My last post for 2012...

Hello to my Friends here,

First of all, A Very Happy New Year to each & everyone of you.  May 2013 bring you good health, time with family & friends, an enjoyment of life & last, but not least, time to read.

The picture above is my day at the coast last week on December 28th which just happens to be my oldest daughters birthday.  This shows where the Russian River joins the Pacific Ocean.  Since we have been having so much rain you could see how far the muddy water spreads out into the ocean.  It is quite the sight to see.  As you will see when I post more pictures it was a mostly cloudy, dark day but endlessly interesting in both sky & sea.  There were also some big waves but not as large as on Thanksgiving Day.

Cady, I'm sorry to hear your family has been sick.  I was a little concerned because you hadn't posted for awhile but sometimes technology does not co-operate!  Glad you found a way to come post.  It sounds like changes are coming for your parents.  A smaller place to take care of does help as we get older.  However, it is hard sometimes to make that change.  It is nice that you have been able to get some reading done.  You mentioned you need new authors, have you tried Roxanne St. Claire's new Barefoot Bay series?

Sandi, when you talk about listening at work do you mean music?  I could not listen to an audio book while I was working!  I have been keeping track of what I read since back 6/2003 all thanks to people like yourself that I met at eHarlequin.  When I look back at some of those lists I wonder how I managed to read so many books while I was working full time.  Then I wasn't involved in photography or spending as much time on the computer socializing!!  Retirement is just a wonderful thing!!

After mentioning that I keep track of what I have read each year I will report reading 101 books in 2012.  For 2013 I am going to try reading 105.  Guess I better make note of that so I don't forget that I have a goal in reading!  I just finished reading Protector by Catherine Mann, this is one of her Dark Ops series.  Good reading especially if you have followed the series.  Now I am going to start, finally, reading Nora Roberts last book in the Inn Boonsboro trilogy.  I've seen what she is releasing in 2013 which isn't much in the way of new books but a lot of rereleases!  She is probably busy working on something I don't know about!  I just checked the list again!  She does have two books out that are new to me, The Witness which I think has been out in hardcover & then the first book in a new trilogy.  The other books on the list are her In Death books which I don't read.



Does anyone have special plans tonight?  I like to stay home enjoy the quiet of an evening in!!  Not that I got asked anywhere!!  I will watch a movie probably, maybe stay up to watch the ball drop in Times Square.  It will not be the same without Dick Clark.  I know they are going to do clips off & on in tribute to him

Here is a sunset picture which seems fitting to end the year, this is the last light of the sunset.  May the best happen to all of you in 2013.  Have fun tonight, enjoy whatever you do.  Happy reading,
Donna M

Monday

Cady, glad you had  good Christmas, but sorry to hear you were all sick.  Did Mike get it too?  Were the kids happy with the items they got?  Did you get something special?

Did I mention that I got a clock radio with an ipod dock?  It's for me at work, so I can listen to my audio at work, but I keep forgetting to take it!  Have to fix that this week.  I haven't missed it too much as I've not been listening at work, because I was trying to get some real stuff read, but hopefully the new year I will be busy with paperwork, and have to have something to listen to!

I ended up listening to or reading a total of 106 books this years.  That's the most in a long time.  I would like to challenge everyone in 2013 to track your books, and see how many you read.  It doesn't have to be more than the title, the author and what number it is on your read list.  I've been doing this for several years!

Hope everyone has a safe happy 2013!

Sandi

For some reason, my ipad was not allowing me to post.  Finally today, I hit a different button and there we go.  I hope everyone had a great Christmas.  We unfortunately all got sick right before Christmas.  It started with Maggie the week before Christmas, but she was able to fight through it.  Luke got it on Wednesday and had a fever, so I was home - killer as I had a dentist appt and you know how hard those are to reschedule.  He was back at school on Friday, but by then I had it.  Luckily, I didn't have too many meetings.  I made some and rescheduled the others.  We did go to my Mom's, which was nice.  Hopefully, I didn't get anyone sick.  We had a lot of fun there.  My folks appear to be doing well, they have decided to put up their house this spring, so it is likely our last Christmas there.  They are just getting older and a condo makes more sense for them.

I did get some reading done - read the last two Tasha Alexander books - A Crimson Warning and Death in a Floating City.  Both were good, but the killer was obvious in the second one.  I also read a book by Susan Elia MacNeal - Princess Elizabeth's Spy.  It was a bit out there with the potential plot, but I enjoyed the book.  They are set during WWII in England.  Now I am reading another Elizabeth Peters.  Unfortunately, I have finished a lot of the historical mystery series that I started.  I am going to have to look for some more authors.

Since I am having problems getting back and forth on the blog, I can't comment on anyone's page, but it sounded like everyone had a very nice Christmas.  I hope everyone has a good New Years- we are having 2 couples and their kids over - having a big sleepover, so no one has to hit the roads.  Hope 2013 is good to us all.

Cady

Thursday, 12/27/2012...

Good Afternoon my friends,

My memory is really bad!  I may have posted this before, maybe you forgot too!!  Anyway, I used to work in a office in this building.  It was a part time job that ended up forcing me into retirement after they laid me off due to lack of business.  I was never sure why they hired me in the first place because it was the most boring job due to lack of anything to do!  Now that I've been retired several years I wouldn't trade it for a job.  I love not having to cater to the business world.  By the way, my commute to this job was about a 5 or 6 minute walk.  That was a big plus!

Amanda, I hope you have taken at least one picture today.  If you want to be inspired you should check out the photographers community here on Google+.  There are many talented men & women that post pictures here.  Google+ has also started communities, similar to social networking but you join the community that shares your interest.  Did you find a book to read while you are off work?  Now, would be a good time to figure out the camera!  It took me almost two years to start using some of the settings on the camera instead of just turning it on then taking pictures.  Glad you had such a good Christmas.

Sandi, I trust that you did not get any of that nasty weather over Christmas.  I remember that you mentioned you had some snow.  Most Mexican restaurants have some "American" food on their menus!  I love Mexican food.  We have a couple of good ones here in town & there is one I love in Santa Rosa.  How nice that you are going to set up another group for a book club.  Let us know how it goes.  I had not heard of that author you mentioned.  So many now are self-publishing or only publishing on ebooks that I just can't keep up.

I was almost finished with a book last time I posted.  I did get it finished.  The book was Barefoot in the Rain by Roxanne St. Claire which is very good.  This one is the second in a her Barefoot Bay series.  These books are so different than the others I have read by her.  If you are looking for something warm & sunny during winter these books will fit the bill.  The first one is Barefoot in the Sand.  The heroines in the books are all friends that met in college but are now in their 30's.  Good contemporary romance.



I need new pictures to post!  Hopefully I will be out & about tomorrow taking pictures as I plan to drive over to the coast.  There is a storm coming in but I don't think it will be a problem.  You all know you will see the results!

Take care, happy reading,
Donna M

Wednesday

Amanda, what is the book club book for January?  January is going to bring a new chapter to my local book club.  I had a person ask for a location closer to where she lives, and I suggested it to our coordinator, who said that the bookstore was also wanting to start a chapter, so it was almost meant to be!  I had said I would help get it organized, so I think that's what I'm going to be doing.  That will probably mean I need to read that book whatever it ends up being for sure!  Our first meeting will be the 4th Thursday of January. 

At the end of the month we're also meeting Kim Harrison for dinner.  She's going to be in town signing, and her publicist asked us to do dinner with her.  The bad thing is it will be at a Mexican place, and I don't like Mexican, and the worse thing...I don't read her!  LOL!!  I will go because I have some friends who do read her, and I would like to get them a signed book if I can.

Donna, how nice that your grandson is willing to take you to a concert.  Do you have any idea what type of concert you would like to attend?    That was nice of your daughter to get you the book you wanted.  A friend of mine works at BN and got her mom a journal.  I don't think it went over well.

I can't wait to see all the great pictures that I'm sure are coming our way in the new year!

I'm currently reading Sand Castle Baby by Sherryl Woods.  It's a book that's coming out next year.  It's one of the 4 I took from Fresh Ficiton shortly before Chrstimas.

Hope everyone has a great day!

Sandi

Wednesday night

Hi Ladies!  Feel a Christmas color was in order - lol.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas eve/day.  Mine was very nice.  Went to Jen's on the eve and had  hors d'oeuvres, made cookies, open gifts and played Apples to Apples (minus David who watched tv at that point).  Christmas is split between the morning at our place, then my sil's for a few hours and then we went to my mom's for dinner.  There was 14 of us for dinner - this is a lot for mom.  Everyone brought food and we had a good time.  It snowed for a short time on Xmas eve, but turned to rain so it didn't last.  Raining again but we aren't going to get snow (The Poconos will be though.  The skiers will be happy).  All in all, a  good holiday.

DonnaM -- Yeah - I got a new camera!  Now, I just have to figure out how to use it:-0  Hopefully it won't take to long to figure out at least the basics.   This should be a fun year playing with it.  Glad to see you had a good Christmas.  I was out shopping over the weekend and didn't think it was that bad.  The joys of going later in the evening I am thinking.  Was even in B&N and didn't have to wait in a line.  Just lucky I guess.  Oh, and love your pics as always:)

Mary -- Is this storm hitting your way?  Its really nasty right now (and COLD).  Ugh.  I am also glad to not be going to see the Mummers live as it is going to be freezing next week:(  Sorry about the Steelers.  The Eagles aren't even worth mentioning this year - lol.  How was your Christmas?  Did the g'kids enjoy all their gifts?  On Amelia - she's pretty good at practicing at home when I ask her.  They actually have to go online for it (more money to spend.  What ever happend to the book version?)  They are given a new lesson each week and it only takes her 10 minutes to complete.  If my mom had just let me practice 10 min a day, I might have played the clarinet all the way thru school.  She made me give it up after 4th grade because she didn't think I practiced enough.

Sandi -- Sounds like a good Christmas dinner.  Ours was good and the best part is I didn't have to cook any of it (I brought the veggie tray).  Totally not domestic, am I?  You need to rate your books.  I was curious of what you thought of Calico Joe as I thought I would like to read it.  I soooo slacked in reading this year.  I haven't read a book all month!  Glad to see you heard from HeadStart.  Maybe they will keep you in mind in the future.  You never know.

Margie -- How did the tamales come out?  What did you get Gavin?  How was Christmas for everyone?

Trudy -- Almost the end of the year.  Next year has got to be better.  How was Christmas with Sharon?  Her determination should help with fighting her cancer.  I can't say it looks great though, but I'll send prayers her way.  Miracles are known to happen:)

I'm hoping to post some pictures once I get somewhere to download them on a disc.  Don't want to hook up the old camera to the new computer, especially since all the pics weren't downloading on the old one and I think its the camera.  Will start fresh with my new camera.  Hoping I can remember I want to take "a picture a day" next year.  I just know somewhere I will forget.  Maybe someone should have bought me memory pills for Xmas - lol.

Ok, off to put the towels in the wash, since David's clothes should be done soon in the dryer.  The best part of Christmas is that I'm off until Jan 2nd.  Hopefully I'll get a book read while I'm off.  Book club is January 9th and I haven't even started it yet.  Definitely not quick this month.

Talk to everyone later!

Amanda

12/26/2012...

Hello Everyone,

I can't remember anymore what I have posted & what I haven't!!  Hopefully I am not to repetative!!  This is just on one of the back roads near Asti, CA. near where Italian Swiss Colony once existed.  I like the clouds..  Anyone remember that Little Ole' Winemaker?

Sandi, that is great that you can post from goodreads.  I don't know if I have ever been on that website.  Do I need to be?  I am so sorry to hear that you & your friend had to cancel the plans to go to a season of musicals.  That is something that I would love to do.  We do have some great entertainment in this area.  If I had more money I would take advantage of that more often.  It sounds like your Christmas was good, including the food.

Trudy, it has been ages since I made applesauce.  I've never used a fruit press have no idea what it is!  You are smart to let someone else cook the turkey.  Putting on that meal is a lot of work.  Did you have a good day with your friend.  I'll keep my fingers crossed that she is able to beat the cancer.  She has all my good wishes.

As you all know I was going to my daughter's yesterday.  We had a very nice day despite the fact that it rained almost the whole day.  After being cooped up in the house all day we ended up going for a drive.  It was nice to get out plus there was very little traffic on the roads we were on.  We ended the drive looking at Christmas lights & outside decorations.  My grandson gave me a beautiful orchid along with the instructions to find a concert I want to see so he could get tickets to take me.  I just love that!  He is such a good guy.  My daughter gave me a gift card to TJMaxx, Marshalls & Home Goods.  Sadly there is no Home Goods near us but the gift card is for any of the three.  I frequently shop at TJ Maxx & Marshalls.  She also gave me some chocolate candy and a book I wanted for day hikes from the bay area north. I told her exactly this book.  It is small enough to take along in the back pack without adding a lot of weight.  Can't wait to go somewhere new!

Today we are getting a break from the rain.  It was sorta sunny, sorta cloudy, some blue sky.  I forget what tomorrow will bring.  I know there is more rain later in the week.  Santa Rosa is at 168% of normal.  We have had a lot of rain so far.

I am going to go finish my book! I think there is only a page or two.  Nora Roberts last book in the Boonsboro Inn series is waiting for me, a Catherine Mann book & I honestly can't remember what else is waiting there for me!  Lots, some of which I've had a long time but they get shoved aside for something that can't wait or for library books!

See you all soon!  Anyone have plans for New Year's Eve or what they will be doing in the new year?  This picture is taken along the same road.  I just love the new green we get when the rain gets rid of that "golden California hills" look!!!  Probably in the next couple of weeks, depending on weather, I'll be out improving my photography skills.  Or at least trying to improve!

Have a good evening, happy reading,

Donna M

Christmas Day

I hope everyone had a great safe holiday.  We had snow.  It's the first time in 37 years that Dallas has had snow on Christmas.  We got 0.4 inches that is sticking.  Might not be what some of you experience, but for us it's really something!  Especially considering that a few days ago Dallas was in the 70's!

A friend and I were going to get season tickets to the Summer Musicals.  She ended up having some unexpected expenses, and had to return her tickets, so I returned mine too.  It was funny because we didn't discuss it, but I found out later that it sent us both into a depression for a couple of days.  We were looking forward to it, and hopefully we can see a show or two.

As you can see I discovered that I could add my goodreads stuff to the side of the blog.   If you all decide you don't like it I can remove it, or if you want to add yours we could probably do that too if you have a goodreads account.

I've done quite a bit of reading in the last little bit.  I don't recall if I told you but I read Calculated in Death which is coming out next year.  I also read The Wanderer by Robyn Carr,which is also coming out next year.  I just recently finished Currant Creek Valley by RaeAnne Thayne which is also a book that comes out next year.  At this rate I won't have any reading left for books that come next year!

What did everyone do for Christmas dinner?  We had chicken and rice in the crockpot for lunch, and I made a brkiset that turned out pretty well if I do say so myself for dinner.  I might turn into a cook yet!  lol!!!

Hope that Santa brought everyone something she really wanted.  I got a g.c. to Amazon and an IPOD clock radio.  It's one that I can either use for music, or put my ipod on and it will charge and play.  I'm excited about that, as I wanted one for the office.  I can listen to my audio book!

Sandi

Christmas Eve

In only a few moments it'll officially be Christmas Day so I can officially say: Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad, Nolliag Shona everyone!  I hope you all have a great day.

As I said, I'm going to spend it with my friend who has cancer.  I took the turkey which I got for Thanksgiving, to her on Sunday so the friend she's living with can roast it for Christmas.  I told him that it wasn't because I didn't want to do it (even though that's true) but rather that it's because he's such a great cook (even more true).  When my father and her mother were alive, we'd go to her mother's condo and Lee would always make the meats which were delicious.  Now why would I mess with that?  Anyhow, she told me that she has cancer in at least 15 places, all Stage 4.  She also told me how offended she is when people tell her that Stage 4 is terminal; she intends to beat it!  Sharon sounds great and looks good for what she's going through.

I finished VLT's book and it was really good.  I recommend it to you; three stories in one book, easy to read.  Vicki's is the best though.  I received an ARC of Connie Mason's/Mia Marlore's newest to be published next month, Waking Up Next to a Rake; it's really good so far and not like the other books by them.  This is a regency, post-Napoleonic wars dealing with the hapless Duke of Clarence's wedding plans.  And the hero is hot, hot, hot!

I made applesauce today.  Does that count as holiday baking?  It's a little runny but I hope that once it's chilled it'll thicken up.  I'm going to give some of it away as gifts.  I always think of my grandmother when I make it even though I use my mother's fruit press for it (I wonder, do they make automated ones now; it's getting hard to use this manually).

Have a nice day!

Trudy

Christmas Eve 2012...

Merry Christmas Everyone,

This is a picture of the tree at one of the business I "Elf" for when I volunteer at the Secret Santa Project.  The red hearts you see on the tree are what I am talking about when I mention the red hearts.  Not the best picture but at least it says Christmas.  

I baked chocolate chip cookies today to take tomorrow for my Christmas Day with Shannon & Dustin.  Earlier in the day I managed to get a good walk in as we have had sun all day.  It was wonderful to get out & move.   I still need to wrap 2 presents but that won't be difficult.

Yes, Mary, my dd has her birthday on the 28th also.  I mailed her card today hopeful that she will have it for her birthday.

Everybody enjoy this evening & your day tomorrow.
Stay safe, happy reading.  A beautiful sunset to end the day.
Donna M

Christmas Eve

Hi everyone!  Merry Christmas!

Just a quick stop in. I am ready for Christmas. We are going early to Karen's so I wanted to stop in today.

Donna M--I played flute from 5th grade to HS graduation but did not do anymore after high school. Sometimes I think about getting the flute out and seeing if I can still play but never have. I bake a chocolate cake for dessert. It is kind of a tradition my mil started. Karen's birthday is the 28th (your dd too, right?) so she would make her cake to have on Christmas. I took over several years ago. You are lucky the 49ers are in the playoffs. The Steelers are not this year. :-(

Well have a great holiday everyone! Check in and let us all know how you are all doing.

Mary :-)

Sunday, day before Christmas Eve...

Hello my Friends,

I did not intend to be absent for so long but I have been a busy person like many others this time of year.  My duties as "elf" on the Secret Santa Project are done.  All that driving takes up a lot of time.  The closer it got to the end the worse the traffic is everywhere!  Despite all the rain we have been having most of the days I was picking up gifts to deliver to Heart Central (the clearing house for all the donated gifts) I manage to dodge the worst of the rain!

Speaking of rain we have had a lot the last couple of weeks.  Friday night/Saturday early morning we had some thunder & lightning.  The thunder woke me up it was so loud & I expect very close.  I also saw & heard one crack of lightning.  This morning we had some down pours but now there is actually blue sky & sunshine, also white clouds.  When it was pouring buckets I was standing watching out the window in time to see 4 deer run through a usually dry creek bed & then a pause before 3 more deer came running by.  It was quite the sight.  I got the impression something might have spooked them, maybe a dog?

Mary, I so miss having young children at Christmas.  Enjoy each minute with your two.  I know that you will & do.  My oldest daughter also played flute.  She started in 6th grade & played until she graduated from high school.  It is a wonderful experience for them in all ways.  My personal opinion is that the arts are a must in school that should not be eliminated but they are always the first to go it seems.   Is there a special cake you make for Christmas?  I have not done any baking!  If I'm going to do any I need to get myself in gear.

Sandi, I'm glad that you heard from Head Start even though they did not offer you the job.  Good job on the money earned for literacy.  Hooray!  As you all know I am not an ereader yet.  That is probably going to change after the first of the year.  I will probably get a Kindle Fire HD or a Nexus tablet.  Not sure just which yet.  I finally got to see the Nexus, which even though it has a 7 inch screen like the Kindle it is smaller which means, to me, easier to handle.  It is also thinner.  Each has pluses & minuses.  I actually want the tablet for email, accessing my bank account & other things when I am away from home.  Once I have it I know I will do some reading on the tablet.

Amanda,  When I was looking for some type of a photography book yesterday for my daughter I thought about you.  I sure hope you get your camera.   My digital camera has opened up a whole new world for me. I'm not the most creative person in the world but the camera does give me a creative outlet.  As you all know  here on our blog I love getting out to take pictures.  There is a big difference between taking really good pictures & just taking snapshots like I did for a good long time.  What did I know!!!  Sometimes being a parent is so hard!  Most of the time.  It sounds like your daughter should keep up with her music but they don't always see all the advantages or the world that can open to them through music.

Margie, did you figure out a gift for Gavin?  I finally bought something for my daughter yesterday.  I thought I had it all figured out but I was wrong.  Barnes & Noble was somewhat of a zoo including the parking!  Ended up not buying a thing as I did not want to stand in line for a magazine I was going to buy.  Even though I was out doing last minute shopping myself I cannot believe all the people that wait until that late date.  My excuse was my SS money just was in the bank on Wednesday, the 19th.  When you are only paid once a month it is a challenge to do extra such as Christmas shopping.  How are you doing with the Kindle?  Isn't their some kind of tutorial on the Kindle itself?  Technology can be so frustrating while at the same time be wonderful!
I love homemade tamales.  Even though it was way back in the 80's I still remember the very first time I had homemade ones.  Yum, yum, yum!!!  Wish had some of them.  :-)

Trudy, I can only imagine how glad you will be to have 2012 over!  I do hope the effects of 2012 do not follow you into 2013.  How nice that you will be able to spend Christmas with your friend.  Car problems are so expensive!  I really keep up with the maintenance on my car in hopes that I won't develop problems along the way.  Maintenance is not cheap especially around here!!  I think you said you won VLT monthly giveaway.  Yea!  I love her questions.

Donna H, you are busy as usual!  That is meant to be a compliment.  Let us know how the dinner goes to organize a 55+ group at your church.  It seems to me that it would be beneficial to all.

Despite all the activity I have managed to read two very good books by favorite authors.  These two authors always give me an extra good read.  I am looking forward to seeing what Robyn Carr has for us in her new series.  Can you give any hints Sandi without spoiling it?

      

My football team is playing tonight against Seattle which both teams want to win!  I believe this is the last regular season game for both of them.  I don't know how much of it I will watch but enough to keep up on the winner!  TV is really boring all week, at least for me!  I will be glad when the regular programs resume at the normal time I'm used to watching.

This should catch me up with everyone for now.  If you are not here again until after Christmas I wish each of you:

A Very Merry Christmas spent with family & friends.  Enjoy whatever you do.

Take care, happy reading,
Donna M

Friday afternoon

Hi everyone!

I wanted to be sure and post today before things get busy again. I am almost ready for Christmas. My shopping is done, cards almost done, decorating almost done and I have to wrap. I just have to make a cake to take to Karen's on Christmas. They are hosting again so we will all be together. We had the grandkids for an overnight last Friday and they made lots of ornaments and decorated the tree. They were so cute and excited to decorate another tree. They are the spirit of Christmas for us!

Amanda--we are getting snow flurries right now but had lots of rain overnight. Just a note on Amelia's musical talent. I was in my high school band for 5 years. I loved it. I played flute and I was average at best. I hated to practice too. It is hard for parents to keep kids interested even when they have the talent Amelia has. Good luck and let's hope she continues. I am a big supporter of music/art in schools. It makes for better students and keeps them out of trouble.

Trudy--let's hope 2013 is a better year for you!

Margie--you made me hungry talking about making tamales. I have only had authentic ones once but I remember how delicious they are. Hope you find the perfect gift for Gavin. Good luck with your Kindle.

Sandi--congrats on Fresh Fiction raising that much money! You are right about the things going on in schools and the worry for parents and grandparents. Hopefully this horrible tragedy will lead to better security for our most precious citizens--the kids.

Donna H--I know you are enjoying all the Christmas festivities. That would be great if you could get your church group going.

Donna M--loving the pictures. I like the water ones the best.

Cady--looks like you guys will have a white Christmas! Hope all is well and you are warm and safe.

I finished Christmas Confidential and enjoyed both stories. I am currently reading a new-to-me author Kate Morton. Her newest book is The Secret Keeper. It is good but is long and will take a while to read.

I hope everyone has a happy safe holiday and you are with loved ones and friends. When we think of all the evil in the world we have to remember that every one of us can make it better and it starts with loving and respecting those closest to us and keeping them safe. Here's to all of us making the world a safer, happier, more loving place to live.

Mary

Merry Christmas Ladies.

Glad to see you all stopping in.  I can't believe Christmas is only days away.  I still have not purchased a gift for Gavin. I'm not really sure what to get him  but I know he will be happy with pretty much anything. 

My sister, mom and I will be making tamales tomorrow after work.  Then I'm going to bake some cookies on Saturday.  Yesterday, I got myself a Kindle Fire at Best Buy.  I had finally decided to get the Kindle paper white but the Fire was on sale and it was only $20.00 more.  It is not the HD but that doesn't matter to me.  It has wifi so I figured it was really a great deal.  It was easy to register since I have an Amazon account but I am really disappointed that it did not come with some basic guidelines on how to use it. Crazy.  I have had to play with it just to get a book loaded.  I'm a bit frustrated that I can't figure out how to get some of the ads off and I can't figure out how to organize books from games if that is even possible.  I hope I can find some help at Amazon.  I know that, once I get some basics down, I'll really enjoy this.  I loaded the free Angry Birds and Pac Man game for Gavin. His special ed teacher said technology is good for him.  He is delayed and the teacher said that a tablet is a great learning tool for him.  My sister is thinking of getting him a really inexpensive one for under $100.

Well, I will say good night now...even though I will not be going to bed.   I have to clean the corn husks for the tamales so they are ready for tomorrow.

Have a great Friday!
Margie

Thursday

Trudy, so sorry to hear that the year isn't ending on any more of a positive note than it started on.  I sure do hope that 2013 is better for you.  It's nice that you can get together with a friend and have Christmas.

For all of you who have children in school or grandchildren in school, I can't even begin to imagine how it feels sending them to school daily.  We were raised to think that school was a safe place, and yet all these awful things happen there on a regular basis, and it's not just the shootings...it's the bullying, and the teachers being inappropriate with their students.  It's really a sad sad statement about society today.

Donna M. your pictures are always wonderful!  I too find water to be calm and soothing, whether it's just flowing gently are whipping against rocks and massive waves!  

Donna, I hope you do get your church group up and running.  It would be good for people to be getting out and having a social life.  Keep them young, and have a good group to be aware of what is going on in their lives, and have someone to check on them if they aren't seen or heard from for a bit.

Our Christmas tea was nice.  We usually manage to wrap up a bunch of books that the reviewers didn't want, or that the publishers sent duplicates, or that the publishers were nice enough to send to us as they know we use them to raise money for literacy.  We sell them in small bundles for $5.  Well, this year it appears that either our group had changed and weren't willing to spend $5 for a mystery package of book, or we have more and more of us doing only ebooks.  I really do want to move to pretty much ebooks, but I did buy a package that was cowboy related, because their were two books that I had heard a lot about.  I knew that because I helped to wrap those books!

On Sunday we had a re Fresh Fiction event team/staff.  It turns out that we raised about $1800 for literacy this year.  Not bad considering that we only give 10% of the proceeds to the cause.  Will be interesting to see what we raise next year, as we have managed to get a few more events lined up that have potential for being big.

I read Calculated In Death by Robb.  It's coming out next year.  For those who read the series and love the interplay between Eve and all the secondary characters...those characters have very small parts.  This story is mostly between Eve, Roarke and Peabody.  It was ok...not a favorite, but still very worth the reading time.

I am reading a book by Tara Taylor Quinn.  I don't remember what it's called. It's a superromance and is the second book in her Comfort Cove series.  I have about 50 or so pages left of that one.

I listened to Never Knowing by Chevi Stevens.    It was a pretty good thriller.  There was a twist at the end that I somewhat saw coming, but not in the way that it actually played out!  That somewhat means...I knew that one character wasn't what he seemed, but I had no idea!

I managed to get my hands on The Wanderer.  It's the first book in Robyn Carr's new upcoming series.  That's going to be my next print book.  I've read the first few pages...not even the first chapter, but I think it's going to be interesting.  With the holiday coming up I should be able to get it finished somewhat quickly I think!

I am also listening to Calico Joe by Grisham.  I should finish that today as it's a short listen, and I'm on the last part. 

Ok...got to get my hair dried on on my way.  I like to go to work early because it takes forever to get home in the afternoon, and I refuse to spend that time traveling both ways!  So I go early, and have coffee and read before I have to clock in.

Oh...I finally heard about the HeadStart job, and I didn't get it.  I didn't think I would because I hadn't heard.  The rejection letter was really nice, and they claim they'll keep me in mind for the future.  We'll see.  There was one lady who I saw screening and she looked so put together and young that I somewhat hope she's one of the two they hired!  I will have no way of knowing, but in my mind she got one of the positions.

Have a great day!

Sandi

Monday night

Hi Ladies!

The news has been no different here.  Sad, sad and sad:(  I just can't even imagine.  Even worse is everyone is going to be jumpy.  On tonight's news, there was a lockdown when an umbrella was mistaken for a gun.  And everyone I seem to know on Facebook wants to home school their kids.

Trudy -- So sorry the year is still "giving".  I can totally relate to car issues, unfortunately.  Agree that you shouldn't send gifts, even if you had money, when they didn't acknowledge the last ones.  Very cool to win VLT's contest.  My mom sponsors a dog from North Shore.  Great organization.  Hope you enjoy the book.

Donna - Love the pics.  The window definitely seems appropriate.  And yes, I hugged my girls:)  Glad you were able to get some errands done - rain and all.  Its been rainy here the last two days.  Very dreary.  Its a light rain, so its not too bad.  And its better than snow!

DonnaH -- Glad you made it back!  Looks like its been busy for you.  Hope you are able to stop again soon.

Sandi --  Did you ever hear anything on the other job?  I agree, a letter either way would be nice.

So today I was off from work - my last vacation day.  Friday we will have our office party in the afternoon, so a short week for me!  I can't wait until Friday, with having Christmas week off.  I am pretty much done shopping, so that's a plus.  Have to get a phone for Aurora, but I will do that this weekend.  Now I just have to see if I need boxes/bags to put the gifts in - lol.  Amelia was nice enough to offer her wrapping services for all gifts except hers - and you bet, I will be taking her up on that offer!

Got an informative email today from Amelia's band teacher.  She said Amelia wasn't a practice Friday (I asked her - she "forgot" her horn.  Really?  How convenient considering she went home with Ashley after school).  She also said Amelia is highly talented and is pretty sure she has perfect pitch.  Said she should have a bright future playing.  How awesome is that?  Amelia thinks I bug about her practicing before - lol!

Haven't been reading.  Don't know what it is.  Just not in the mood.  Maybe its everything else going on.  Plan on reading some over Christmas though.  But now, off to bed.  Have to go back to work tomorrow - booooo.

Have a great week everyone:-)

Amanda

Monday

Thanks for all the birthday wishes everyone!  It's nice to be remembered, just not so good to be a year older.  I'm waiting for the first of the cold fronts to come through; by the end of the week, it'll actually be cold here.  Some people are rejoicing since it's the Christmas season but, you know me, if I can't wear shorts and a tee shirt..............

I have most of my decorations up.  Haven't started cards except for the 8 cards I sent to Ireland the other day (and no, they all didn't go to Celtic Thunder; I actually have friends there).  I have them; I have my letter sort of written......  There will be no presents this year for anyone; there is no money and in any case, since the birthday presents I sent this summer weren't even acknowledged, I see no reason to send  presents.

Two more weeks but the year is still giving and giving.  Washer is on the fritz; going to the laundromat.  I went to get new spark plugs in my car b/c it was backfiring under the hood and they told me I also needed a new wheel bearing in my right rear wheel for the tune of $439.  Looked at them and said that I don't have the money; got new spark plug wires and plugs instead.  My son said that I can't do highway driving b/c the bearing might heat up and weld itself to the wheel causing it to seize and lose control of the car.  Said to take it for a second opinion.  Well, Tire Kingdom wouldn't even look at it b/c it's a Subaru!  So I called my Subaru dealer; they won't look at it for free and the cost to repair the bearing is $405.  I have half the money thanks to an insurance check and a consignment check I got today but I have to wait until Jan 9 for my SS check to come in before I have enough for the rest.

My friend with cancer is home which is a lot closer than the hospital, thank heavens. She's getting PT, radiation and chemo.  They know that some of the tumors have shrunk.  However, she was in the hospital last week b/c of very low BP and an infection from having a catheter in for too long.  She knows that if she goes into the hospital I can't go see her b/c it involves highway driving. We're having Christmas together.

I have another friend in another town who's now in the VA hospital in Tampa with severe stomach pain.  They're not sure what's wrong with her.  I told her that I can't go see her either.  Ditto for a friend in another town who wants me to help her with her yard sales; her home is in foreclosure.

Still hoping I don't get sick before the new year b/c my insurance is now worthless thanks to the hospital group dispute with it.  When will this all end?

I was so stricken by what happened Friday as you all were.  I had the TV on as the news broke and then left it on.  As a former teacher, this struck close to home; I was assigned to elementary schools at the end of my career and we had lock-down drills all the time.  However, what really got to me was the President's remarks; to see him lose his famous cool just about undid me (haven't cried in ten years but close to it on Friday).  The shooter's grandmother lives about 30 miles north of here.  I've signed 4 petitions on the White House website calling for control/conversations about gun control.  I agree with what the President said at the memorial service last night too that this has got to stop and I hope he stands by his pledge to do everything he can to stop it.  I went to a singles' dance Friday night to get away from it.

I won Vicki Lewis Thompson's contest a month or so ago and received a book and a $25 donation to an animal group of my choice.  I suggested to her that she give it to a shelter helping the animals displaced by Hurricane Sandy and she gave it to North Shore Animal League in NY.  She thought it was a terrific idea!  The book is called Rescuing Christmas and contains a story by her, Catherine Mann, and Kathie DeNosky.  They all have animal themes.  I'm reading Vicki's right now and am enjoying it a lot.

Well, it's time to turn on the lights.  I also want to hang the drapes I had lengthened in Feb so I'll be ready for the cold weather tomorrow.  Hope you all have a wonderful week and get all your shopping done!

Trudy

Here at Last. . .

Hello all!  I'm finally back for a short note.  Hardy is wanting lunch, so I need to get to moving. {:-)

I didn't read any of the previous posts, I'll come back later and read them.  Just quickly skimmed over the last 2 or 3 about the Newtown shootings.  So very, very, sad.  Even up here that's all we've heard on the news.  I just sat and cried.  I can't even begin to imagine how those parents must be feeling right now.  Six and seven year old children are NOT prepared to die.  We are praying daily -- hourly, even -- for those poor families.

As to the reporting, I worked at a TV station for 14 years, so I've seen some of the stuff that ends up on the cutting room floor.  And that's not even counting what actually makes it to air.  Some reporters need a 2 x 4 to the back of the head.  Nuf said.

Our new pastor and I are trying to revive the 55+ group at our church.  First it was called Pairs & Spares because we were mostly young married couples.  Then the older ones broke off and went their own way and called themselves Golden Agers.  Some didn't like that (they said the old years aren't golden) so they called themselves Young at Heart.  Now that group has dwindled down to about 5 or 6 of us, but there's about 78 people in our church who are between the ages of 55 and 75, so we're trying to get them motivated into a new group by starting with a Pot Luck Supper in January.  An organizational meeting sort of.  I guess we'll see who all comes. 

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, and a Blessed and Healthy New Year! 

DonnaH

A sad Friday, 12/14/2012...

Hello to Everyone,

In the aftermath of the horrible shooting in Conneticut I thought maybe this stained glass window at a church might be a good picture to post.  What a sad, sad thing for all the families that had a child go to school but did not come home.  I can't begin to imagine the horror.  I finally had to turn off my TV.  I went for a walk to  just get outside & move around.  It motivated me to mail a birthday present, a couple of birthday cards & return a library book that was due tomorrow.  It felt so good to be out despite the cold & then rain came sooner than I thought!  It started out as a sprinkle but I just kept going.  I was to far from home to quit!

Mary, have fun with the grandkids while you have them.  The doll house for Lauren sounds great.  One of my daughters had the Barbie doll house.  It actually held up well, but maybe they were better made then!  I really dislike the cheapness of so many things now.  The pjs & towels sound like good gifts for them.  I'm still trying to get cards done!  I best get my rear in gear!!  Glad you are getting to read.  I'm saving the Nora book for Christmas as my daughter will probably be working.  I don't mind.  We always get in a celebration.

Sandi, I doubt I would be offended by anything you would say.  We are all entitled to our opinions.  I certainly don't expect everyone to agree with me.  It would really be a dull world if we all felt the same all the time.  These incidents make me realize that so many people are in a very bad place mentally.  More care needs to be given for the mental health of everyone.

Margie, I hope you get everything done so you can enjoy yourself.  As I already mentioned I am going to be reading Nora's book soon.  Most of my Christmas shopping is done.  I still have one thing to mail & of course get the cards done!

Amanda, give your girls extra hugs.  Our weather has been warm, cold, or sunshine then rainy!!  Keeps life interesting.  The next week is pretty much rain every other day or so.  I don't remember exactly.  I know the storms are rolling in one after the other.  None of them seem to be huge.  I hope you find time for some relaxation & just chillin' on your break.

A picture to say so long for today.  Not sure if I posted this before or not.  The ocean always makes me feel better.  Enjoy!

Take care my friends, happy reading,
Donna M

Friday

Hi! 

The news today is just awful!  I feel so bad for everyone, and I'm going to refrain from commenting because I don't want to offend people.  I just have a really strong opinion about some of the reporting, and I don't want to offend anyone here.

Today my bosses sent me a box of See's asst. chocolates.  I guess that's my Christmas bonus.  It's nice to be thought of!

I still haven't heard on the other job.  I guess that for sure means I didn't get it, but I wish I had gotten a confirmation letter one way or the other!

This week I read A Son's Tale by Tara Taylor Quinn.  It's a SuperRomance from June.

Sandi

Hello Everyone,

You all must be very busy if I'm back before anyone else has stopped in.  This will be a busy weekend for me.  So many things to do. I got notice that Perfect Hope is finally available so I'll get that and two other books. Need to stop at Lowes to get a new bathroom fan and shower faucet.  Still need to shop for gifts.  Then get back home and make cookie dough.

I just saw about the horrible shooting at the elementary school and I am feeling sick about it.  I'm on my break and read just a bit of it and feel like crying.  Its so upsetting that someone would do this.  Poor babies...Poor moms and dads.  I hate this.  I'm praying for comfort and peace for these families.

Margie

Hi Ladies,

Time is flying by so fast I hadn't realized it had been a while since I stopped in here.

Sandi,  How did your literacy event go?  I'll be curious to hear what happens with your interview. 

Amanda,  That is really nice of your grandmother to leave you something.  Very wise to get that check to the bank.  I received a Christmas check from my aunt the other day and misplaced it.  I was in a panic until I found it and made sure to get it deposited right away.

Mary,  I'm only getting Gavin a gift and my parents and sister and I haven't even started! At least my list is short.  I'm still waiting for The Perfect Hope to become available.  It is taking so long but I think I'm closer now.  I used to read a lot of Marilyn Pappano books and I really enjoyed them. 

DonnaM, Love the picture of Sonoma. So pretty.  I'm sure I've mentioned wanting a tablet or a reader.  I was hoping to see more sales this time of year but it seems that the prices are really not moving much. 

Cady,  I hope things are all right with you and your family. 

I did get one book read since last time I was here.  I read book two in Sabrina Jeffries Swanlea Spinsters series. I really enjoyed the sweet relationship between the h/H.  I put a hold on book one and it is ready but I won't be able to pick it up until this weekend.  I've just started a new book by a new to me author.  what I think is a trilogy of three sisters.  It was called Dukes To The Left Of Me, Princes To The Right by Kieran Kramer.  It seems to be another spinster series about three friends who vow to marry for love or stay spinsters.  It seems very cute so far.

Well I'd better get myself to bed!  I hope you all have a great Wednesday.
Margie  

Tuesday night

Hi Ladies!

I can't believe Christmas is almost here!  Of course, I will be very happy to off of work, since they close for the holidays - yeah me!  Not quite done shopping, but almost.  Still don't know what to get David.  Why can't he be easy, like me? LOL

Let me tell you, after Zumba tonight, all I can say is I must have lead legs/feet.  Aren't I suppose to have some spring in them?  I think it took a hike.  To only be 20 years younger . . . .

Mary -- Have a great time with the grandkids!  I wish my girls were small because Christmas is awesome when they are little.  What do you think of this crazy weather?  Warm, cold, warm.  No wonder everyone is sick.

Sandi -- Great to see you!  Let us know what you hear from the interview.  How did your Christmas Tea go?  Sounds like a good time.

Donna -- Great pics, as always.  I love craft fairs too and wish there were more to go to around here.  I will be checking out the Google pic deal one of these days - maybe during my Christmas break:)

Trudy -- Glad you had a good b'day and heard from the boys.  Any luck with another mattress?  Sorry its making sleep so lousy.  My mom complains all the time about how she can't sleep, but at least when she sleeps, the mattress they got earlier this year makes it better (if not longer).

I haven't read squat.  Been busy and just kinda out of the mood.  Not sure why.  Maybe its work, which is still crazy busy.  Hoping to get some reading in why I'm off.  Other than the normal, I will be going out to dinner Sunday with Jen and some other friends.  Should be a fun time.  Nothing better than a relaxing night out.

Ok, off to bed.  I really need to learn to go to bed early.  I keep meaning too, and yet it never seems to happen.  LOL.  Hope everyone has a good rest of the week!

Amanda

Tuesday evening

Hi everyone!

I know I have not posted lately. I have been reading posts, just not posting. The weeks have been flying by and now it is only two weeks until Christmas! I have my shopping almost finished. We finally found a doll house for Lauren. She wanted one big enough for her Barbies but we did not want to get the Barbie Dream house (very expensive and cheaply made.) We found what we ( and she) wants at TRU. It is a wooden one and really nice. So that finishes us for the kids. We got Jake a Leap Pad. Lauren has one and he uses hers so   we thought he would like his own. I am planning to make them each a pair of pjs. I have outfits for them and new hooded bath towels which they love. I still have to do my cards and finish decorating but I do that a little at a time.

I have been reading a lot since I last posted. I read The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts. It was a nice finish to the trilogy. I read An Outlaw's Christmas by Linda Lael Miller. This was her annual holiday book. It was a good short read. Not her best but still good. I read Sleigh Ride with the Rancher by Donna Alward. She is one of my recent favorite authors and I really enjoy her books but this one was not as good as her usual. I had some trouble liking the h. Not a bad book just not her best. I am now reading Christmas Confidential, a two story HRS by Linda Conrad and Marilyn Papano. Good stories.

Margie--I enjoyed your pictures of the Christmas trees. I am familiar with those progressive dinners. They sound like fun.

Donna M--I continue to enjoy your pictures. The ones of the waves made me miss the shore.

Trudy--Belated happy birthday! Glad you had a nice day and heard from your sons and grandson.

Amanda--Glad you had fun at your reunion. I have never been to any of mine. Maybe the next one. That was a nice surprise to get the inheritance, but for a sad reason.

Sandi--let us know what you find out about the other interview. Glad you listened to 50 Shades.

Well, I think that catches me up for now. I will be going to the library for my volunteering tomorrow. We have been very busy there. We will  have the kiddos overnight on Friday so Karen and Jer can attend Jer's work Christmas party. The kids are excited for a sleep-over. I have craft projects planned and will get some movies at the library to watch.

I hope all is well with everyone and you are getting your Christmas prep done.

Take care and take time to read!

Mary

Saturday afternoon, 12/8/2012...

Good afternoon Friends,

Time flies!  I thought it was time to come catch up with everyone.  The above picture is looking out over Lake Sonoma from the overlook, a favorite spot.  This is only a very small portion of the lake.  You can see what the day was like!  All broody which creates the mood of the picture.

Amanda, I hope you do get a camera for Christmas.  If you do I have some hints to pass along!  It has taken me a long time to get to where I am with mine.  I've mailed one Christmas card so I'm only doing one tiny bit better than you.  So far I've only received one from a cousin & his wife.  Since I am on the west coast I always start with people on the east coast and work my way west!  I need to get busy with that.  Thanks for telling me more about that book.  I will have to go back to get the title of it from an older post.

Sandi, nice to see you here.  I thought maybe since you just started a new job that things might be hectic making it hard to find time to come post.  It sounds like things are going well with the new job.  Yea!  The weather seems to be a bit crazy all over.  We had all that rain & now it is supposed to be sunny for about 10 days but today has had cloudiness, not rain clouds but enough to block out the sun.  Right now it seems to be poking through again!  There are so many books out as ebooks that I would like to try but just not there yet!  I am thinking seriously about buying a tablet after the first of the year.  Probably not until maybe February or so.  I think it might be a Kindle Fire HD or the Nexus 7.

Amanda actually Everyone, there is a whole community of photographers here on Google+.  I see some amazing pictures that make me wish I had more money to travel & see some of the places & that I was a much better photographer!!  I spend way more time there than I should.  It is taking away from my reading time!!  By the way, did you all know that Google+ now has communities you can join?  They are trying to lure away some of  Facebook's users.  There are probably all manner of subject.  I am pretty sure there are ones for cat or dog lovers.  I've only explored a small portion as it just started this week.  I was wondering if there was a reader category!

Trudy, I'm so glad that the day of your birthday was good despite being quiet.  Did it warm up enough to use the A/C?  I thought it was going to warm up more here but then Mother Nature does like to make the weather people look bad!!  Is your friend Sharon still doing okay?

I did finally finish a book!  Another library book & a hardcover which I am never thrilled to read as it was over 400 pages.  They just get heavy especially when I read in bed.  All that said I really liked the book The Great Escape by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.  She is one of the many of my favorite authors. If you read her books this is the latest in a series of connected books. There was some great humor!  Yea, the image stayed small!



I saw on the Chamber of Commerce website for our town that there was a craft fair today.  I like going to them sometimes so decided to give this one a try.  Had no clue the type of things I would find or the vendors that might be there.  Well, it was a lot of retail type products such as Mary Kay cosmetics, Avon, Pampered Chef, Healdsburg Soap, but also some craft type items.  This was one that a portion of the proceeds will go to buy toys for kids in the hospital.  A very worthy cause.  When driving to that one I discovered another one down the road so stopped in there also!  That one had a $3 admission charge, a drawing for a $100 gift card & 50 or more vendors that really were craft type items & some of the wineries had a table also.  It was well done held at a nursing homes here.  I thought that was a bit unusual!   Or maybe it is just some kind of a senior day care, not sure!!  Anyway, I bought a few items, saw a couple of people I know.  Some of the proceeds for this one go to Meals on Wheels which some of the people in my complex receive.  Anyway it was fun looking at all the things.  If I had had more money I maybe would have bought a few more things.  Later in the day I got out for a walk along the river, took a few pictures.  The path I was on is not terribly picturesque!!  At least I got out & walked.  Tomorrow I am off for a short pet sitting I will be back home sometime Tuesday afternoon.

This long post should catch me up for now.  Enjoy the rest of the weekend.  I have a movie to watch tonight & then tomorrow get my self together to go take care of the animals!  They aren't leaving until late morning so I don't need to rush.  This is run off on the hillside but it creates a nice little waterfall.

Take care, happy reading,
Donna M

Friday

It's been forever since I had the chance to come here and post.  I really don't know where my time goes, or what I do with it, because it's not cleaning or reading!

Trudy, happy belated birthday.  I hope it was a good one.  I'm glad to see you got some birthday greetings from the family.  It's terrible that your mattress is giving you such grief!  I sure do hope that whatever the store can do for you helps.

Donna, I was talking to my boss earlier this week, and she was asking about our weather.  Over the weekend when you were having the horrid rain we were having record setting heat!  It's really amazing!  Now, the weather man is saying that we are getting some changes, and I think the cold weather might be coming.

Amanda, what a nice surprise.  Sorry it had to come because of a loss, but isn't it nice to be able to breath just a little bit easier!

The strangest thing happened.  I had applied for a position with HeadStart before I applied for the position I currently have.  They called me, and asked me in for an interview.  I really wasn't going to go because I did just start this job, but I felt the need to follow through, because I would have always wondered.  Yesterday I had the interview.  I'm not confident at all, but at least I followed through, and now know a bit more about the process of getting hired.   Next week I should find out something either way.

I was also brave and listened to 50 Shades of Gray.  While I know it's not the best book in the world by listening I also didn't think it was the worst.  There's a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, and I'm on the wait list from the library for the next one in audio. 

I listened to Emily and Einstein by Linda Francis Lee.  I really enjoyed that one.  Has anyone read it?

I finally started the Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shalvis.  I am not sure why I waited so long because I really enjoyed it.  However I didn't move to the second book immediately because I do have a review book that needs to be read, and I had been hearing a lot about a book called Her Miracle Man by Nikki Duncan.  Her Miracle Man is an ebook from Samhain.  Nikki is a local author and she talks fairly passionately about this book, so I finally after reading a review on Fresh Fiction (I was editing it, that's why I read it) had to read it.  I'm about 100 pages in and really liking it.

During November I got caught up on all the books in the Fatal series by Marie Force.  I think these are also only in ebook, but I could be mistaken.

Yesterday I hired a person that I got through the process at work on my own.  She was my first one!

This weekend our book club is hosting our annual Christmas Tea.  I'm going over there this evening to help wrap things for our book sale.  We sell prewrapped packages for $5 to help with literacy.  Tomorrow I will go early to help prepare food.  Luckily my helping with that is more like putting together the sandwiches after someone else has made the fillings.  They wouldn't want me to put my culinary skills to work doing more than that, as the results might not be good!

Hope everyone is doing great!

See you soon!
Sandi

Tuesday evening

Thanks for the birthday wishes!  I had a quiet one but nice.  A surprise: my younger son actually emailed me yesterday morning; first time in so many years that I can't remember, that he remembered my birthday.  My oldest grandson posted on FB and my older son did late last night.  Guess my rant last spring took root.

We are having above normal temps, like 10 degrees above normal.  It's wonderful, except we haven't had rain in weeks.  We may need our a/c in a couple of days, can you believe it?  Donna, I have been really worried about you with all the rain you've been getting.  Thanks for posting the photos and letting us know that you're OK.

My friend Sharon is home and receiving radiation every day.  I spoke with her earlier today and her voice is strong and her spirit is good.  Still, she is seriously ill and the outcome is uncertain.   I really appreciate your prayers on her behalf.  I'm hoping to spend Christmas with her.

Walmart has some HQ books on sale 3 for $9.99; they come from Presents, Blaze, Desire, Intrigue, LI lines.  They also have Penny Jordan combo books too.  I'm so addicted...............

The lads from Celtic Thunder flew cross-country from Spokane to NYC yesterday to do a charity concert for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  They also taped it and it will be available as "armchair passes" for purchase to download on Dec. 8th (you know who bought one).  Before the concert yesterday morning, they went to help give out relief supplies down in the Rockaways in an Irish neighborhood.  Apparently, they were a huge success!  Someone from NY1 did an interview with them and people who came to get help; it was quite interesting to watch (would have loved to be a fly on the wall for that!).  Today, they're flying back to L.A. for their last concert tomorrow night.

I'm still trying to get something done about my mattress.  The website wouldn't allow my photos of it b/c they were too big and I couldn't figure out how to make them smaller.  So I went back to the store I bought it from and they are sending me a warranty pack and then I had the pics developed.  The mattress is only just two years old and I can feel the coils shift and make noise after I lay on it for awhile; it doesn't give me back support either.  I can only sleep for two hours at a time and I think the mattress is to blame.  This year keeps on giving and giving.

Trudy

Monday night

Happy Birthday Trudy!!!  Hope the weather was good and everything was smiling for you:)

Donna --  I didn't think the book book was grim/gory per se, there are quite a few dead people.  The quick synopsis is:  Elizabeth ran from her old life when her husband was convicted of being a serial killer.  Five years later, she receives a call at work saying that her son has been kidnapped and she is to retrieve her husbands' "trophies" to get her son back.  You get to do her journey, thru her eyes, on getting her son back.  Did have a good twist ending, which is a major bonus.

I also have to tell you that your pictures inspired me.  I think next year I am going to do "a picture a day".  It could be more on any day, but I think I am going to take at least one picture every day next year.  Should be a really cool photo album at the end.  Hopefully hubby will buy me a new camera for Christmas like I asked for:)

So, I didn't finish my tree yet.  Tonight was busy, so nothing got done today.  Will hopefully get some done before Zumba tomorrow.  Today we received three Xmas cards in the mail.  I haven't even started mine yet:(  Picked up stamps at the food store tonight - its a start.  Oh, my check came today and I promptly took it to the bank.  Losing it would have been soooooo bad.  I wasn't taking any chances!

Off to bed.  Hope everyone has a great Tuesday!

Amanda

Another P.S.

Here is the link to my pictures.  Most of them are public but any of you should be able to access all of them. Some I did not make public because the grandkids are in them.  I'll make sure you are all in my circle of friends.  I think I may have some of your there, have to check.  I rarely use Yahoo anymore after many years of using only Yahoo!!!  Google works better, is faster & I have found a whole community of photographers that know what they are doing, have the right equipment & the know how.  However, photography as a hobby is great for me.

Thanks everyone for letting me share the pictures.  Maybe someday some of you will be in the area & you can see for yourself why I love it here.  :-)

Donna M



https://plus.google.com/photos/111785436714383791357/albums?hl=en

Can't say good bye without a picture.  This is a manzanita tree.  Love the red bark.

Happy Birthday Trudy! 12/3/2012...

Trudy, it is your day.  I hope the whole day is wonderful with lots of fun, laughter & friends for the day.

Hi to Everyone,

The picture above is another one from the last day of November.  It looks better when larger because then you can see the raindrops.  Do you all know that you have access to all the pictures I have on Google+?  I will post the link later.  Right now I can't access it.  You can look at them anytime or not!  Your choice.

Amanda, what a wonderful surprise in regards to the unexpected money.  Sad, that it is because your grandmother passed away.  I know what you mean about loooong days at work!  It really interferes with life!  Except for the income of course!!  Was the book about the serial killers wife grim and/or gory?  It might be an interesting read.

The sun is shinning but we have another storm coming in!  There are some high non-threatening clouds for now but no rain until late tonight/early tomorrow & into Wednesday.  It is only going to bring maybe an inch to an inch & a half of rain so not much danger of flooding.  The biggest problem maybe trees falling since the ground is already so saturated.  I need to decide just what I need at the store then I can combine a trip to the store with my walk & maybe a little "window shopping" while I am walking.  I also need to return a library book.  This dry spell which started yesterday will help a lot!  My thoughts are scattered!!!

A picture to say good bye for now.  This is a walk way at the overlook I was on at Lake Sonoma.  You can see it was a dark, stormy day but at this point the rain was very scattered & light!  At least most of the time!!

Enjoy the day, happy reading,

Donna M

Saturday night

Happy December!

Can you believe there is only one month left in the year?  It seems each year gets faster and faster.  Of course, when I am at work, the day seems to go soooooo slooooooowwww.  I obviously need more time away from the office - lol!

DonnaM  --  Love the pics, as always!  Sorry you've had so much rain.  Definitely doesn't want to make you want to go outside.  Still get good pictures though:)

Mary -- Glad you had a good T'giving with the family.  Did you finish the new Nora yet?  I plan on reading that next.  Can you believe how nice the weather should be for the next few days?  Its no wonder everyone at work is sick - except me, yet.  I'll take it though.

Margie -- Love the pic and the cookies sound delicious.  I don't bake - I visit mom:)  Today she sent home cookies - an oatmeal w/cinnamon chips.  Delish!  Hoping to get my tree up tomorrow.  Will have to post a picture.

Trudy -- So glad to hear that the nightmare is over for you - yeah!  Hoping next year has much better luck for you.  Nice to hear your gf is going home.  Hopefully she won't take a turn for the worse anytime soon.  Looks like it should be a very Merry Christmas:)

DonnaH -- HI!  Love the idea of doing an exchange.  I did it all the years they had it on Harlequin and always enjoyed it.

My reunion went well.  About the amount of people I expected - maybe a quarter of my class.  High school wasn't the best experience, but I always hope to see people I really liked but lost touch with.  Never enough of them that show up though.  It was well organized, with a professional photographer and a photo booth and the DJ played almost all 80's tunes.  We even got a gift bag with a mixed 80's cd, sunglasses, a rubix cube, pop rocks and a picture frame for the photo booth pics.  Very cute.  When the cd of pictures I bought (from the prof photo guy) come in, I will have to post a few.

I have to tell you about my early Merry Christmas.  My Aunt Judy called the other night and told me that my grandmother (the one who just passed away), left me - and I assume everyone else because she didn't say - a nice amount of money.  Not anything near enough to pay off my debt, but will definitely make a nice dent in it.  Color me surprised!  Mom always said she had money, but I never really thought about it.  Obviously the mutual fund in question did ok.  I really thought if she did, she'd leave all, or the majority, with A. Judy and her kids, as they were the closest to her, and no doubt deserved it.   Trust me, I never would have asked about something like that, but I sure won't look a gift horse in the mouth!

So, I had book club on Tuesday.  Started the book Saturday and finished it Monday at midnight.  Quickest I've read a book in  awhile - lol!  It was called The Serial Killer's Wife (can't remember the author - a guy).  It was really good and fast paced.  A twist at the end I didn't expect, which is always great in a mystery.  We aren't meeting next month, but again in January.  The new books is A Girl, A Guy and a Ghost by Patricia Mason.  Will let you know what I think, but probably won't read it until Christmas week when I'm off from work.

Its getting late - guess I'll get ready for bed.  Hoping to get the decorating done tomorrow and making stew for dinner - yum!  Hope everyone has a good Sunday!

Amanda

P.S. 12/1/2012...

By the way, here is another book I read & would recommend.  Can you see it!!!!!  It is worth reading.  If you want to figure out or know about making your home work for you this book can help.  Just my opinion, of course!

Bye, bye!
Donna M

Saturday afternoon, 12/1/2012...

Now I feel like it is really the Christmas season as it is December!  The year seems to have flown by!

Good Afternoon to my Friends,

This is what it looked like yesterday afternoon!  Actually weather is interesting which makes for interesting pictures.  Sunshine & clear blue sky don't really add much to a picture!  Although a day like that can be much appreciated.  Yesterday I needed to get something in the mail then decided to take a little drive after stopping at the post office.  I only drove out Dry Creek Road to Warm Springs Dam, Lake Sonoma which is a favorite drive.  Yes, of course the camera was with me & I took pictures!  It amazes me how quickly I can take 50, 60 pictures or more!  I have decided that I have a condition called "photographyititis"!  Yes, I made up the word!  Thank you once again for letting me share a small portion of my pictures here with you.

Margie, I did not notice that your wreath on the fireplace looked to small.  Maybe next year you will be able to look for something you like better.   Thanks for the recipe for the cookies.  I have not made Sugar Cookies for many a year.  Too much work for the small amount of counter space I have!  These kitchens where I live were not designed for someone that really likes to cook or bake.  It is a very small galley type kitchen that at times just drives me crazy!!  However, I am grateful for having a kitchen!!  I hope the weather doesn't keep people from coming to your functions.  That would be disappointing.

With all the extra I have done the last few days I have not done a lot of reading but I did finally finish a book.  I read Debbie Macomber's The Inn at Rose Harbor.  I liked it, a lot.  The story is one of healing, friendship, learning to continue on with life if someone you love dies.  As I said, I enjoyed it a lot.  Would recommend reading it.  My library had it so it will go back soon.  I know there is a waiting list.



Twice today I tried to go for a walk.  The first time I thought we had enough of a break from the rain that I could go.  Well, I did my stretches, got my walking shoes on, light jacket as it is warm & a hat in case it starts raining or sprinkling!  Well, I got as far as the landing at the top of the outside steps, it was raining steadily but I couldn't see it from my window as it was a very fine rain but still gets you quite wet!  Back in I came, collected my mail, chatted with some neighbors, finished my book.  Okay, looks like we are having a real break, sun even peaked through!  So I suited up again & off I go!  This time I got to walk about 10 minutes or maybe a bit longer when it started raining again.  I was heading toward the bridge where I can see the river but it was raining enough that if it kept up I would have gotten quite wet.  So home I came!  Here I am!  I've heard that we have had 6 inches of rain so far with these storms, not sure if that is accurate but there has been a great deal of rain.  I will check the paper tomorrow.

This is all folks!  Here is another picture from my venture out yesterday.  I do hope you like seeing my area in all its moods!  I just really like the low clouds & mistiness on a day like this.

Everyone enjoy the rest of the afternoon & evening.
Take care, happy reading,
Donna M

DonnaM, Just a quick note to say....I spoke too soon.  It is raining so hard and has not stopped!  I hope things are okay in your area.  I saw it is raining really bad there.

Hi Ladies

Trudy,  That is really good news about your friend Sharon and you financial situation.  I'm glad that you can look forward to a brighter Christmas season with a bit of pressure off your shoulders.   You remind me that I have to check the new plans for my parents prescription drug plan before the December 7th deadline. 

DonnaH, I would like an exchange but, like Donna, I think next year would be better too.  I really like the idea of a candle exchange rather than ornaments. 

DonnaM, It's been really windy here for a few days and we had one day of rain.  It is the worst when there is all that wind. You must be getting more rain in your area then here.  It hasn't rained in a couple of days but it is expected to be here Saturday and really bad.  I wonder how many ladies from other towns will decide not to come to the brunch because of it. 

I have three more of the small trees in one of the other corners of the living room.  I have them at differnt levels on the ground and on the table and put part of the village under them.  I hate that this fireplace has no mantle.  I would have loved to decorate it.  The wreath is a bit small but it is the only one I have and I didn't want to buy a new one so it has to do this year. 

I forgot to give the cookie recipe.  It is just a simple sugar cookie one but they are really delicious and I always have family and friends ask if I've made them.  My friend gave me the recipe but she rolls her dough out much thinner than I do so the cookies are hard and you can break them with a snap.  She likes them to be crunchy.  My family prefer them soft so I roll the dough somewhere between about a 1/4 to almost 1/2 inch thick.  You can decorate them before you bake by dipping a finger in some milk and rubbing the top of the cookie then sprinkle colored sugar sprinkles on them and bake. 

My family likes them to be frosted so that is what I do.  It takes longer to frost them all but the taste is yummy.  I do a confectioners sugar frosting but sometimes I have purchased the white Betty Crocker type frosting and it works fine just not as good a taste as the homemade frosting.   Which ever frosting I use, I like to divide it up into small bowls so I can add different color food coloring.  I frost the cookies one color and just use colored sprinkles on top of the frosting.  You have to sprinkle when the frosting is still wet or it won't stick.  You can get fancy and make designs but it is just takes too much time to do that.  I leave the cookies out all night on the counter so that the frosting can dry and then the next day I can stack them in a tupperware container and they do not stick together.  I like to double the recipe and freeze part of the dough for another day.

Here is the recipe: HOLIDAY COOKIES
1 Cup Margarine
1 Cup Sugar
1 and 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Egg
1 teaspoon Water

3 Cups Flour
1 and 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt

Using a spoon, Cream Margarine, Sugar & Vanilla.  Then add Egg & Water.  Beat until light and fluffy (use a spoon).    In a separate bowl, combine Flour, Baking Powder and Salt then blend into creamed mixture.  Divide the dough in half and wrap them in plastic wrap or place in a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.  (I've made the cookies without chilling and they turn out the same but the chilling makes it easier to roll the dough and lift the cut cookie onto the cookie sheet.) 

When you are ready to make your cookies, just sprinkle a bit of flour on the board and roll out and cut your cookies.  Place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.  You can decorate with sprinkles before baking or bake plain and frost when cool. 

Temperature depends on your oven.  My previous oven had to be at 350 degrees.  With this gas oven, I find I need the temp at 400 and bake the cookies for about 9 to 11 minutes.  The cookies should be lightly golden on the bottom and you can see some golden color coming on the sides but sometimes just the bottle is golden.  The tops are still whitish.  If they bake too long they can dry out so play with baking a couple cookies to test your temp and time. 

Once baked, wait about a minute or two before using a spatula to remove them from the pan. Removing them too soon could cause them to break.  But don't wait too long or they could get a little stuck to the pan and break when you remove them.  Put them on a cookie rack to cool.  You can frost once they are cool or wait until the next day.  They even taste good plain because of the sugar in the mix but they just won't look that pretty.

It's late now so I'll say goodnight!
Margie :)