March

March is such a strange month.  Weather all over the place, daylight savings time kicks in (and kicks me!), and it's neither winter nor spring. But, it is what it is.  Even the muse has been missing.

I have been reading lots of fun "cozy mysteries" on my iPad using Kindle Unlimited.  I've kept up the subscription as it's less than ten dollars a month.  You can hardly buy one paperback for that price and the library has been either closed or on weird hours due to the virus, so it's been a treat to be able to prowl for books and download whatever strikes my fancy.  I'm currently on a series in England in the l930s.  

The sewing room has actually been seeing a little of me and I'm working on a Christmas quilt from a kit Dan got me for Christmas.  It's been a little slow going as the template that was sent to use with it had an error in it.  It took some doing to get that settled and then I had to figure out how to line up the different pieces as they're triangles. Tricky to do to get them placed properly before stitching, but now that I've gotten the hang of it, I'm finding it fun.  A learning process for certain though. In the picture below, only the top row of trees is done.  Hard to tell since the white triangles between are the same color as my flannel backdrop.

And a further update on the new dishwasher, christened Louise by Dan (also called Weezy and LuLu).  She continues to perform perfectly!  I'm so happy! ♥

December 3 and I Almost Forgot!

I just finished emptying the dishwasher and thought I'd make a last check of email and Facebook when I remembered I said I'd try to write each day until Christmas.  Arrgh! Such a short memory!  

So, what happened today?  It was a gloriously beautiful day with sunshine streaming in the windows.  It did seem a little strange to be setting out Christmas decorations on such an unwintery day, but pretty much the whole upstairs is decorated now. Yes, including the bathrooms. (And even the laundry room downstairs gets its little additions.  More on those rooms on another day.) 

I was a little shocked a few minutes ago when I realized this is our twenty-second Christmas in this house.  By far the most Christmases in any house I've lived in.  Which actually makes it easy to decorate as I don't change from year to year. Tradition!!  (As Tevye would sing, although he didn't celebrate Christmas . . .) 

The window pane wall hanging made its way upstairs last Christmas to replace the red and green log cabin star. It was a success, so it is back again this year.  Hmmm, that makes me realize that some traditions do  change over the years.  

And here's true tradition, Bear Corner.

A happy little group backed by a beautiful copy of The Night Before Christmas, illustrated by one of my favorite artists, Susan Winget. 

It was a good day, with much accomplished, including getting my hair cut!  Always an upper.  ♥

November's End

I really meant to do four posts this month, but the busy end seemed to be my undoing.  And here we are, on the last day of November. Oh well! 

Thanksgiving was wonderful.  We ended up celebrating on Friday with Ann, Eric and the boys. (Daniel asked what we ate on the actual Thanksgiving day and I told him, "Frozen ravioli and salad!"  He seemed astounded.)  But on Friday, we had the whole Thanksgiving dinner! We enjoyed all our visiting the most, I think.  (The pumpkin pie Dan and I had for Saturday morning's breakfast was pretty good, too.)

Now it's time to think about decorating for Christmas and I decided to wait until tomorrow to start.  I've been cleaning bathrooms today and as I set things out tomorrow, I'll dust and vacuum. Some days I really miss having the cleaning lady of my teaching days.  But then some days I really enjoy cleaning, so there's that.  

I finally finished the Peace on Earth wall hanging and I am very happy with it.  My plan is to hang it in the downstairs guest room where I have a large, empty wall just waiting for it.

I have also been continuing to do a lot of reading. Ann loaned me an interesting book and I really enjoyed it.  

The Traitor's Wife is a fictionalized story about Peggy Shippen Arnold, Benedict Arnold's wife, but it is based on fact.  As it turns out, history has shown that she was the major force behind his defection during the Revolutionary War.  If you're looking for a good read and love history, this will surely appeal to you. 

And that's it for the end of November, in the strange year of 2020.  ♥

A Family of Readers

Here it is, the end of October and Halloween. We've never been big Halloween people, with the exception of hoping for good candy--you know, Snickers, Peanut Butter Cups, etc.  I remember being totally bummed as a kid when someone put an apple in my bag.  Junk food, that's what Halloween was all about, and by the time it was November 2, all was gone but the dregs which would most likely be tossed.  Oh, and this lovely poem my brother used to recite:  Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat. LOL!

But, that's not what this post is about.  It's about reading.  Yup, reading.  I've loved to read as far back as I can remember.  I know my parents read to me from the time I was little, and once I could read for myself, I was never without a book. I used to get in trouble in grade school for hiding a book under my desk and reading when I was supposed to be listening.  (I remember the first day of my very first batch of students and a dad brought his son to the door and told me that the son liked to read all the time but would always know what was going on in the class.  I told the dad I completely understood as I'd done the same thing as a child.  Dakota, if you are reading this, that boy would be you!)

Fortunately, I married Dan who is also a reader. Our house is full of books, they line shelves and fill boxes labeled by author.  And it's no surprise that our kids turned out to be readers, too.  And now, our grandchildren.  

We were at Costco yesterday and I spotted the latest Wimpy Kid book.  Cam and Keat loved Wimpy Kid books when they were young, and now Daniel does, too. They're kind of "graphic novels" in that there are stick drawings and words.  (They are truly funny.  I read one last summer and laughed my way through it!) Anyway, when I spotted the new one, I snapped a photo of the display and texted Ann.  She said, "Yes, please!"  

When we dropped off some other things we'd picked up for her, I asked if she wanted the book to remain hidden and she said no.  They've been quarantined for the past two weeks as Keat and Eric had tested positive for the virus (no real symptoms, just a brief fever and lethargy for a day or so) and poor D has been a good sport but getting very tired of the whole situation.  The book was just what he needed.  When I handed it to him his eyes lit up and he kept saying, "Thank you!"  

Ann texted us this picture a little while later.  

Under his blanket, totally engrossed.  Made this Grammy's heart smile.  ♥

Continuing On!

It's been my birthday today and it's a number I thought wouldn't arrive for at least a hundred years when I was younger.  (Just try to figure that math out!!)  But, when I woke up and was finally coherent (I'm so not a morning person), I was thankful to arrive at this age. And as I told my brother when he called, I certainly didn't think Dad was old when he was this age, so I must not be, either!  

At any rate, we've had a lovely quiet day here at the resort.  The latest Rhys Bowen "Georgie" book was released today and it was delivered by the UPS man this morning. They're always great fun--the series is called Her Royal Spyness.  

I'm still working away on that Christmas quilt and just have to stitch around the words and join the last two sections to have the top finished.  How to quilt it?  That will definitely take some pondering.  

We had Daniel overnight Sunday night and all day yesterday.  It's become a tradition to have him stay over the night before Ann has to start back to work as a teacher.  It's so much fun to have him.  I gave him choices for breakfast and he picked coffee cake. I was astounded to watch him wolf down three pieces in short order.  Makes a Grammy happy!

He loves boxes and often turns them into all kinds of creations.  We had one for him in the garage and he slipped his legs inside to turn it into an instant desk as he played a game on his tablet.

So blessed to have such a wonderful family! And to have had another wonderful year to spend with them all!  

Etcetera

The last two weeks have vanished in a blink.  What have I done, I ask myself.  Good question! Reading, of course.  Having that Kindle app and taking advantage of two free months of Kindle Unlimited has made me like a kid in a candy store!  One book was very different and also thought provoking given these times.  The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson is an historical novel based on real events.  

I've finally had to make a mask or two.  Most of Dan's consulting work involves workshops and field trips and most have been cancelled due to the virus, but one is taking place this week with all kinds of precautions.  He will need a mask as he teaches so I bit the bullet and made him two out of tan fabric with pine needles on it. Suitable, I thought!  

The weather has been all over the place,  Cold, wet and dreary, hot, sunny and necessitating turning on the AC, and now back to overcast and wet.  Lots of thunder and lightning, too.  As we tell each other, it's still June! Truthfully, given the current events politically and healthwise, I'm hoping for a cool summer to help keep people calm.  

The baby shower was fun and the mom-to-be loved the bibs.  I'm thinking of making some more this week before I forget how cute these turned out.  I also have a friend who became a grandma for the first time that I want to send some bibs to.  She can keep them at her house or send them on but either way, I thought she'd have fun opening the package.  

This cool weather has been wonderful for the flower pots and the garden.  Here's the view from my front entryway.

And here's a cute one of Daniel and his friend Crosby at their swimming lessons last winter.  Here's hoping they can soon hit the water once again.  

Happy summer!  ♥

What Ho!

I know, what a strange title! But there's a reason behind my madness.  I've been having the most fun reading books on my iPad Kindle app and I discovered a wonderfully entertaining book series set in circa 1910 England. It's the Lady Hardcastle mystery series by T.E. Kinsey and each one kept me happily reading from start to finish.  Lady Emily Hardcastle and her diminutive Welsh maid, Florence Armstrong, have stolen my heart and now that I've read all six in the series, I'm going to have to wait until December when the next book comes out.  Drat!! Looking for a good read?  Look no further (with the added plus of all those ridiculously fun British sayings like, "What ho!"). 

Having finished with Lady H and Flo, I went to our overstocked shelves in the family room and set about to look for a familiar read.  Back in the '70s, M.M. Kaye achieved fame with her book, The Far Pavilions and while I do like that one, my favorite of her books is Shadow of the Moon.  

My copy has held up well, but it's old by paperback standards, so yesterday Dan encouraged me to look online for a hardback.  Done, and done.  Meanwhile, ol' trusty and I will once again head to the India of the 1850s.  For those of you who love stories with an historical background, this one will satisfy.   

Meanwhile, I'm excited to announce that I was able to get my haircut yesterday and feel like a new woman! It's amazing what a haircut will do, especially when it's been forced to be put off far beyond normal time.  

I also need to confess that having been confined to home for all these weeks has led me to shoe shopping on line and I've purchased not one, not two, but three new pairs of shoes in the last month.  A new high (or low??) for me!!  However, I am unrepentant and am enjoying wearing each and every pair.  

The pair above matches my new purse and I feel quite coordinated when setting out to the grocery store!!  ♥

Day 500 of Quarantine

Or so it seems.  Hmm, even for a homebody like me, these days are getting a little weird.  There were always things we did each week that helped us keep track of the days, but now we don't even have church on Sundays. We gathered in front of our TV last Sunday and using my computer and our Chrome-cast, watched "church" live-streamed via Facebook. Somehow, it didn't seem like Sunday. . .

One thing that has helped me pass the time besides the laundry (haha!), is Ann's reminding me that I could download the Kindle app on my iPad and get books through Amazon Prime.  I've rewarded myself with several interesting/fun reads over the last couple of weeks which has been very helpful because the library is closed.  One was recommended by Ann and I found it interesting because I could remember many of the names featured in it.  It's Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies by J.B. West who was Chief Usher during five presidencies, Roosevelt through Johnson.  

Of course, meals are a constant and keep me busy. There's no eating out because all the restaurants are takeout/delivery only, and somehow I can't bring myself to eat something made by someone who may have the virus and not know it yet.  While I'm trying not to dwell on the reason for this quarantine,  I don't want to be imprudent.  So, all meals by Chef Moi.  This morning I thought I would upgrade our breakfast and decided to make Ann's recipe for scones.  Oh yum!  We each had two, I froze four, and tomorrow we'll feast on another four.  

I'm thinking of other things I can make and freeze some of.  Stocking the freezer seems like a worthwhile endeavor during these must-stay-at-home days.  ♥

Time, and Other Thoughts

Does anyone besides me think that it goes from sixty-some days before Christmas to eighteen in the blink of an eye?  One day Christmas is two months away, and suddenly we're thinking we should have been doing more, sooner.  Time.  Its passing can be quite varied. Waiting for something special and it drags.  I remember being six weeks from my due date with Matt and thinking it might as well be a year, it seemed so far off. And now he's forty-five!! Then there are times when we are sure that it goes at mach speed it goes so fast.  (See those forty-five years!)

Ah well, Christmas will come and I will be ready. Actually, I'm pretty much ready except for baking and wrapping presents, most of which have been purchased. I do, however, need to spend some time on the internet this afternoon finishing up.  

Day before yesterday, in need of new reading material, I took myself to the overflowing bookshelves in our family room and reached for a favorite.  Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher.  I have no idea how many times I've read it, but a dozen is probably not far off.  I love her writing.  Some people dismiss them as "romance novels", but they are, I think completely missing the true essence of her writing, which is hearth and home. Pilcher is British and all her novels, as well as short stories, take place in the UK.  She does  a wonderful job of pulling the reader into the setting of her stories. I often tell people that if they are looking for a long, delicious read, check out Rosamunde Pilcher. And all those British terms! Members of our family have taken to calling the garbage truck the dustbin lorry, and the garbage can the wheelie bin. Then there's the gritting lorry. Such fun words!! Anyway, Winter Solstice is a Christmas story and curling up with it is like visiting, once again, with an old and very dear friend and it's become a holiday tradition with me.  

I must say that I am kind of an Anglophile.  If ever I travel to Europe, the UK is where I would go first. I recently discovered another British author, Jane Brockett, while reading the blog Jenny of Elefanz. Jennifer Reynolds, its author, is Australian, and discovered Brockett's nonfiction book, The Gentle Art of Domesticity, and recommended it to her readers. Jenny is a homebody, wife and mother of grown children, and the book inspired her to embrace her life and make no apologies.  

I decided I wanted to read it myself and so ordered a copy in early fall.  When it came, I was somewhat disappointed as I looked through it.  Brockett's style, decorating, colors, etc., are nothing like mine.  But when I began reading, I discovered her feelings and thoughts about home and family were very much like mine.  She knits, she bakes, she quilts, and so on, and she considers these neglected and often derided skills as very valuable.  And I learned a important lesson:  those of us who love home and hearth may have different styles, but at the end of the day, we embrace the same values.  She loves bright and modern and I love classic and traditional.  Oh, and Jenny of Elefanz?  She loves the pastels and the cottage look.  

And on a totally unrelated note, forty-nine years ago right now my sweetheart returned home from a year in Vietnam.  So glad he came home and met me and made all my dreams come true!!

Another Little Book Review

I always seem to be a little (or in this case a lot) late to the party on best-selling books.  And I don't even remember where I heard about this one back in October, but I decided to give it a whirl and requested it from the library.  

Well.  I fell for it.  All.The.Way.  I finished it and immediately began to read it all over again.  Then I ordered my very own copy.  When that came, I read it again.  

What is this book you ask?  

Isn't that just the quirkiest title ever?  It took me forever to remember it; I just kept calling it the Potato Peel book.  For those readers unfamiliar with it (and maybe I'm the only one left in the world who was?), the story takes place in 1946 in London and on the channel island of Guernsey and consists entirely of letters between the main characters. I laughed and cried my way through each and every time I read it (remember those three times!).  

I am a lover of historical novels (and this definitely qualifies), and I believe it was meticulously researched. The characters are unique and you come to care about each of them as they are revealed. Needless to say, I give this book my highest recommendation.  

Another Tiny Book Review

I just finished a book that I couldn't put down.  It's by an author I've enjoyed before and came recommended by Ann so I knew I would probably enjoy it, but it truly was a page turner. And more than that, it was the first book in a long time that I didn't peek at the end somewhere along the line to see if I liked the ending and if it was worth my time to finish.  (Yes, I'm a peeker...)

The book?  Secrets of a Charmed Life  by Susan Meissner.  It's a story set in England during the Second World War and features two sisters caught in the blitz, Hitler's Luftwaffe's devastating bombing of London in 1940.  I love history and I love novels set in England so I was pulled in immediately.   The story is presented in an unusual way, and I'm really not saying anything more.  

I know all readers don't always like the same type of book, but I think most people will be drawn into this book and, like me, be pulled in all the way to the end. Enjoy!  ♥

A Tiny Little Book Review

I love history and in my college days, I was actually a history major for a year and a half.  Until I realized there was nothing I could do with a history major.  Ah well...

Recently when I was at daughter Ann's house, I noticed a library book on an end table.  A book on the Romanov family of Russia.  The story of the last Tsar and his family has always intrigued me, possibly because my great grandmother on my mom's side was Russian. Apparently Ann had an interest, too.

A few days later Ann mentioned the book and offered to loan it to me when she was finished with it. I accepted her offer and read it with great interest.  Turns out it's written for a young adult audience, but it is well-researched and very readable.  There are pictures and interspersed among the chapters are diary entries or remembrances by Russian peasants of the same era. It's fascinating reading if you, too, are interested in history and this time period.