Happy Thanksgiving!

   Today I celebrate all I have to be thankful for. Yes, I am Thankful. I am Blessed. I know that I (we, my family) has  suffered a great loss. We all still miss Jeff. We all miss what was. But, as I read in a wise book, "the greatest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude."  and, I am grateful. Today seems the perfect day to be grateful. To be Thankful. As I sit here and reflect on the day, in the quiet of the evening, I am Thankful!
  Today, I am Thankful to have been able to spend the day with my children! This also includes my daughter's fiance, Matt. My soon to be son in law! I am so Thankful each and every day for each of you! You make my life complete! Today I am Thankful for my fur grand kids, 2 of whom joined us for thanksgiving making me smile! Just think what I'll be like with the non fur type grand kids, lol! I am Thankful my mother could join us as well. I am Thankful for the abundance of food on our table! Today I am Thankful for my jobs! I work at two jobs in 3 different shops that I love!  I love the creativity and the adorable children and the vast array of different tasks that I am privileged to do at both Paint A Pot and Peek A Boutique as well as wonderful co workers and bosses and some of the best customers ever! And then, on the weekend, I get to indulge in another passion, wine! And, I get paid for this! I love that job, it was a complete fluke to fall into it. Or, maybe not. I think I was meant to find that when I did.  I love what I am learning, what I am privileged to be exposed to! I love that I have been trusted to create and manage the Warner Vineyards Facebook page and further indulge in my passions for wine, social media and geekieness in  general!  I am Thankful for my own fur kids, they keep me from  coming home to an empty house and are always happy to see me! I am Thankful for my friends! Newer friends and friends dating back to child hood! Some I see or talk  to often,  and some less often but,  still friends!  I am Thankful for all those who choose to be a part of my life and I am honored and privileged to be a part of theirs!  And yes, I am Thankful for facebook, social media in  general,  and the internet! Without that I would not be "talk" to so many so often. With Jeff's illness and now me working so much, this is a wonderful way for me to keep in touch!  There is both good and bad about  social media but I choose to focus on the positive and for me, it was a life line when I needed it!  I am Thankful for memories! We have wonderful family memories that make us smile, even laugh, and I am Thankful that we have reached a point where those memories have that affect on us!  I am Thankful for my faith, and the fact that I am allowed to be faithful and spiritual in my own way!   I am Thankful for the home we built together and that I have been able to stay here! I am Thankful for the experiences I have had, both joyful and painful, for they have shaped me in the way they were intended to and,  great or difficult, I embrace that and hope I can do something positive with that!
   The last day or two, I have been thinking of so many who are dealing with the empty chair at the table this holiday for the first time! My heart is heavy for them. Holidays are hard. First holidays are really hard. Sadly, those experiencing this, number way to many and for a couple,  that grief is just days old. I Pray for them to find comfort, strength and peace!
   As we, the kids and I, move into the 18 month mark and our second holiday season without Jeff,  I can honestly say that I  am Thankful for so much (and this compilation was in no particular order !) and I still want to "make every moment count!"  Please, do the same!

(((Hugs)))
   Brenda

 

September/October Books

Starting Now by Debbie MaComber ****

   The latest in the Blossom Street series; Starting Now effortlessly pick of the story of friends and neighbors with, of course, a new addition.  We are given the opportunity to revisit previous characters from the series while getting to know a few knew ones.  Always well written, with just the right touch of drama. Debbie MaComber is a wonderful story teller and high up on my list of favorite authors.  (I buy the book, Daily Guideposts, each year and Debbie is a frequent contributor to it as well!)

The Wurst is Yet to Come by Mary Daheim ** 1/2

   This is one book of many in Mary's Bed and Breakfast series.  I have been reading the series for so long that I always feel I must read the latest book but truthfully, I am not enjoying the later ones as much as the earlier ones.  I don't know if I have just outgrown them or if the writing style has changed?  This book is set in a nearby town where the B&B owners have a booth at a Bavarian festival to promote their inns.  Cute, just lacking any substance.  On to my next book...

Sweet Love by Sarah Strohmeyer ****

   A little, romance, a little mystery, a little history (family that is), a little "plotting" and a whole lot of love.  A sweet story of family, friends and a first (and last) love. Add in baking, cooking and recipe talk and I'm in!  I often enjoy Sarah's writing and this was no exception.

Between Husbands and Friends by Nancy Thayer ****

   A story about friends and friendship, secrets kept and divulged, betraying and being betrayed and what makes them all tick.  Interesting, well written and the books flows well.  I usually enjoy Nancy Thayer's books  and will be adding several more to my list :)

The Newcomer by Robyn Carr *** 1/2

   The second in Robyn's new series, which is a "spin off" of another series.  Robyn's books are always well written and I like how all the characters are linked from book to book and even a bit for this series to the the series this spun off from.  She leaves us hanging at the end so I will be waiting anxiously for the next book!

A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand *** 1/2

   I usually love anything Elin writes and although this book was well written, I didn't love the story or the characters.  In fact, some of them just made me mad!  This story seemed to be full of self indulgent, selfish, thoughtless adults and a couple of innocent victims of those actions.  Deceit and deception flowed through the book and for some reason the story really bugged me :(    If, in the end,  anyone had learned a valuable life lesson, maybe that would have helped but, the book just ended with very little thought (except for a hint from 1 character) that maybe they would "change their ways."

 

Miss Julia Rocks the Cradle by Ann B. Ross *** 1/2

   This series of books reminds me so much of the Mitford/Father Tim series by Jan Karon!  Small town, good people, all rally together to right a wrong etc.  Just a "feel good" kind of book!  We all need to fantasize about this once in a while, lol!  Originally a friend lent me a couple of the books and here I am, many years later, still keeping up with the series :)   Just a sweet read!

Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah **** 1/2

   Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors, always writing stories that deeply touch my heart!  I was recently going through my book lists and could not recall if I had read this book or not.  It sounded vaguely familiar but I just wasn't sure. Not wanting to have missed a book by Kristin, I checked it out of the library.  Upon reading, some things did seem familiar but I really couldn't remember how it ended so I continued reading.  In hindsight, I believe I did read this years ago but, I am glad I read it again.  Great story that is fiction but, in reading this it is easy to imagine how it could have been real.  This is the story of a "wild girl" and the process to reconnect with her .    A story about falling in love and loving someone enough to be willing to let them go.  Yes, I was in tears at the end!

Finding Myself by Beth Hoffman **** 1/2

   A wonderful story of friends, family and relationships .  A bit of a mystery, a bit of a love story and a lot of lessons in paying it forward and perseverance.  I really enjoyed this book and came to read it after reading a review somewhere (no idea where!).

Aunt Dimity Slays the Dragon By Nancy Atherton *** 1/2

   Another series I have been reading forever and although I do not enjoy as I once did, I can't bring myself to break up with the author or series, lol!  I do enjoy some of the quirky characters but am tiring of the original premise of these books. This one, thankfully, was an entertaining story set at a Renaissance Festival which brought back fond memories of attending a couple as a family when our kids were little.  Drew loved all things about medieval times, castles, knights dragons etc!  A sweet mystery ending with a lesson of forgiving and forgetting.  :)

The Whole Enchilada by Diane Mott Davidson **** 1/2

   The latest in a series of books about Goldy, a caterer married to a detective.  Goldy loves coffee and cooking is not only her career but  her way of relieving stress but and problem solving.  And yes, she enjoys a glass of wine now and then.  How could I not love Goldy!?  In her business Goldy often stumbles across information than can be helpful to her husbands latest case but she is not above a bit of "detecting" on her own.  Well written, funny, with recipes at the end of the book.  Of course I enjoy her books!

Jane Eyre  by Charlotte Bronte **** 1/2

   What a great classic to read for our book club!  I have slight recollections of possibly reading this but only slight so,  glad we chose this book.  The style of writing is so wonderful, the story so fascinating!

Holiday Buzz by Cleo Coyle ****

   My PT and I got to talking books one day and she mentioned that she like a series by this author.  The main character owns a coffee shop with her ex husband and helps to solve mysteries.  These or not great works of literary genius like Jane Eyre but, they are fun to read!  There is a lot of coffee   and food recipes in these books and yes, I did copy 1 down already to try.  The story and plot was well thought out and since I enjoy reading, mysteries, coffee and food, these books tick a lot off my list and I will read more of them :)

The Wednesday Daughters by Meg Waite Clayton ** 1/2


   Oh my, what a disappointment!  I read The Wednesday Sisters a while back and LOVED it!!!  (It was a story of friends, not actual sisters.)  This is the story of those friends daughters and I was so looking forward to it!  Sadly, it fell so short of my expectations.  It seemed disjointed, didn't flow as well and the characters seemed to lack the same relationship connection that their mothers had.

Midnight Promises by Sherryl Woods ****

   The latest in her Sweet Magnolia series, Sherryl once again writes a touching story about trust, compromise, relationship dynamics and a sweet southern town. 

Roasted Mortem by Cleo Coyle ****

   Confirmed; I like this series and will continue reading  :)   My second in this coffee house "Culinary mystery" was possibly better than the first. Will written and kept me up till 1 am to finish one night.

Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich****

  A story that begins with a meeting that never should have happened (that never happens, right?!) and what follows.  Personal transformation, both inside and out for Holly and for Logan, the transformation is purely inside!  Down deep, a sweet and thoughtful story but packaged with a lot of humor!

Pure Joy by Danielle Steele **** 1/2

   A glimpse into the personal life of DS and the many dogs (and 1 pot bellied pig) that were and are their family pets.  Funny, touching, personal stories about how our pets are such a big part of our lives. If you are a dog lover, you will love this book!!!

   That is it, a book or two short of "normal" for but but, the fall was busy and productive in many other ways :)  I have enjoyed blogging about my love of books and reading and have November and December to go.  Then, I will be changing it up for 2014 by "pinning" my books read onto a Pinterest board.  For my "Bibliophile Pinterest" friends, you can follow my reading path there.  Happy Reading!

(((Hugs)))
  Brenda

Another Autumn and some BIG news!

Blessed by a Beautiful double rainbow one September morning!!!

     As I prepared to race up to the finish line of my work week in an effort to finish strong, I realized that Monday would be Labor Day!  How Did That Happen???  Where did summer go??? 
   I don't "dread" autumn this year as I found myself doing last year.  I guess enough seasons have passed for me to have overcome the "first" of everything and be getting used to the fact that time is moving forward.  I have always enjoyed fall and find myself embracing it again this year. I bought apple cider, made my first (of many to come) batches of apple cider pancakes and  ordered the caramel apple coffee that I love.  The fruit trees are loaded this year and I managed to pick enough before  the squirrels and deer got to them so I could  make a 2 big pots of applesauce (and freezing some), a fall tradition for us, and have been enjoying the Asian Pears we all love!   I  shopped for mums to replace my worn out summer flowers in the pots and in October, put the garden "to bed for the winter" after a final harvest.

Autumn :)

Red Hot Cinnamon Apple Sauce :)

   Summer felt so very busy but with many fun things as well as the "chores."  I made it to Sleeping Bear Dunes 3 times this year to hike and enjoy the beauty with the great company of Bri and Matt two of those times.  I managed to get in numerous other hikes including meeting my goal to climb up Mount Baldhead which I did with a friend on Labor Day.  September also included my first visits to the Trendway Cruise In benefit, Live Mannequin Night in downtown Holland and Art Prize!  And, we celebrated Drew and Briana's Birthdays!  Those were the fun things :) 

So many great cars at the Cruise In

Live Mannequin Night

1 panel of 4, this was the Art Prize Winner!

Happy Birthday!

Part of the way up, looking back down!

View from the top is spectacular!

Mount Baldhead

   Many "Check ups" were also on the calendar for the month and those are not always so fun, lol!  Bella (my car) went in for an oil change, tire rotation, break inspection and Ford Sync update.  I am not used to having to bring my vehicles in for work as Jeff took care of much of the maintenance but it all went fine and she got a clean bill of health.  Bear and Nick had their check ups and are doing wonderfully  and my dentist check up was great.  The furnace check up went well but I knew the humidifier was dead and needed replacing and that is now done.  The biggest issue for me was that I have been dealing with some shoulder issues and increasing pain since about March.  By August the pain from my shoulder coupled with that from tennis elbow (a long time problem for me) was so intense I knew I had no other option than to seek a diagnosis and treatment.  I couldn't get in to see the Doctor I wanted till Sept. and he then confirmed my fears, a torn rotator cuff.  He offered several options of treatment and I chose physical therapy over cortisone injections or surgery as the place to start.  I have now had 6 weeks of PT and 1 massage (to help loosen up the very tight muscles in my upper back and break up the scar tissue in my arm from the tennis elbow)  and am so happy to report that things are so much better!  I am mostly pain free now although there is some "aches and slight soreness etc., which is normal at this point.  My arm, shoulder and back are getting much stronger and I am able to do many of the "everyday normal" things pain free that I could not do at all prior to PT!  It will likely never get back to 100% I have been told but, I can live with this now :)  PT will continue as well as another massage which was so helpful beyond anything I could imagine!  Other than that, I have been working a lot and thoroughly enjoying my jobs!  Busy with work but busy with fun things to and just always trying to strike the balance between the two!
   I promised an update on the kids and then the summer and fall got so busy that it never happened!
All are doing well and I will update more on them another time but..................BIG NEWS right now is that......................................................................................................................................................
Briana and Matthew got engaged on October 8!!!   I am so happy for them!   What an exciting time for them and for all of us :)   Matt took Bri on what she thought was supposed to be a double date picnic.  When the other couple "bailed" at the last minute, they picnicked alone (except for the friend hiding with a camera!) and Matt surprised Briana with a book he had made complete with photos in a timeline of sorts of  their relationship.  He included a photo of himself and I at the restaurant where he took me and asked my permission and as the book progressed, he took it from Briana and read the ending to her, asking her to marry him.  It was so sweet, thoughtful and touching!  Congratulations Briana Sue and Matthew!!!

   As you can see, we are doing our best to "Make every moment count!"

(((Hugs)))
   Brenda

July August books

July August Books

The Good Dream by Donna VanLiere **** 1/2

   As the Author of The Christmas Shoes and many other beloved and popular books, Donna once again tells a touching and compelling story that will stay with the reader a very long time!  Set in Tennessee in1950, Ivorie, a 30ish something "Old Maid" deals with her feelings of loss and being alone after her mother dies.  Wondering what her direction will be, she finally encounters the "thief" who is raiding her garden in the night.  When she discovers the "thief" is a semi starved, severely beaten young boy who can't speak, she offer him food and friendship.  When the boy does not return for several days, Ivorie takes it upon herself to find him, not really knowing why or having a plan.  When she does, at great risk of danger to herself, she decides to take  the unconscious boy to her home and raise him herself if he survives.  A wonderful story, well written and very touching!

Last Chance Saloon by Marian Keyes *** 1/2

   Marian Keyes is one of our Book Club authors.  I have read several of her books and am still trying to figure out how well I like her writing.  This book tells the story of 3 long time friends and their life and dating trials.  When one of them is diagnosed with cancer, another poses the question to the others; "just imagine you only have 6 months to live..."
The sick friend is trying to get the other 2 to each make a change in their lives.  They do, though at first, very much against their will.  The premise a good one and the story ended nicely but I'm not sure that I love this book as much as I could have.  I have another of her books so, I will see how I feel about that one...

A Charmed Place by Antoinette Stockenberg *** 1/2

   Ok, I am into a stack of books that had been given to me over time and am now making my way through some of them.  I expected this to be a fluffy romance without much substance but, I was wrong.  It is actually a story of love come full circle with a side serving a mystery.  I enjoyed this book, more than I thought I would!

A Family All Her Own by Bonnie K. Winn  ***

   Another book from the "kindness grab bag."  This was a sweet story of love, hope and faith.  

The Week Before the Wedding by  Beth Kendrick ***

   Lent to me by a friend, an entertaining, fun and funny, fast read.  No great lessons here but hey, sometimes, summer especially it seems, you just need a "no brainer" book! 

Ciao America by Beppe Severgnini **** 1/2

   Our July book club selection.  A somewhat satirical look at America through the eyes of an Italian spending 1 year here.  Very funny!  Very honest!  It made me look at things through his eyes. And, I could agree with much of it!  Beppe even references another one of my favorite authors, Bill Bryson.  I loved that!  Written with a chapter fore each of the 12 months Beppe spent in America, this is a fun book to read and written in a style that I enjoy.  Can't wait to see what everyone else in book club thought of it!

The Wanderer by Robyn Carr *** 1/2

   I have read countless books by Robyn including all of another on going series.  This is the first book in her new series, Thunder Point.  Robyn is a much loved, iconic writer who once again manages to weave new characters together in a way that will have you wondering about them in between books in the series.  Combining a bit of a mystery with romance (of course) and a few brief but steamy (here's your warning!) parts, this was a good summer read :)

The Two Week Wait by Sarah Rayner

   Another powerful book written by the author of another favorite of mine, "One Moment, One Morning!"  In The Two Week Wait, many characters return with the focus this time on Lou and her story.  A wonderfully written story seamlessly weaving together old and new characters while telling a moving story!  I fervently hope that Sarah is planning to continue writing about these characters   that I feel have become fascinating "Friends!"

First Sight by Danielle Steel *** 1/2

   Often DS books pull me in from the very first page.  This one did not.  It did finish as usual, couldn't put it down.  As is typical with many of her books; this would be my summary:
Beautiful, successful women triumphs despite many tragic life events since the age of 5.  Woman meets love of her life.  More tragic events follow. Twist of fate.  Lives happily ever after.  Yup, that could sum up many of her books.  Don't get me wrong, DS writes good books and I can't stop reading each and every new one she comes out with; this one just did not seem very different than so many others.

Sunrise Point by Robyn Carr ****

   Robyn Carr is a well respected, award winning author!  I got into Robyn Carr's series, Virgin River, when given several books as we were leaving for Ann Arbor.  I quickly became hooked.  She writes feel good, slightly suspenseful novels about good people and small towns supporting one another.  I enjoy enjoy her books and characters :)

Saugatuck's  Big Pavillon & Buried Singapore by Kit Lane ***

   Lent to me by a friend who knows I enjoy books on local history :)  I really enjoyed parts of each of the books though I didn't love everything about them.  Perhaps if I had grown up closer to the area being written about, or lived there a long time I would have felt a closer connection?  However, I still enjoyed each book and found each had merit.

The Recipe Club by    ****

   Lent to my by a friend who read it and still had time on her library check out :)  We both love books and reading and recipes and cooking so...yes, we would love this book!   A story following 2 life long friends who write letters to each other in their youth and, after a falling out and long estrangement, come back together via e mail.  Reading their correspondence from young girls through teenage hood and some college and then as adults with real life issues and lessons is a fascinating journey to travel. I alternately took Lilly's side and then Val's. Going back and forth throughout the book.  Val seemed destined to be immature and hang on to every last bit of youth she could and Lilly seemed in such a hurry to grow up!  My mid college I sensed a change and by their adult years it seemed that a role reversal of sorts had taken place.  In the end, they had both come to a good place in their relationship which also packs a (tiny) twist and surprise.

The Merlot Murders by Ellen Crosby ****

   This is the first in the series that I has been reading.  Unable to get this book yet from the library, I finally splurged and spent  the few dollars it cost to get it on Kindle.  I was a bit concerned about going back to the first book in the series when having read all of the following books.  I need not have worried.  I enjoyed this book as much as the rest.  Even though I had pretty much figured most of the back ground out in the books I have read, it was nice to read it and as usual, this book contained some of the geeky wine facts I enjoy!

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume**** 1/2

   Classic Judy Blume!  Lent to me by a friend, I really enjoyed this book.  Following friends from childhood well into adulthood and the and all twists and turns that accompany growing up and "coming into your own."

Busman's Honeymoon by Dorothy L. Sayers ****

   Written in 1937 and part of a series, this was our August book club selection.  I really enjoyed this book, especially the style of writing and the way they expressed themselves in that era.  I found the 2 main characters  amusing and humorous; I think I would have liked them and have been friends with them!  A bit slow to start, for me anyway, I soon became immersed in the story which I thought was well written.  I may just have to pick up another in the series and see if I can continue this new friendship!

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With a Little Luck by Caprice Crane ****

   I have read several books by Caprice Crane (Love the name!) and have several more on my "Read It" list.  I always enjoy her writing style and quirky sense of humor.  She just writes "fun" books.  No big life lessons, no profound insights, just laugh our loud dun books.  Sometimes I just need that!

When the Rivers Ran Red By Vivienne Sosnowski *** 1/2

   An interesting book about the time leading up to, through and the end of prohibition.  This book tells the story of many families and what they lost or how they survived. It tells a tale of corrupt enforcement officials and families will to break the law in order to survive .  It tell us the history.  Sometimes getting a bit to caught up in dates etc., even for me, I still found it an interesting account of a era in our history that many of us have heard about but didn't know that much about.

   Summer has been busy for me!  I have worked all but one Saturday and spend much time outside gardening and working in the yard.  I still managed to read quite a bit but not quite as much as usual.  Cooler weather is coming but until then, I will continue to enjoy my yard as much as possible and when I finish the yard work, I will sit on my deck and enjoy a good book and a nice glass of wine :)

Happy Reading!

(((Hugs)))
   Brenda