiterate when it comes to those subjects. In my adult years I have realized how clueless I am and finally find joy in learning what I should know already. So when I get to mix the entertainment of a novel with a little history, it really makes me feel like I've accomplished something exciting.

The book's format was a major part of my enjoyment too. It is written in a series of letters back and forth between the characters. It takes a while to follow who is writing to whom but these letters provided nice short "chapters" which works well with my schedule and how I slip reading in when and where I can.

The book is set in London and Guernsey (a British island) once occupied by the Nazis. The story begins as they are emerging from WWII and the main character is a writer searching for new material. Although the stories and letters are fictional the author explains the detail research she put into getting the them as real as possible.

Never mind the title, just go get the book at your library and enjoy as I did. You will very quickly understand and appreciate how the title could not have been anything else.

My Favorites from the Quilt Show

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Things I Want to Do

1. send Judy another quilt,need to buy the backing fabric first so must go fabric shopping!
2. go to Farmer's Market in Clear Lake
3. hit Central Market's weekly specials
4. Pick out rock for my front flowerbeds and have someone else put it in for me
5. Get the fabulous seamstress Kelly told me about to do window coverings
6. Finish organizing the garage
7. Hang the stuff in the dining room and office
8. Decorate Christian's room
9. Start next week all caught up at school
10. Read my really good book for as long as I want

That's all! ;-)

One week down....

School started, can't believe I didn't chronicle the event here. I did post a picture of the boys on Facebook but just didn't have time to send it here too. Seems we are busier than ever and I didn't think we could get busier. It is amazing to me how Greg and I could produce three totally different individuals, each one needing different attentions. Well, what's a mom for? ;-)

The new house is great. Still haven't hung all the pictures but almost everything else is done. I want to decorate Christian's room but he is putting me off. I'll sneek something on the wall and a new bedspread on soon.

Also enjoying my kitchen. It is easier to cook with everything spread out and easy to get to. I was inspired this summer to cook more with the movie Julie & Julia. Loved the book, loved the movie.

Ok, off to work. Wish I could stay home and play. Looking forward to the long weekend.

Quilt Retreat 2009

Make a Smilebox photobook

Birthday At the Farm....

I am so spoiled! I told Mum I wanted grilled oysters by the fire pit at the farm and that is exactly what I got along with s'mores and sausage-on-a-stick and roasted corn. Yummy! We all ate until our tummy's stuck out. ;-) Thanks CJ for slaving over the fire pit with the oysters. They were so fresh and delicious! I also got a new stadium seat from Dougie, some batter bowls and pj's from Mum, and shopping $$ from CJ. What a perfect evening!

Happy Birthday To Me......

Yes, I feel older today. The wrinkles in the mirror this morning seem deeper, I have to use my glasses to grade papers, and I'm not looking forward to buying a new bathing suit this year. These are all signs that I'm alive so I'm going to rejoice and enjoy the new older me.

I love my flowers from Greg, my hugs from the boys, the really-out-of-tune Birthday Song from my 2nd period Accounting class, my special hand-knitted wash cloths from Cindy, all my well wishes posted on Facebook, and the special emails and phone calls. (Uncle George actually sent me an ecard with a cat barfing up the words Happy Birthday!)

I'm looking forward to grilled oysters at the farm later and hopefully the traditional Cherry Cheesecake.

I am so lucky to have friends and family who remember my day and make me feel special.

Worth reading.......

I know, I know...it has been ages since I posted. But I have been pretty faithful to my new Facebook account so for short updates that is the place to find me.

I wanted to post this brief entry to mention a couple of books worth reading.

"The Unlikely Lavender Queen" is an adorable memoir of a Yankee (person from New York) who transplants to Bastop, Texas and ends up with a very successful lavender farm and business. The trials she goes through are so real, so close to home. It was hard to put it down and true delight.

I'm also reading a book on my Kindle App on my Iphone that is great. It called "A Homemade Life". It is a fabulous cookbook but full of great stories too, written in a memoir sort of way. The author first started with a blog then was inspired to put it in a book. I can't wait to try her recipes. The story of her Dad and his potato salad really hit close to home.

So if you have some spare time.....these are worth reading!

Happy New Year

"Everything will be fine....in 2009!".....or something like that. I don't know about you but I think 2008 was a rough year. Not really bad just lots of obstacles with Ike, the election, the economy, teenagers, etc..... I'm hoping 2009 will be smoother. I've got a list of resolutions but I think I'll keep them to myself. This way you guys will never know if I fail! Works for me!

Here are our Christmas pictures. We visited Greg's parents on Christmas Eve. They came to our house Christmas morning and watched the boys open presents and see what Santa brought. Then we went to Mum's house for gumbo and more gifts on Christmas afternoon. Now we are enjoying the start of the new year and all our new toys.

Here's to a fine 2009!!!!