EIGHTEEN ACRES

Eighteen Acres by Nicolle Wallace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Essentially a story about relationships set in and around the White House and the culture of power. The characters are well-defined and somewhat predictable, yet engaging nonetheless. This novel brings the power brokers into human focus with all of their gifts, emotions, strengths and flaws. EIGHTEEN ACRES is an engaging story driven by likable characters and a believable plot line.

View all my reviews

Blog of the Day
http://dawndavis.blogspot.com/

Fibers on Friday

Take a minute to look at some knit and crochet projects at http://plumslife.blogspot.com/ Click on the pic to link into the website for each. You can even join in on the weekly fun of sharing projects!
Web Site of the Day
http://www.feelingstitchy.com/

Dogs On Thursday

Lailah is a good traveler and loves to go everywhere with us. Sometimes, she is so clever when she hides that we simply cannot find her!

Where's the doggie?

Web Site of the Day

http://tracyporter.com/blog/

Wordless Wednesday

Teaser Tuesdays - Barefoot

"Lowly worm, she called her to be mean, a name cruelly borrowed from their favorite Richard Scarry book growing up. Lowly Worm. bookworm, nose always in a book, gobbling it up like a rotten apple."
                          from Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read .
Open to a random page.
Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.
Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away!
Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

Web Site of the Day
http://www.pageflakes.com/

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And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.   ~~2 Corinthians 8:5



Unisex Scarf

A reluctant model is wrapped in my FO of the day, the Crystal Palace Unisex Scarf. available at http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns/scarves/cameo-faggotst-scarf.html

This is a terrifically mindless pattern in faggot stitch that is so pretty. The simplicity of the pattern makes it very easy to adjust the length to your liking. Since I wanted the scarf to wrap a couple of times around the neck, I could hear the scarf screaming, "Give me pretty edging to hang down in front! I mean it! I need edging!" Well, I couldn't ignore that, now could I? So, therefore, and thus, I adapted the trim from Crochet On The Edge by Nicky Epstein. The scarf sighed with pure joy. A little blocking will make the trim even prettier!

I used Bernat Satin yarn and size 10 knitting needles for the scarf and a size H hook for the trim. OK, I have exactly ONE Christmas gift knitted. Wooo-hooo!

Web Site of the Day
http://www.bringfido.com/

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Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  ~ James 1:19

Dogs on Thursday -- Sleeping Dog Lying

Lailah is so adaptable--especially on our camping trips. She cuddles up and snoozes on a mattress pad in our old camping trailer.

 The sunshine and a warm carpet provide a good space for a comfortable nap on the pontoon boat.

 

Back in the old camping trailer, she finds comfort on the sofa with a soft sleeping bag.

All in all, she's a great companion wherever she is and always manages to find just the right spot for a nap.

Web Site of the Day
http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/

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Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

--Romans 12:9

Wordless Wednesday in a Tree

Teaser Tuesdays ~ Barefoot

From Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand:
"Josh Flynn didn't have a mystical bone in his body, but he wasn't insensitive, either. He knew when something was meant to be, and for some reason as yet unclear to him, he was supposed to be involved with the three women and two small children he had singled out earlier that afternoon."

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:


Grab your current read .

Open to a random page.

Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.

Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! 

Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.
 
Web Site of the Day

http://www.antiquecrochetpatterns.com/

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Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. ~ Ephesians 5:1

Transfer of Power by Vince Flynn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Transfer of Power by Vince Flynn is the first book in the Mitch Rapp series set amid intrigue and covert action. This high adrenaline story kept me turning pages with eager anticipation of what could possibly happen next. The bits of humor tucked within the high stakes drama give the reader a smile or chuckle of relief. Beyond the high interest story line is the glorious writing of Vince Flynn. The pleasure of reading his words is a large part of the enjoyment of his books. Though thrillers and intrigue are far from my normal reading fare, this author has drawn me to this genre through his clever and witty writing. Though I flinch at some of the language and skip through the violence, the story and writing thrust me forward in this world of political intrigue and action.
If you enjoy good writing with a twist, you just might enjoy this book. I did.

View all my reviews

Web Site of the Day
http://www.evernote.com/

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Everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. — 2 Corinthians 4:15

Tri-Colored Baby Blanket

The last of the baby blanket projects is finished and is now drying to block its shape. Crocheted with Mission Falls 1824 cotton and an I hook, this blanket is for a baby boy due in January and was a joy to make. The pattern is "Accra Tri-Colored Baby Blanket", a free pattern at http://www.naturallycaron.com/ . This one is done in hdc rather than sc as in the pattern. Why? I just like that stitch, is all.  :)

Now that it has passed Lailah's sniff test, it is officially ready for gifting!

Web Site of the Day
http://hookedonhouses.net/

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For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

— Colossians 2:9–10

Dish Rag Tag 2010

Thanks to my AlterKnits partner in Dish Rag Tag for the very pretty dish cloth and box of goodies. While a dish cloth is a "gotta-have", the "like-to-'haves" included stitch markers, a little change purse, chocolate, a cute notepad, and soaking lotion. Thanks to my team mate for each lovely item. I am currently knitting the dish cloth pattern to send on the the next team mate and enjoying the soft pinks and cream of the variegated yarn.

Web Site of the Day

http://www.1000awesomethings.com/

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Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.   ~ Psalm 5:3



Wordless Wednesday Old Town Fort Collins

The Arrival Of Vince Flynn

http://www.vinceflynn.com/

Oh my! The books by Vince Flynn are filling up a book shelf as they arrive from my online book trading. So exciting! After reading Term Limits I knew I had to begin the Mitch Rapp series from Book One, so to the web sites I went to order, order, order--freebies all. Now the books are arriving and I can barely settle down enough to read Book One! Every time I try, there is an interruption of one sort or another.

Today I received a tightly wrapped parcel from someone named Frederic Did I mention that it was tightly wrapped? I immediately thought of my tightly wrapped bequestor as Fussy Frederick who had very responsibly wrapped his--now my-- Vince Flynn tome in The Wall Street Journal with enough tape to secure it unto the ages, followed by a thin sheet of plastic as directed by the website. Tape? Yes, the tape yardage did its work very well. After tucking the snug parcel into the mailing envelope, the third or fourth tape roll was cracked open to secure the contents although not quite snugly enough. A small area was neatly pleated back and, yes, taped to ensure the tightness of paper to book. Now, I thank Fussy Frederick and appreciate not only his labors, but the silly story that popped into my head simply by receiving this package. Is Fussy Frederick an elderly gentleman who cherishes his reading time as well as the books that he sends along to others? Perhaps he is an early to mid-30s fellow, rather a cream puff in appearance yet tallish and bespeckled, who enjoys the daring-do of Mitch Rapp and the cleverness of the author.

Me? I'm a 60-ish retired teacher frequently confined to my home because of an inoperative immune system who thinks up silly stories, spends hours upon hours online, and gets quite lost in books.

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Web Site of the Day

http://www.humancalendar.com/

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.  

~Psalm 9:10



Cozy Mystery Challenge

The Diva Takes the Cake by Krista Davis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Here's a cozy mystery that truly is mysterious. I enjoyed the flow of the writing much more than I typically do in this genre.The first half was rather a jumble of names that seemed to shake out slowly, while the suspect list became somewhat clouded. This made for a neatly surprising conclusion. The setting is a wedding weekend which led to padded writing about the event however all-in-all, this book is a nice, relaxing read.
View all my reviews

Blog Tip of the Day
http://www.underthetuscangun.com/

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You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.  

~~Matthew 5:5

Teaser Tuesday ~ The Diva Takes The Cake

The Diva Takes the Cake by Krista Davis is my final book for the Cozy Mystery Challenge at http://cozymysterychallenge.blogspot.com/

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab your current read .
Open to a random page.
Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.
Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others.
Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

"We left Mochie and Hermione in my bedroom so they wouldn't be underfoot, and Jen led the way downstairs. Mom pulled me aside for a second and whispered, 'She's a huge fan of Nancy Drew and liable to be inclined to do some sleuthing, so help me keep her out of it."

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Blog Tip of the Day

http://www.urbangardensweb.com/

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.

~ Psalm 17:6

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Baby Bear Hat

A dear friend will soon be winging her way to Florida to see her newborn grandson, so I quickly crocheted this little hat for the baby. This simple yet cute crochet pattern is free at http://squishychocolate.blogspot.com/2009/07/little-bear-preemie-hat-free-crochet.html

I so appreciate the many knitters and crocheters who so willingly share their patterns. My friend plans to send a pic of baby wearing this funny little hat, so I'm looking forward to that.

We're planning to go to the lake on Monday and stay for a few days after the holiday crowd has left. What are you doing over the Labor Day weekend?

Blog Tip of the Day

http://i-crochet.blogspot.com/

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Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.   ~ Psalm 9:10

Cozy Mystery Challenge: Wreath of Deception by Mary Ellen Hughes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Place a few ladies of varying ages and backgrounds around a table in a craft shop and they not only learn craft techniques, they also reveal themselves through casual conversation. In WREATH OF DECEPTION, a cozy mystery by Mary Ellen Hughes, Jo not only begins her new small town life by opening her craft supply store, but also solves crimes! The endearing Jo is surrounded by a stereotypical group of ladies: the elderly mother-figure, the young woman, the silly-fluttery person, the dear ever-reliable close friend, and so on.

This initial book in the Craft Corner Mystery series is a relaxing read with affable characters, an interesting plot, a fairly standard recipe for chili, and directions of wreath-making. What more could you want?
View all my reviews

Blog Tip of the Day
http://thebrasspetal.blogspot.com/

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Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.

~ Galatians 5:25

Cozy Mystery Challenge -- Murder Runs in the Family

Murder Runs in the Family by Anne George

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Author, Anne George exaggerates Southern culture to bring two sisters to life in her cozy mystery series. Set in Birmingham, Alabama, Murder Runs in the Family refers to many local sites that particularly engages readers who live or have visited there. Of course there's a crime to solve amidst the rollicking adventures of Patricia Anne, Mary Alice and their friends. With characters as Bonnie Blue Butler, George and Gerorgianna Peach, and Shanklette Ferguson, you know there are some laugh-out-loud moments and many chuckles in this story. Its a quick,quirky...maybe even a bit zany... book to lift your spirits in all its silliness.

View all my reviews       

Web Site Tip of the Day
 http://modeknit.com/     

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                                                                  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   ~~ Philippians 4:7     

Teaser Tuesday: Murder Runs in the Family

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/
--Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

--Grab your current read.

--Open to a random page.

--Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page .

--Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away!

--Share the title & author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they want!

Murder Runs In The Family

by Anne George

"My startling news about the judge seemed to have little effect on these two women crawling around on the floor. These two big women, who were going to have to get up in the not-so-distant future."

Given the girth that I have sadly acquired in my latter years, I know exactly what is involved in getting up off the floor!! Not a pretty sight!   ;)  This book is a cozy mystery with a generous dose of humor and silliness.

Web Site Tip of the Day

http://www.headbutler.com/

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And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   ~~Philippians 4:7

Candy Corn Baby Ghan

The gift is completed for dear niece whose baby is due to arrive in September. This is knitted with stashed Plymouth Encore. The crocheted hearts are sewn on and sprinkled off-center to break up the stripes.

These colors remind me of Halloween candy corn, hence the name. As you can see, it is simple stripes in stockinette and garter done with size 11 needles. I randomly changed between the two stitches and the three colors according to what appealed to my eye. I did a variation of a picot edging with a size H crochet hook.

After I washed the blanket, I decided to run the lace wires through the picot to block it out and draw more attention to it.

Web Site Tip of the Day
http://www.knitmap.com/

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Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.  ~ John 15:5

About the Header Pic

 Response to Angela about the Header Pic

How sweet of you to ask! The header pic was taken of our old boy, Max, and Lailah when she was about two months old.

Max passed when he was 11 years old in 2009. My heart still breaks for him even though I realize he had a long life for a Boxer. He was mellow and gentle, our sweet giant. Didn't he have a spectacular white collar?

I miss him.

Lailah is bouncy, loving, and very energetic!! Max was so patient with her even in his last days of illness. The Lord blesses us in countless ways. These beautiful companions are just two blessings the Father has bestowed upon me.

Blog Tip of the Day

http://www.cozychicksblog.com/

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Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.   ~ John 8:12

Dogs On Thursday -- New Puppy

A new puppy arrived at our house today. Very patriotic, isn't he/she/it?

 She waited near a corner in our house.

She waited for Lailah find her,

and play with her,

and show her today's knitting,

and take her outside.

Welcome, patriotic puppy.

You certainly are low maintenance!

Blog Tip of the Day

http://thegardenbell.blogspot.com/

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This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.  ~ Psalm 118:24

Reply to Gnat's question about the puppy's name:
I refer to him/her/it as the patriotic puppy.

Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/

--Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
--Grab your current read.
--Open to a random page.
--Share two  “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page .
--Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away!
--Share the title & author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they want!

From The Girl Next Door by Elizabeth Noble:
 

She'd lived in her parents' house, where the garden was somewhere to play and lounge around, in university halls and in flats,where, on hot, sunny days, Clapham Common was the only garden you needed and you ignored it for the other 360 days of the year. But after they bought the house, she drank the first cup of tea of the morning on the little patio off the kitchen, almost every day, drinking in the sights and sounds and smells of the garden all year around.

 

 

 

 

Blog Tip of the Day

http://www.ted.com/

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God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  -- Psalm 46:1

Musing Mondays

My mission, that I chose to accept, is to answer Matthew's question posted at http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/ . He asks, "We all have favorite books. How do you determine what your favorites are? Do your favorites change?"

I am not prone to have favorites in anything. Books that immediately came to mind because I enjoyed them so much are
Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
A Year by the Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman by Joan Anderson
The Uncommon Reader by Allen Bennett
Philistines at the Hedgerow: Passion and Property in the Hamptons by Steven Gaines

You can read my question for the next reader at the above link. Join in!

Blog Tip of the Day
http://yarnlot.blogspot.com/

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Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. 

~ Colossians 1:10

On Retirement

Quite honestly, it took me a few years to adjust to retirement from my 32 years in education. I had to focus on what I truly wanted to do each day. What do I feel like doing? It was a challenging adjustment. I truly miss the children and avoided driving by a school during the school year. Strange, yes? It was a process of giving myself permission to "indulge" my whims. If I feel like knitting and reading all afternoon, its truly OK to do that. I had to think of it differently, as not being an indulgence, not taking time away from something more important. Initially, I had to think in terms of "I've earned this." You see, I still was trying to validate this shift in how I spent my time. I don't have to be busy-busy-busy. Its OK to do the things I enjoy and not necessarily follow the "retirement guidelines" such as volunteer, keep a schedule, etc. Many of my friends do those things and find it completely fulfilling. I realized I wanted to completely shift out of structure, thus realizing my newly acquired sense of freedom. Freedom became my perspective on retirement, however it took me a while to get there. Each of is as unique in this life change as we are in many other ways. During the '70s, I began to use the "Free To Be You and Me" album from Marlo Thomas to help children build self-esteem. I haven't thought of it in decades until I heard it on a commercial the other day. Time warp! I realized that phrase has an entirely new meaning for me at this stage of life!!

Blog Tip of the Day
http://www.biblegateway.com/

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This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.   ~ Psalm 118:24

WIP Baby Blanket

After searching for my camera for the past couple of weeks, I finally decided to use my phone cam so that I can post some pix of the baby blanket that I'm crocheting.

My only niece is expecting their third baby in September. A nephew and his gf are expecting--I think in January, so my sister is excited to have two new grands on the way!! Then, my hair dresser told me that she is pregnant. There you go -- things happening in threes. I'm making baby blankets here all of a sudden.

Dear Niece and her DH choose not to know the baby's gender until the birth, so I am crocheting this gender neutral --- or as I've been thinking of it, "non-denominational" --- little blanket with Mission Falls 1824 cotton and an I hook.

The pattern is "Accra Tri-Colored Baby Blanket", a free pattern at http://www.naturallycaron.com/ I have opted to use hdc rather than the sc in the pattern. As I have said many times, hdc is my favorite stitch because of the nice look it gives to items. Another adjustment I'm making is how I'm doing the embellishments. I've decided to crochet them separately, then stitch them to the blanket once the baby's gender/denomination is known. Hearts and flowers for a girl. Stars and possibly a heart in the center for a boy. This WIP is working up so quickly and is fun to make!

Blog Tip of the Day
http://www.mdupraw.blogspot.com/

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And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~~Colossians 3:17

Wordless Wednesday -- On Our Boat

http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

Blog Tip of the Day

http://divinacucina.blogspot.com/

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The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  ~~2 Timothy 2:2

Mum's the Word

http://cozymysterychallenge.blogspot.com/

Mum's the Word by Kate Collins

My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Hoping to find another cozy mystery series to enjoy, I read MUM'S THE WORD by Kate Collins, her first effort in "A Flower Shop Mystery" series. It seemed like a series I would enjoy. It isn't. Though the story line is unbelievable, it is OK enough for a cozy. The characters are varied with the requisite personality types...check. The writing. That's the weak point. The story is padded with so much repetition that it becomes a distraction. Once we know that Abby's flaming red hair is instantly recognizable and that Marco is dark, handsome, and exuding masculinity, that the Corvette is banana yellow and gleaming--well, we truly do not need to be continually reminded of these characteristics. Published in 2004, the first book may be the weakest link in the series though I don't intend to read the others.

If you like cozy mysteries and can skim over the wordiness, you might want to try this book. I just can't recommend it.

View all my reviews >>

Web Site Tip of the Day
http://www.whitehousecorrespondentsweekendinsider.com/

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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  ~ Hebrews 13:8