6 weeks....

6 more weeks until....

Tuesday nights have been dull!

Season 2 was a big cliffhanger and I'm dying here....

What fall shows are you looking forward to?

Friday Fun-Late Night

Happy Friday!!!!

Let me share a couple of my favorite "late night" TV segments today.

 

 

Thursday Books

Two new books by my favorite authors/illustrators are being released this week.

First, my brother illustrated a new children's book, it was released earlier this week. Here's his blog post:   THAT SNEAKY SNAKE SYDNEY. Make sure you check this out!

Second, my friend, Lauren, has a new chic lit book being released this Saturday. Here's her blog post: PIE GIRLS. I've read this,  it's fun!

New books, readers! What could be more fun?!

Wednesday Words

A couple pins I found on Pinterest.

Happy Monday!

Here's to a good week ahead!

Our weekend went very quickly but it was nice.

Friday night was pretty quiet. 

I worked at the library on Saturday. Construction has begun and wow does it look like a pile of rubble outside! After work, we went to the drive in to see Guardians of the Galaxy. We really enjoyed it, much funnier than we anticipated. 

We would give it 3 1/2 to 4 stars.

Young Mr. Turned 21 yesterday. We went out for breakfast and a nice lunch. The Mr. grilled pork chops and brats last night. All good food!

How was your weekend? What did you do?

Have a happy Monday!

Why do I blog?

Fair question!

I started blogging a little over 8 years ago. My blog has changed and evolved a lot during that time!

It started as a place for me to keep a record of what we did; where we went; our hobbies and projects and the kids growing up.

It has been all that and more! All those things are here, along with reviews of books, movies and products; links to other blogs and websites and a lot of miscellaneous "stuff". I have made some great friendships with fellow bloggers, that I hope will continue and grow. Thanks to all of you who have been reading for a long time (and there are several of you!).

I hope to keep my blog going for a long time and continue to grow my readership.

If there's a blog you think I should check out, let me know!

PS: our oldest turns 21 today!

Friday Fun - Movie Project

This week's fun is brought to you by my cousin and his friends. They have a movie idea that they are hoping to pitch to movie studios.  Please consider helping to support them (no donation is TOO SMALL!).

Their pitch trailer is on the website (below) - check it out!

Here is the website:

Maximum Coppage

 

(Ben-I hope I didn't leave out anything TOO important...)

#MaxCop

Thankful Thursday

Since it is the last day of July (gasp!) and in an effort to keep some good thoughs/positive ideas going - I have decided to start a new blog post "series". 

 

This week, a few things I am thankful for are:

 

* My husband. 

No one can make me laugh like him. He reminds me (intentionally or not) to have fun and not take things so seriously. He encourages me to pursue my dreams and take the little steps that will get me there.

* My kids. 

These two constantly make me smile. They're always giggling or seem to be plotting something. It warms my heart to see what good friends they are.

* My jobs. 

I know I am very blessed to have a job (let alone 2)! And as a bonus, it's a job I love! I feel passionate about my full time job. My part time job is enjoyable also and helps us have some extra money to do fun things.

* My blog readers/followers/commenters. 

It means a lot to me to know that you're reading this blog. I love the "love" you leave.

* Fellow bloggers.

You keep me entertained with your travels; photos; jokes; stories; DIYs and blog posts. Keep 'em coming!

* Unseasonably mild summer weather. 

This summer has been FANTASTIC!!! We have had SO few hot days - the sun has been shining (most days) and the average temp this summer has been in the upper 70s. I'll take it!

* Flowers.

Because of the nice weather, my flowers are looking great! The front of our house is colorful and full - I love driving up to it each day - it's a wonderful way to end a workday.

* Email and text.

I have been getting lots of emails from friends I haven't caught up with in a long time. Texts from my mom always brighten my day (who else understands the agony the Cubs keep inflicting!).

 

What are you thankful for?

 

I am thinking about making this a weekly link up - any interest?

Wordless Wednesday

November, 2007

Travel Tuesday - Civil War Anniversary

I'm going to take a more historical note today.

 

Our family has gotten into the Civil War and its history in the past 7 or 8 years. We enjoy visiting sites and museums related to it. Some are big, some are small.

 

It is still the 150th anniversary period of the Civil War (through 2015).

The

Civil War Trust

site is an impressive website, with lots of information.

 

We are NOWHERE near completing the list of sites

(click here for the map: Civil War Discovery Trail)

but we have put a pretty good dent in it so far. We are going to try to daytrip to some of them more locally over the next year and a half.

 

Another good Civil War travel site is:

Civil War Traveler

 

I truly believe that most of these sites are worth a visit. I'd love to hear if you visit one (or several) and what you think!

I am linking up with Bonnie Rose at A Compass Rose

 

What historical sites have you visited and enjoyed?

The weekend was nice!

Happy Monday!!!!!  I hope you all had a nice weekend!

Mine was uneventful but productive.

 

Friday, the Mr. and Young Mr. went to Bears traning camp. Friday night - I scrubbed our bathrooms (the house smells like bleach...).

 

Saturday, I finished cleaning the house, pulled some weeds and did laundry. We went to the drive in on Saturday night - the weather was perfect (clear, mid 70s). The kids each got a Green River and Super Rope (the big drive in treats).  We saw

 

Maleficent

 and

 

We liked both of them.

Both would get 3.5 stars from all of us.

 

Yesterday, none of us even got up until almost 9:30 (that's unheard of in our house). I made cinnamon rolls for breakfast and we lounged around most of the morning. Mr. and Young Mr. headed to work for a while in the afternoon while Lil Miss and I played outside and did some errands.

 

I made some headway on the blanket I'm test knitting

 

I think I like the color combination and it's an easy pattern to work. I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

Stay tuned for some exciting scrapbooking news.

Have a great Monday!

 

Happy Sunday again!

Greetings!

I know I have been absent this week, I'm sorry! I have been working on a couple projects. 

CROCHETING

I finished this square for my crochet-along.

KNITTING

I am just starting to knit this blanket test pattern.

Which will be perfect to do while I watch the MLB Hall of Fame induction, today.

Congratulations to the inductees.

I am linking up with the Social Sunday link up again.

Have a great day!

Happy Sunday

Good morning! I hope your weekend is going well! Ours has been nice and I'll recap it this week.

This week, I am linking up with the Sunday Social Media Link Up for the first time. Feel free to pop over to Grapefruit Princess  and link up your social media.

Feel free to follow me on Instagram and Bloglovin

Book review

Goodnight June by Sarah Jio

Genre: Fiction

4 out of 5 stars

Publisher's synopsis:

Goodnight Moon is an adored childhood classic, but its real origins are lost to history. In Goodnight June,Sarah Jio offers a suspenseful and heartfelt take on how the "great green room" might have come to be.

June Andersen is professionally successful, but her personal life is marred by unhappiness. Unexpectedly, she is called to settle her great-aunt Ruby’s estate and determine the fate of Bluebird Books, the children’s bookstore Ruby founded in the 1940s. Amidst the store’s papers, June stumbles upon letters between her great-aunt and the late Margaret Wise Brown—and steps into the pages of American literature.

My thoughts:

Thanks to Net Galley for providing this book!

Ms. Jio has written another amazing book! I love how the story is told with letters June finds between her Aunt Ruby and Margaret Wise Brown.

Clever writing, fun story and wonderful characters.

Thanks to Net Galley for providing this book!

Ms. Jio has written another amazing book! I love how the story is told with letters June finds between her Aunt Ruby and Margaret Wise Brown.

Clever writing, fun story and wonderful characters.

Wordless Wednesday

Hawaii, 2007

From the top of Diamondhead

Literary Junkies - July 2014

Our Literary Junkies July book discussion is The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton. The button to the right will direct you to the link up!

Now, for this month's questions and my answers:

1. What are you reading? Tell us about it!
Goodnight June by Sarah Jio.
June is left her aunt's bookstore, where she discovers a friendship between her Aunt Ruby and children's author Margaret Wise Brown. Many secrets are discovered as June decides what to do with the bookstore.

2. Do you find yourself reading more of a particular genre during the heat of summer? 
I tend to read more "fluff" and quick reads in the summer.

3. Who are your favorite book villains (either to love or to hate?)
Wow...tough question!
I guess I would say the Disney villains in the Kingdom Keepers book series. I think for obvious reasons...

4. If you could choose one author’s writing powers to harness, who would you choose and why?
Sarah Addison Allen! She tells a story that's so enchanting and believable. I have never been disappointed by her books.

5. Do you read one book at a time, or read multiple books at once?
I almost always have two books going at the same time.

6. What are some of your favorite non-fiction books? 
I enjoy biographies and memoirs and books about history. I should read more of them!


What are you reading? What is it about?

Have a great day!

Please stand by...

I am going to take a little hiatus from blogging, it won't be for long! I just need a little time to catch my breath and get some projects done.

I will try to stop by and blog visit.

Have a great day!

Tales from the Library, Bathroom Edition

That's right "Tales" fans - it's time for another edition.

 

Today's edition is brought to you by....Cat Woman.  Yes, you read that right!

 

I had to work on Sunday afternoon and was the closer. When you are the closer, you are responsible for picking up; straightening shelves; checking bathrooms; etc.

 

After closing time, I knocked and entered the men's room. No one and I checked the stall, there stashed behind the toilet was a book. UGH - really?!  So I get a paper towel, pick it up -

it's Cat Woman (like the Marvel comic book character).

Double UGH! So I finish closing, put on gloves, wipe the book cover with alcohol, scrub my hands.

 

Of course, I tell the Mr. about it when I get home and he thinks it's hilarious! Then points out, you know...some guys... STOP!!!!! (insert full body shiver)

 

I tell you - there is never a dull moment there.

June 30th...

WOW! Where did June go?

 

Do you have any plans for the 4th?

 

Our weekend was pretty uneventful. Yardwork, errands, work, a little grilling and relaxing.

What did you do?

 

My "big" project I started....

(it's on my "to do" list and has been for a LONG time!)

 

I finally started cutting out pieces for this quilt hanging. Wow - I forgot how much cutting/pressing/pinning is involved in getting this ready to put together. And there are A LOT of little pieces to be cut out for this pattern....

 

It is: The Bridges of Madison County pattern by Button Weeds

 

Realistically, I hope to get the pieces cut out at least over the next couple of weeks and start putting it together after that. (I have a feeling that this is going to end up being a winter sewing project...)

 

***************************************

 

On another note, I have let my exercise/diet go again. I have GOT to get motivated and stick to it! Who's going to give me the kick in the pants and keep kicking?!

 

Happy Monday - I hope you have a wonderful day!

Happy Friday!

For a short work week, it's been a really long one!
(And yes...I know I have done NOTHING on this blog this week - it's called laziness)

 

A little "Fluffy Guy" for your Friday.

 

Have a great weekend all!

Hello!

Happy Tuesday!

Just finished up a "staycation" with my husband and kids. It was very nice! (recap to come this week)

I hope you all had a nice weekend and the week is going well.

Friday Fun

Perhaps you have seen or heard of Richard Dunn this week. 

If not, this is why you should have....

He shot this while at the Las Vegas airport alone overnight.

Enjoy!

I hope you have a great weekend!

Literary Junkies - June edition

It's that time of month again - Literary Junkies, UNITE!

This month, our book was Beautiful Ruins. I struggled with it and didn't finish it. Sorry to say...

Anyway, here is this month's questions/answers:

1. What are you reading? Tell us about it!

I currently have two books going. The Shop on Blossom Street and A Life Intercepted.

The Shop is the first in a series about a street in Seattle, this one revolves around 4 women who are all struggling with something. A Life Intercepted is an ARC, it has a football theme with a mystery I am waiting to be revealed.

2. Library or bookstore?

Library!

3. What book(s) have you read and re-read several times?

Little Women, I usually read it each year around Christmas time.

4. What is the first book that made you fall in love with reading?

Hmmmm...this is really tough! My parents always encouraged us to read.

I think I would have to say the Little House books. My mom read us the series when we were growing up and I have read them a few times in my life.

5. Who's your favorite author? Tell us so we can binge-read!

Another tough one! I think I would say Sarah Addison Allen, her books are so magical (literally) and moving. I love reading them! Sue Grafton writes an awesome mystery series - was thrilled to meet her last fall!

 

**********************************************

What are you reading?

 

July's book for the Literary Junkies is The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton. I'm waiting for it to come in at the library.

The start of another week

HAPPY MONDAY!!!! I hope you had a nice weekend.

Ours was pretty uneventful. Saturday, the Mr. and Young Mr. had to work all day. I cleaned the house; did a little yardwork [where do the weeds come from?!]; had lunch with my sister & one of my sister-in-laws; relaxed a little. I had a photo shoot that evening for a big family celebration. It was a beautiful night and the family was a lot of fun!

Yesterday, we took the Mr. out for breakfast at a local place. We had a late lunch and watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (it was quite enjoyable).

It was pretty uneventful but nice. It's a short work week for me this week, as I am taking a long weekend to catch up at home and relax a little.

I hope you all have a good week!

Saturday Stuff

Happy Saturday! First, Happy Father's Day!

Second, if you are not listening to The Satellite Sisters podcast....you are missing an hour of fun! These 5 are funny, full of life and news you can you and stories. Please give them a listen!

I finished a couple of yarn projects this week. First up....a baby blanket for ny nephew who is due next week.

I am happy with how it turned out.

I also finished another square for the crochet-along on Ravelry.

I am using scrap yarn for the squares.

I am looking forward to making more squares.

Happy yarning!

Friday Fun

Because I'm dealing with stinking car repairs today (and they better quit calling with stuff they find...), here is some FUN!

 

The Mr. who thinks jokes making fun of men aren't very funny was dying laughing.

 

Happy Friday!

THANK YOU!

I want to say a BIG, BIG

 

THANK YOU!!!!!!

 

to all of you for your wonderful, supportive comments on yesterday's post and those of you who sent an email.  Your support is wonderful and most welcome.

 

Yesterday was a better day and she told me her "real friends" were nice to her and she wasn't going to worry about the "mean kids".

Beauty review

First, THANK YOU to Influenster for including me in their Spring Vox Box.

I am going to review one of the products here, but expect to hear about all the products I received very soon!

 

Today's review is of Kiss Everlasting French nails

 

These were relatively easy to apply. I spent more time matching the nail size and filing them to fit my weird shaped nails.

They looked great and wore pretty well.

 

This was after day 2: 

 

Unfortunately, on day 4 three of the nails fell off. I have removed them all now. My nails do not look or feel damaged.

 

I would definately use these again!

 

A parenting W-T-H

I may get myself in trouble with some readers with this post but I am going to/need to vent here! I have wrestled with myself about posting this, but have decided that I will.

The past week has been a little rough for Little Miss at school. (I am SO glad this school year is almost over!)

Last week, her classmates were asking her if she wore diapers and called her Diaper Baby for a day. Yesterday, she attempted to make a couple new friends but they told her that they wouldn't be friends with her because she's gay. They had seen her hug one of her friends, so that meant she was. I told her that those girls weren't worth being friends with and to hug her friend if she wanted to.

WOW! Really?!  We're going to start with this already, in 4th grade?!

As any parent knows, we all fear our kids being picked on/not liked/teased/etc. As any parent with a special needs child knows, our fears are doubled - as a special need seems to put an extra target on a child to their peers. We have tried to raise Little Miss to remember that she is who she is and if people can not accept her, then they aren't worth her worry.

I really expected we were going to have to deal with teasing in junior high, but I was not/am not mentally prepared to deal with this already.

Praying for a calmer rest of the week for her.

19 years ago today

I met my husband.

 

Our good friends' wedding day... He was the best man, I was the maid of honor.

I never would have thought that day, that I would be married to this man, today.

 

 

Here's a few older pictures of us (apparently I need to update our "couples" pictures real soon!)

 

I love you, honey!

Hey, it's Monday!

It was super quick weekend!

Friday night was pretty mellow, which was much needed.

And now for another edition of.....
Tales from the Library

I worked Saturday and I am thinking we must be close to a full moon - it was a

W-E-I-R-D

afternoon!!!! I got to the circ desk after my lunch to hear a patron calling our librarian a b*%$#. I think I may have physically taken a step back. All because she asked him to put a lid on his coffee (while at the computers). She showed him the written rules that says all drinks in the library need to be capped or have a lid - fair enough, right? So said patron storms out of the library. I continue my shift at the desk with my Saturday "partner in crime". About 1/2 hour later, same patron sticks his head in the main door and throws his borrowed materials in the foyer and leaves.

Guess who's been banned from the library?
(giggle,giggle, cough, giggle...) 

Back to Life:

While I was working, the Mr., Young Mr. and Little Miss helped Young Mr.'s girlfriend (YMGF) move into her first apartment. She got pretty settled that day and she had Little Miss working away (she was tired when she got home). Last night Young Mr. and YMGF unpacked some boxes and got her bed put together. Last night was her first night there.

Yesterday morning, Little Miss & I took a friend to the airport. We made it there and back in just over 2 hours. The Mr. was impressed with my time. The Mr & I and the kids went to DQ for lunch; putzed around B & N for a while then napped and rested the rest of the afternoon/evening. I did get my scrapbooking stuff out and sort of laid it on my craft desk - I'll probably work on a "drive by" layout all week... 

How was your weekend? What did you do?

Wishing you all a SUPER week!

Book reviews

 

 

Thanks to Net Galley for providing me with the following books to read and review.

Lucky You by Amy Bloom
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
On Sale: July 29, 2014

Publisher's Synoposis: So begins the story of teenage half sisters Eva and Iris in this brilliantly written, deeply moving, and fantastically funny novel by the beloved and critically acclaimed author of Away. Disappointed by their families, Iris, the hopeful star, and Eva, the sidekick, journey across 1940s America in search of fame and fortune. Iris’s ambitions take the sisters from small-town Ohio to an unexpected and sensuous Hollywood, across the America of Reinvention in a stolen station wagon, to the jazz clubs and golden mansions of Long Island. With their friends in high and low places, Iris and Eva stumble and shine through a landscape of big dreams, scandals, betrayals, and war. Filled with memorable characters and unexpected turns, Lucky Us is a thrilling and resonant novel about success and failure, good luck and bad, and the pleasures and inevitable perils of family life. From Brooklyn’s beauty parlors to London’s West End, these unforgettable people love, lie, cheat, and survive in this story of our fragile, absurd, heroic species.

My thoughts: I really struggled with some of the characters and their traits. The storyline seemed to plod along at times. Overall, a good read though.

Bring on the Heat  by Katie Rose
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
On Sale: August 26, 2014

Publisher's Sysnoposis:House-sitting for a rich and famous friend has its perks, and Darcy Hamel isn’t shy about enjoying them. Especially when it means scoring a ticket to an exclusive fashion show hosted by the New Jersey Sonics. An avid baseball fan, Darcy has always dreamed of meeting the team—especially the starting pitcher whose body is as hot as his fastball. But there’s a catch. The gala is by invitation only. To get behind the velvet rope, mild-mannered Darcy will have to pose as party girl Lydia Logan.

Schmoozing is one of the downsides of fame, but Chase Westbrook knows how to liven up even the dullest event. And nothing spices a night up more than a beautiful socialite with a naughty reputation. What Chase doesn’t expect is a hint of sweetness beneath her sultry façade. Flirtation turns to seduction and leaves him aching for more. Chase just doesn’t know who the real Lydia is: the spoiled tease crying foul over some missing diamonds or the alluring woman making a play for his heart.

My thoughts: This was a fun, sexy romance with a fun baseball theme.

The Beach Quilt by Holly Chamberlin
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
On sale: June 24, 2014

Publisher's Synoposis:
Set in a picturesque Maine beach town, bestselling author Holly Chamberlin's heartwarming and insightful novel delves into the choices and changes faced by two families over the course of one eventful summer. . .

Everyone in Yorktide, Maine, knows sixteen-year-old Sarah Bauer. She's a good student and a dutiful daughter, as well as a beloved best friend to Cordelia Kane. So it's a surprise to all when sensible Sarah reveals that she is pregnant.

Though shocked, Sarah's family is supportive. But while Sarah reconciles herself to a new and different future, the consequences ripple in all directions. Her father--a proud, old-time Mainer--tries to find more work to defray expenses. Her younger sister grapples with a secret she can't share. Cordelia feels abandoned, and Cordelia's mother faces the repercussions of a long-ago decision. As Sarah's mother, Cindy, frets about how she'll juggle childcare with her job at the local quilting store, she seizes on an idea: to band together and make a baby quilt. Piece by piece, a beautiful design emerges. And as it progresses, reflecting the hopes and cares of the women who create it, each will find strength in the friendship and love that sustains them, in hardship and in joy. . .

My thoughts: I REALLY struggled getting through this one. I felt the storyline was repetitive and TOO much comparison of rich vs. poor.

Book Review-People I Want...

Thanks to Net Galley for the advance read of

People I Want to Punch in the Throat by Jen Mann
5 out of 5 stars
Genre: Memoir/Humor
Publication date: September 9, 2014

Publisher's synoposis:
A debut collection of witty, biting essays laced with a surprising warmth, from Jen Mann, the writer behind the popular blog People I Want to Punch in the Throat

People I want to punch in the throat:
• anyone who feels the need to bling her washer and dryer
• humblebraggers
• people who treat their pets like children

Jen Mann doesn’t have a filter, which sometimes gets her in trouble with her neighbors, her fellow PTA moms, and that one woman who tried to sell her sex toys at a home shopping party. Known for her hilariously acerbic observations on her blog, People I Want to Punch in the Throat, Mann now brings her sharp wit to bear on suburban life, marriage, and motherhood in this laugh-out-loud collection of essays. From the politics of joining a play group, to the thrill of mothers’ night out at the gun range, to the rewards of your most meaningful relationship (the one you have with your cleaning lady), nothing is sacred or off-limits. So the next time you find yourself wearing fuzzy bunny pajamas in the school carpool line or accidentally stuck at a co-worker’s swingers party, just think, What would Jen Mann do? Or better yet, buy her book.

My thoughts:
Holy crap! This NOT a book to read before you go to bed, you will be laughing too hard. I have enjoyed Ms. Mann's blog for a while now and this book is true to the form of her blog. I love her takes on mommy wars; classroom activities and her life.

Make sure you check out this book!

And you can check out her blog here: 
People I want to Punch in the Throat

Cheers and happy reading!

Friday Fun - Summer Camp

This was passed around our office yesterday:


Last year, my eight year-old son went to summer camp. It was the first time he had been away from home for more than a night. An hour after I dropped him off, I missed him. By the time I went to bed, I found myself wandering into his bedroom, just to feel close to him.

As the days passed, I wrote to him daily. Each hour dragged as I'd wait for the mailman, hoping for just one letter from him. By that point I missed him so much, I began to imagine what he might write.

I fantasized I would receive a letter something like this:

Dear Mom,

Thank you so much for letting me go to camp. I have learned so many cool things, like how to take a fish off the hook, tie sailing knots, and how to groom a horse. Thanks for packing sun screen. I've been out on the lake a lot, so it's really come in handy. You think of everything! I've been drinking tons of water since it's so hot. See? I do listen to all your good advice.

 
The other boys in my cabin are really smart and nice. I'm making lifelong friends I will cherish forever. We've had fun learning camp songs, playing cards, and catching frogs in our free time. During quiet time, I read the book you sent along. What a great selection!

Like you suggested, I'm trying a lot of new foods. You were right, the oatmeal at breakfast isn't bad if I add raisins. And don't worry, Mom, I'm using all the manners you've taught me over the years.

We're camping under the stars tonight. I hope to see fireflies.

I love you,

W

xxoo

P.S. Tell my brothers I miss them!

The next day I received an actual letter from him. It was just slightly different from what I imagined:

This year I'm sending a whole book of stamps to camp with him.

Can't wait to see what he writes!


Source: MSN

Happy Monday!

How did it get to be June?!

 

We had an event filled weekend. Two dance recitals, a baby shower and LOTS of yardwork. I am pooped...

 

Here's a couple of photos I had the privilege of taking Thursday and Friday evening.

 

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Friday Fun

Happy Friday!

 

Young Mr. showed me this earlier this week. I loved it and thought I would share it with you.

 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Travel Tuesday - a "green" trip

John Deere green, that is!

We decided to play local tourist on Sunday. We went to John Deere Historic Site. It was interesting and has changed a lot since the last time I was there (in 3rd grade...).

This is Rick the Blacksmith. It was just the Mr., myself and the kids in our tour group (Patty was a great guide!). He gave us a fantastic blacksmith demostration and was SO funny and passionate about Mr. Deere and what Rick does for a living! (picture from the website)

It was $5/person over the age of 12. We thought it was worth the stop. Plan to spend about 2 hours there.

PS: We got the Deere/Reagan homes combo ticket for $7/person

 

We decided to drive on west and visit the John Deere Pavilion. We got to check out the equipment, play with the exhibits and check out all the JD merchandise.

We were a little disappointed by this but I would still like to do the JD factory tour.

 

Our next stop was the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home (our 40th President). We had taken that tour previously, but it was still fun to see where he lived and hear a little about his life. Little Miss didn't remember being there before...

It was $5/person over the age of 11. It was a worthwhile stop. You can make this stop in about an hour.

 

I did pick up a little souvenir on our 'travels' - this is steel leaf pendant made in the blacksmith shop at the JD Historic Home site. A little reminder that something as small as a plow blade made 177 years ago, has become the corporate giant it is now.  A small dream that has become something he never would have dreamed of.

To marriage

Spurred by a sweet text message I got from my Mr. yesterday, I decided to forego my regular "Friday Fun" post today.

 

I love my husband, he's my best friend.

We've been through a lot in our almost 17 years of marriage, not all of it rosy, but we're together, have worked through it and are probably stronger than before we dealt with it. We still hold hands, he still makes me laugh and we say "I love you" everyday.

 

I hope everyone finds their best friend to spend their life with too.

I leave you with some thoughts:

 

Book reviews

I have not done any reviews for quite a while, so here's a couple I've read lately.

 

Genre: Fiction

5 out of 5 stars

Good Reads synposis: Cathy Holton, author of the popular Beach Trip, returns with an intriguing and mysterious tale of dark deeds and family secrets in a small Southern town.

After a personal tragedy, Chicago writer Ava Dabrowski quits her job to spend the summer in Woodburn, Tennessee, at the invitation of her old college friend Will Fraser and his two great-aunts, Josephine and Fanny Woodburn. Her charming hosts offer Ava a chance to relax at their idyllic ancestral estate, Woodburn Hall, while working on her first novel.

But Woodburn is anything but quiet: Ancient feuds lurk just beneath its placid surface, and modern-day rivalries emerge as Ava finds herself caught between the competing attentions of Will and his black-sheep cousin Jake. Fascinated by the family’s impressive history—their imposing house filled with treasures, and their mingling with literary lions Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Faulkner—Ava stumbles onto rumors about the darker side of the Woodburns’ legacy. Putting aside her planned novel, she turns her creative attentions to the eccentric and tragic clan, a family with more skeletons (and ghosts) in their closets than anyone could possibly imagine. As Ava struggles to write the true story of the Woodburns, she finds herself tangled in the tragic history of a mysterious Southern family whose secrets mirror her own.

My thoughts: This was a wonderfully written book. It had a great story with lovable characters. I was drawn into this from the first page.

Genre: Fiction

5 out of 5 stars

Good Reads synoposis: In the summer of 1942, twenty-one-year-old Anne Calloway, newly engaged, sets off to serve in the Army Nurse Corps on the Pacific island of Bora-Bora. More exhilarated by the adventure of a lifetime than she ever was by her predictable fiancé, she is drawn to a mysterious soldier named Westry, and their friendship soon blossoms into hues as deep as the hibiscus flowers native to the island. Under the thatched roof of an abandoned beach bungalow, the two share a private world-until they witness a gruesome crime, Westry is suddenly redeployed, and the idyll vanishes into the winds of war.

A timeless story of enduring passion from the author of Blackberry Winter and The Violets of March, The Bungalow chronicles Anne's determination to discover the truth about the twin losses-of life, and of love-that have haunted her for seventy years.

My thoughts: I read this book in about 5 hours, I haven't done that in years!  This book sucked me in from the first sentence. You will cheering for Anne, Westry and their friends.

Literary Junkies - May, 2014

It's that time of month again. This month, the Literary Junkies are discussing Where'd You Go Bernadette tonight.  (PS: my Twitter handle is @cubsfan3410)

You can read all the link up answers by using the button to the right.

1. What are you currently reading? Tell us about it!
I'm listening to Ladies' Night by Mary Kay Andrews. I am currently reading a rough draft of an author friend's new book.

2. Do you judge a book by its cover? What cover elements make you not want to pick up a book?
I am a cover judger. I like something bright or eye catching on the spine.

3. Do you participate in any other bookish link-ups? Tell us about them so we can join next time!
Nope, Literary Junkies is it

4. Have you ever watched a movie that was better than its book version? Explain yourself!
I can't say that any movie I have seen has been better than the book.

5. Summer is here! Do you read more often during any particular season?
I think I read more in the winter. I like to be outside doing things outside.

6. What is the worst book you've read this year? Why?
Hmmmmm....

What are you reading?

Hello Monday!

I hope you all had a nice weekend!
Ours was pretty uneventful - lots of housework and laundry.

Tomorrow is the latest Literary Junkies link up and twitter chat. This month's book is Where'd You Go Bernadette. (stay tuned for my blog link up tomorrow...)

How was your weekend?

Friday letters

I haven't done one of these posts in a while, so...

Dear Friday,

WELCOME!

 

Dear Powers that Be,

Thank you for being with my FIL through his procedure and thank you for the encouraging news!

 

Dear Mother Nature/Phil the Groundhog,

SNOW!!!???? W-T-H! Give it up - we want some spring here.

Dear Cubbies,
Let's get our act together here and pull out some wins!!!!!

Dear Blackhawks,
Some W's for you over the next week would be great.

 

Dear Pinterest,

Why must you be so addicting? I lose all track of time when I start snooping around.

 

Dear Blog Readers,

Thank you for all your kind words and encouragement the past couple of weeks. It is truly appreciated.

 

Dear Weekend,

Please go slow!

 

Dear Stack of Books,

I hope to get to you this weekend.

 

Dear Dust & Dirt in the Corners of our House,

I'm coming for you this weekend!

Wishing you all a wonderful Friday and weekend!

1 year ago

One year ago today, I had my heart surgery.  At that time, I never thought I would be having a heart procedure done before I was 40, but alas....

I feel worlds better a year later. My energy level is higher and I feel like I can physically do more.

I am grateful to my cardiologist and his team for their professionalism, compassion and friendliness.

I feel compelled to champion for the American Heart Association, on behalf of myself, my family members and everyone dealing with cardiac issues.

Tuesday shout out

There are so many fabulous blogs out there. I have many, many that I enjoy reading. I'm giving a shout out to a few bloggers. I hope you'll stop by there and leave them some love.

The Artsy Cajun  (make sure you check out her Etsy shop too)
Handling with Grace
Last Yesterday
Peace, Love and Understanding
She May be the Song that Summer Sings
To the Moon and Back
Sassy in Sequins

You ladies are wonderful bloggers and I enjoy reading.

Happy Tuesday all!

Friday Fun

This is one of my favorite movie scenes

Togetherness

I have realized in the last twelve hours how much my job holds a "family" type environment. That includes my co-workers and our clients, and we are reminded just how involved we truly are in our clients' lives.

 

We had a tragic farming accident in our community yesterday. It has touched one of our direct clients - and it gives all of us in our office a heavy heart today. It was an accident - and they do happen. We are deeply saddened by the loss and sadly, it is a reminder to be careful, pay attention and live each day to its fullest.

 

Hug your loved ones and tell them you love them everyday!

It's Monday....again!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

 

I hope you had a nice weekend. Ours was good - very fast but good.

 

 

Saturday, we went grocery shopping; took Little Miss to dance and went to my parents' to visit and play with my niece!  Little Miss did great at dance! It was her and three high school girls who have been dancing for many years. She kept up with them pretty well and was determined to keep up with them.

 

Yesterday, we hung out; Mr. and Young Mr. went to the Blackhawks game (they won!). Little Miss and I went to watch Young Mr's girlfriends' viola recital. The were all very talented and it was neat to watch and listen. We walked home from the recital and I asked if she wanted to stop and pick up dinner at McDonald's. She says "It's like a Mother's Day gift, going to McDonald's." I asked if she was paying. She turned her jacket pockets inside out and said "Sorry, no money." I had to laugh!

 

Wishing you a great Monday!

Friday Fun

My friend sent these to me last week, knowing I needed a little cheer.
Without furthe ado....

COWBOY JOKES!

#10

Why did the cowboy's car stop?

It had Injun trouble!

 #9 

Why did the cowboy ride his horse?

It was too heavy to carry!

 #8 

Why did the cowboy adopt a dachshund?

He wanted to get a long little doggy!

 #7 

Why did the cowboy keep his horse in a barn?

To give it a stable environment!

 #6 

Why did the cowboy thief take a bath before every stickup?

He wanted to make a clean getaway!

 #5 

Why did the cowboy brush his teeth with gunpowder?

So he could shoot his mouth off!

 #4 

Why did the cowboy die with his boots on?

Because he didn't want to stub his toe when he kicked the bucket!

 #3 

How do you catch a unique horse?

Unique up on it!

 #2 

How do you catch a tame horse?

Tame way!

 #1 

A cowboys is captured by a tribe of fierce Indians, but considering themselves civilized savages, they offer to grant him three wishes before they scalp him. Considering his situation carefully, the cowboy says: "For my first wish, I'd like to talk to my horse."

So the Indians bring his horse, and the cowboy whispers into the horse's ear. The loyal animal almost seems to nod its head, then trots off and returns an hour later with a beautiful blonde on its back. The cowboy is clearly upset and says: "For my second wish, I want to talk to my horse again."

The Indians are perplexed, but they grant this wish as well. Again, the cowboy whispers in his horse's ear, and again the animal trots off, returning an hour later with a beautiful redhead on its back. The cowboy fumes and stomps on his hat.

The Indians inquire as to the cowboy's final wish, and he says: "Let me talk to my horse one more time." A third time, he whispers into the horse's ear. The animal, nods, trots off, and returns an hour later with a beautiful brunette on his back.

Furious, the cowboys shouts: "You stupid horse! I said POSSE!!!"

Happy May!

Wow! It's May!

 

My Cubbies finished April at 9-17. UGH!  I can hope for a better May for them.

 

Any big plans for this month? Saturday (5/3) is National Scrapbooking Day - soooo, I'm hoping to get a little paper playing done! We hope to make a trip to Six Flags and catch a baseball game sometime this month. My sister-in-law's baby shower is at the end of the month. I hope to get some more flowers planted and the yard looking a little better.

 

Have a great day - tomorrow's Friday!