Page Turners - I hope!

I was so happy to get to another reading challenge!

My spring reading challenge was wildly successful and out of the modest list of 4 I read for that event, only one was not to my liking, however I am not sorry I read it.

And I even have a new one to add to my 'favorites' list. Water for Elephants was phenomenal!

So now it's time for the Summer Reading Challenge

 Yipppppeeee! May be it goes back to my youthful summer-time library visits, but I love summer reading!

I'm having a hard time choosing my list!!

But here goes:

Will Grayson Will Garyson - John Green & David Levithan
This is a YA book. John is one of my favorite authors, YA or otherwise! My daughter loved this book. I'm anxious to get started.

I'm reading a book right now that I"ll put on my book list in the side bar but don't really want to count it for the challenge. First because I'm already reading it and second because I don't like it. And I can't believe I"m saying this because it's my favorite author -Stephen King. But not this book. Not this book at all and not because it's scary, but because it's a cop out. New setting, same psychological trauma as two other books combined with new protagonist.

Ok I digress.

The Sweetness at the bottom of the pie - Alan Bradley
This will be a new author to me. I understand it's a series. I hope I like it!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Our Library Book Club read this and I didn't get to read it then so looking forward to it now.

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle - Haruki Murakami

Tomorrow, When the War Began - John Marsden
Heard this is a series too. And Another YA

I hope to add a couple more. But this will do for a start!

YAY! READING!

Home of the Brave

In our town, our city cemetery is transformed on Memorial Day. Flags fly to honor veterans and citizens alike. It a beautifully tranquil sight filled with poignancy and reverence.

Please enjoy.

Thank you veterans everywhere.

Fianlly a uniquely great book!

I don't have a whole lot of time to blog at this exact moment...

But I just finished my Spring Reading Thing with Water for Elephants and I have to say

I love this book.
It was unique - the setting, the characters, the history, even the romance
It was compelling - the writing was tight and flowed and flowered with out either getting in the way of the reading
And it was sad, and heartbreaking and depressing but I loved it!!

A must read? Maybe not for everyone its no beach reader. It makes you feel. It deals with the nature of people and their inherent reactions to joy, tragedy, and life. And people being people, they aren't always great.

Still you root for the good guys and boo the bad guys and the end rolls around and you are not sorry you did. nor do you care about the sleep you missed finishing it!

Posies in the Planter

I'm not very good with outdoor things, like plants or lawns. I never really learned it. Mostly because I don't stay out that long before a bug or a bee or a spider comes creeping along and chases me back inside.

But I"m trying ;)

This year I decided to try it again. Everyone else had such lovely flowers around their homes and it makes it all look so cozy. So on a whim I went to the flower shop.

And brought home some unfortunate adoptees. Bet they feel like they got the worst new parent every! ;)

I love geraniums and think they look so full and rich. And I decided on traditional red. I wanted some dusty miller to put with this but they were all sold out.


The bare spot there next to my hostas were boxwoods that died a couple winters ago that I had pulled out. I'm going to get some transplant variegated hostas to put on either side of my solid green. There's a large picture window above there it will highlight nicely I hope.

I miss placed my other planter, so I opted for a hanging basket. I sure hope it's big enough. Another red Geranium and some of the trailing vinca.

Continuing the red and white theme... there had been a lily plant here, she's a yellow lilly but the growth was looking too wispy there in this small corner planter. So I moved her to another corner. The funny thing about that is...well I did that 2 years ago. I moved her. She moved herself back. Now I'm sure it was just some part of the root I missed that took and regrew...but I"m telling ya! It didn't just die where I had transplanted it, it disappeared! And as it did, it appeared growing in the triangle!

I have the hedgehog on the lookout for it now.

 And I love petunias! I hope they bring hummingbirds this year.

Here's a look down the rest of the bed. It didn't turn out quite how I'd envisioned. But I absolutely Love IT
Oldest Angel and Youngest Angel wanted on the bandwagon too. So they each got to pick out something to plant.

Oldest Angel  chose this perinial lilly. Of course it's orange. We didn't know they came in pink ;) She wanted orange anyway. Lillies are her favorite! How can ya say no to a favorite!

Youngest Angel chose this...and I didn't even know what it was. But I love the dainty flowers and the color...oh yeah... it doesnt fit in my red and white scheme either. Oh well ;) I think I remember it says its a Silene Rolly's Favorite. I like them, they remind me of dainty floral patterned cloth. Color scheme color smeme ;)

And the salsa fixins - green peppers - bell

Tomatos - need to go back and get 2 more cages. Which is being very optimistic that they will live!

And throughout the whole planting project, my overseer. Juliette, she's dainty and must like the flowers! Actually with that look I'm thinking she's liking anything that brings the birds and the bunnies closer! Good thing she never goes outside!

I'll keep you posted on how it goes. The weeds will get brave enough to make a return soon I"m sure and I have had in the past a terrible fight with crab grass getting into these beds.

As I write this I noticed that the OA's Lilly is in bloom but it's a very foggie morning here and I don't think I could get a very good picture. Maybe after bit.

Wish the orphans luck and any tips are always appreciated!


Linking to Outdoor Wednesday this week! Woohoo! Out doors is getting so much more fun with this summer-ish weather!

Life is her highway!

I put it off as long as I could. Oldest Angel turned 16 in February and since winter isn't a great time to get one, I put off letting her get her drivers license until this past Friday.

Then came the next hurdle...

Actually letting her leave without me.

And yes, she thinks I'm crazy for taking this picture

Can you see that look? That look says "really? really mom?" as I proudly watch her reach for her seatbelt.

And look over her shoulder to back out.

Then... she was gone...

And I worried...but low and behold!!!!

She made it back safe and sound!!! My car did too, but that's just a bonus! She's what I was concerned about! ;)

How many sleepless nights await? I'm sure it will be more than she will ever ever know and only years from now understand.

As the apron strings begin to unravel and the people I grew start to venture out, I can only pray I gave them what they need and I swear, if they are successful, effective people...mostly it is not because of me but despite me.

As a single mom I'm entitled to double worry and luckily double love!

I'm adding this to A Southern Daydreamer's Outdoor Wednesday Event. It was very very eventful in my book :)

Ms. Fix-it

One of the severe drawbacks to living alone is not having someone around to do tasks...you know...little fix it projects, big fix it projects or simply the things I have no idea how to do.

Like a totally clogged sink.

Except I had a pretty good idea what was wrong.

See there are 3 of us and well, we all have manes..not just hair but thick, coarse, loooong hair! And sometimes we wash said locks in...uh huh.... the sink. The dilemma was pretty clear. The sink was full of hair

 I said hair, not HARE!


And I thought I would have to call a plumber, butt the thought was frightening.

 So I took a minute and thought about it...really. I know the logic of a gravity sink, and I know the idea behind a snake, and I have a big wrench. and a bucket.

So I tackled it...by my self. My wrench, my bucket and a good idea. And it worked. I pulled the trap apart under the sink and I'm pretty sure I actually pulled out Chewbacca!

Note to anyone who wants to get inspired enough to try this....this. did. NOT. smell. pleasant!

But when I put it all back together...and it DID all go back together which was another one of my worries...it ran faster than since I've lived here! Well worth the effort and a character building risk ;)

An Easter Table

I'm posting this a little late. I know that. We had such fun with Easter dinner this year. Just making it relaxing and spring time pretty. Our weather here was beautiful so I wanted spring around me everywhere.

Linking to Tablescape Thursday over at Between Naps on the Porch too

A Tiny Table overflowing with family and love.

My Grandmother's China. She lived in West Virginia and was a school teacher. My Mom got me the beaded placemats. The silverware is nothing special and not even sure where it came from. It's just my everyday stuff. The napkin rings I got all 4 for $1.00 at the second hand store here in my little town.

Isn't he sweet? From my mom. Easter with the Shabby Rabbit without bunnies? Now that would just not be right.

The Host - Stephanie Meyer : An Opinion not a really a review

I find I had to  keep reminding myself that this is aimed at the young adult audience. Or else I would have put it down.

Don't get me wrong. The premise was wonderful! Brilliant even. A concept I've toyed with but could never bring to fruition and Ms. Meyers did and really very well!

It was the writing. And the languid pace. And her romanticism of the tough female protagonist stoically bearing abuse both mental and physical..and worse  rationalizing it with "I had it coming". And her advocating her protagonist lieing about her age with the hope of sex with an older man. (which, thankfully, is only alluded to!!)

Did I say this was a young adult book?

My 15 year old daughter read this and of course the Twilight series and felt this one was better and I hate to disappoint her by not liking it. I'll give her this. The premise WAS better and at least unique and original, but the stilted writing, trite dialog, and fluff filled plot was just not enough for me to 'really' like it.

Have I read worse? Oh most certainly...I'm honest enough to admit I've written worse! The disappointment lies with how good the idea was to not be well developed.

I hate not liking a book. And I'm sorry to say so here in print. And I'm sure it has its fans and that's great! And I'm not opposed to reading for 'escape-ism" so it's not that I'm a total book snob either. (I have 2 shelves full of Stephen King). This just didn't do it for me.

I will, however, give it the props it does deserve for an interesting premise

2//5  (2 on a scale of 1-5, 5 being best)

Ah fickle spring

It's the first day of spring on the calendar, but the weather says otherwise. Two days ago the snow was long gone, the temperature was in the 60's, the motorcycles were out and I was beginning to worry about what I was going to do about this atrocious landscaping around here.

Today, the thoughts were more to, getting the car cleaned off, hoping it doesn't last long, and that my daffodil buds are ok.

Very important day tomorrow! Someone in our household (youngest angel)  turns 15. I think I have a thing or two she'll be happy with. For one I'm about 1/2 way through with the remodeling of a basement storage room into a 2nd bathroom, mostly for her use :) I can't wait until that's done for her!!!

Spring - Reading and digging

Can't wait to get to some of these. Sometimes I'm so anxious to get to the next book, I don't give my current book the focus it deserves. The one I'm on now, is NOT that kind of book. (it doesn't really deserve it, but I've started it so I may as well keep going)

     1) The Host - Stephanie Meyer

     2) Sara's Key - Tatiana de Rosnay

 

     3) Looking For Alaska - John Green (he's one of my forever favorites!)

     4) Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen

That's all for me. I'm still in the midst of bathroom remodels. ~~ I got the gray paint on the wall and I LOVE it!!! :) The dove gray and white will work out splendidly! Anyway, so I won't have as much time to devote to reading because I won't be able to get to bed early, which is when I DO all my reading.

I'm also in the midst of a landscaping crisis...the crisis is there is none in front of my tiny house and I hate any that is anywhere else around my tiny house...I need a total re-do. And I'm not a plant person...actually I'm a plant serial killer I"m afraid, so I have no idea where to start...except simple.

I even toyed with the idea of simply doing hostas all the way around. pretty cheesy huh?

Catching up

I never get a chance to do the relaxing, putz around things I love it seems. At least not anymore. Consequently, I don't get here too often.

I've accomplished some things I set out to do that are pretty fun!

I'm working on adding a bathroom to my basement...or my carpenter is. I have before pictures and will so happily post afters, once I get there...color scheme is gray and white.

I finished my fall reading list (plus a couple) just in time to start a spring one...ohhh decisions!

I've gotten some good bargains, just no time to post about them...totally jonesing for yard sale season!

And the love life...well they still call me the one date wonder :)

Life on life's terms

Wow it's been so long since I've posted anything! I can't believe I've had so little to say!! Neither would anyone who knows me. :)

And what turns this little life takes...the last post...yeah, I don't think I've found any of the books on that list. As a matter of fact I'll tell ya a secret...I read a Stephen King book most recently...shhhh. It's my guilty pleasure.


I'm in the process of reading Three Cups of Tea at the moment. I do so wish I had more time to read! I'm falling asleep with the book in my hand at night and barely getting a full chapter read.

Oh and at Christmas time (yeah I know, seems like forever ago), I got some of the best deals at our Church decorations sale (proceeds of which went to the Star program) and never got around to posting any pics of my lucky finds. And I love them all so!

My oldest turns 16 in 2 weeks and I have no idea what to get her. Besides paying for her school trip to NY and letting her go to Warped Tour this summer. I think that's pretty good. On her actual birthday I'm hoping to get her a NYC t-shirt. I think that would be fun.

Now where? hmmmm

Reading intentions

In perusing the internet yesterday, I found the Women of Faith book club! Because of the time involved I don't think I can join, but I am adding their book list to my book list! Right now I'm still working on my Fall into Reading Challenge of which I only have 1 book on my list done. I was wholly unimpressed with the touted Ayn Rand and gave up on Atlas Shrugged after 200 pages. I HATE giving up on books and may go back to it after I finish my current read - Jane Eyre. I enjoy it but only have a few minutes before bed to devote to it. I'm excited to embark on a genre that I haven't spent much time in, but is close to my heart!

Here is the link to the WOF Book Club page:
http://www.womenoffaith.com/bookclub/

Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater

I've been watching 3 of these guys for a couple of weeks now. This pumpkin was whole and unblemished (and looked pretty nice as part of my display!) before these guys started in on it. As destructive as they are.....they sure are cute!! And my cats are very entertained watching them.

Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater

Had a wife and couldn't keep her

He put her in a pumpkin shell...

And there he kept her very well.

Who knew that nursery rhyme was about squirrels! I couldn't get outside to catch him/her 'at home', so I had to take this through the window. Which doesn't make for the clearest, sharpest photos. And then I had to hurry to keep my little kitties head out of the way!

I'm linking to Outdoor Wednesday and hope you get a chance to get over there and see all the wonder that is shared!

Keep the change

During the sermon this morning the pastor was talking on materialism and stinginess. He used the analogy of Scrooge, and how no one would want to be known as a Scrooge. Heads nodded. Afterall, here is a man we all know was an atrocious slave to the almighty dollar...

But wait, didn't anyone but me watch (or read) this story of the man named Scrooge all the way to the end? And I got to thinking...this is what's hard about our world. Once we've been judged one way, no one seems to want us to change, although they seem pretty up front about telling us how we 'ought' to change...

Back to Scrooge...he was brought to his senses, he saw the error of his ways. (dare I say he repented?). He became a benefactor to the Cratchit family, helped them raise their children and even saved the life of Tiny Tim...He SAVED A LIFE! Yup, that's Scrooge....

It was said of Scrooge that he knew how to keep Christmas better than anyone...think of what that means...does that mean his own house looked better? His Christmas Eve suit was the newest? Doubt it! He kept Christmas. You Go Scrooge!...

He became generous and loving, fun and amiable, but no one wants to remember THAT, they only remember the BAHUMBUG. A Bahumbug attitude that Scrooge had wholly (or Holy) left behind. Why should we keep sticking the "I'm a humbug" sign back on his back?

If we need to change wouldn't we want the old signs on our backs to fall away? To be seen for our progress? If we can't allow other people to change, how are we ever going to reach (by our words, works, or as an example) those whose wrongs are so severe, addictions that are ingrained and even embraced? If those who've never had the opportunity to see what relationship with God can do in a life only know about Church God through the words, works, and example of those who won't remember change, how will they ever know the other life and the JOY of it?

So I say:
YES, I am a Scrooge!! And proud of it. I have left bad ways and wrong living, I am trying to grow and change still! Let me!! And hey...COME WITH me!

You can be a Scrooge too!! leave that Bahumbug sign behind!!!

It's a Bumn, a but, a bump...It's a CAKE! - (from scratch even)

In my last post I had made Cage Bars for the drama club's concession stand during intermission of the fall production. They turned out pretty good. I expected the filling to be a little cheesecakier? maybe, but still they were tasty! (I only swiped a little bitty bar).

And I couldn't remeber what C.A.G.E. actually stood for. Cardinals Acting Guild Entourage. Cardinals being the school mascot obviously. Yay me! :)

I also had a list of places I need to provide treats besides the CAGE event, and the next one is tomorrow night at Beth Moore Bible Study (Ester if anyone has ever done Beth Moore's and is curoius).

I had found a recipe for pumpkin spice cake on Pinch My Salt (here).

I gathered the ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice*
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
1 cup canned pumpkin
3/4 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  And I notice how much I shop at Wal-Mart! I run out and get All-spice, fresh Vanilla, and nutmeg while the eggs and sour cream are coming to room temperature.

Then I follow the directions to a T. At which point I forgot to take pictures.
Directions 
     1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a Bundt pan (or even better, use Baker’s Joy spray).
     2. In a medium bowl, sift or whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices; set  aside.
     3. In a large bowl combine eggs, sour cream, pumpkin, and oil. Beat well with a hand mixer (or use a stand mixer), scraping down sides with a spatula, until everything is well blended. Add flour mixture a little at a time, beating well after each addition, until everything is well combined. Scrape down sides, then blend in the vanilla extract.
     4. Pour batter into prepared Bundt pan and bake in the center of a 350 degree oven for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean. Let cool on wire rack for ten minutes, then invert cake onto wire rack and let cool completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar immediately before serving if desired.
     Yield: 10-12 servings
     Recipe Notes: *Pumpkin pie spice can be substituted with 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or make your own combination). Make sure to butter your Bundt pan really well and get into all the crevices. I like to use a spray like Baker’s Joy because I’ve never had a problem with cakes sticking to the pan when I use it.

I waited patiently and crossed my fingers.

I have never made a bundt cake

I have never ever made a cake from scratch.

It came out and smelled terrific! I got nervous on the inversion but....

Here's how it turned out...again, I have no idea about how it tastes! I hope it's as moist and yummy looking as the one over on Pinch My Salt. I'll know tomorrow night...if it's not there's always the cheese tray to snack on. :)

UPDATE!!
I took the cake to Bible study...and low and behold through the miracle of hectic schedules...I had my date written down wrong. It wasn't my night. So I apologized and asked everyone to be my guinne pig anyway :) Plus I will find another recipe to try for when it IS my night!

It was a very good cake! I think for my oven I'd reduce cooking time by at least 5 minutes. Mine wasn't as pretty and moist as the one shown over on Pinch My Salt, but still nicely moist! My mom makes a similar cake with the addition of walnuts and chocolate chips. I'd call my first attempt at a scratch cake a sucess!