Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver

I struggled with this book. I have tried several times to get beyond the first 60 pages, but can't. A huge shame, but there is something about the way the author writes that I struggle with. I had similar feelings with another novel by the same author.

Blue Slipper Bay by Wendy K Harris

Started this book, while sitting in the departure lounge at Bristol airport sipping a iced mocha from Starbucks, complete with cream, to cheer me up for a delayed flight. That was Tuesday evening and by Wednesday night, in Leeds I had finished the book. It certainly helped by heartburn from having dinner on Tuesday night so late!

The book was lovely, a very gentle story and one that I really enjoyed. My only disappointment was that I had not read the first book, but no matter. The characters were warm and felt very real, and the emotions displayed in the book by Sophie & Nick could easily be identifiable.

Looking forward to reading the next in the trilogy.

Welcome to the Great Mysterious by Lorna Landvik

I wasn't convinced that I was enjoying this books, then all of a sudden I was caught up in the depths of the book, enjoying as a Geneva starts to bond and feel comfortable with her Nephew Rick. Like , I found that there were a few laughs and tears.

The Boy Who Loved Anne Frank: A Novel by Ellen Feldman

This book was a work of fiction based upon a true event, and I was mid way through the book before I re-read the dust jacket. The families of Peter and Anne went into hiding in Holland during World War Two. During that time Anne kept a diary and both amazingly and sadly the book survived the horrors of the War, whereas the only surviver of the two families was infact Anne's father.

In the book, we follow the life of Peter. How he would have coped and rebuilt his life; and found someways of dealing with being the survivor, when all his loved ones did not. In the book, Peter is wrestling with his inner self; he pretends that he is not Jewish, builds a wall of silence that even his wife and business partner can not break through.

This is a well pulled together, thought provoking book and one based on the word IF.

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

The gentle story of Georgia and her daughter Dakota. Georgia is a single mum. James, Dakota's father moved from the USA to France and Georgia was left to raise their baby alone. Through a meeting with a lady in the park she starts Walker and Daughter a yarn shop, which is the venue for the Friday Knitting Club. Life is calm and progressive, until James re enters their lives and wants to get to know his daughter. Just as things start to develop between Georgia and James, something dreadful happens, which leaves the family and friends of Georgia devastated. A really good book, interspersed with knitting pattens and recipes. This is the story of determination, friendship and love.

Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald

This is the story of Tami, who receives the gift from her parents of a small bottle of American sand and a plane ticket to America. Such simple gifts, but with a very special meaning. Tami flies to America, on the flight she removes her hejab and has a glass of wine, both actions are forbidden in Iran. Tami has about to start a new chapter in her life, and to do so, she must marry within 3 months, or return to Iran. Tami meets a group through her English language classes and Ike, who works at the local Starbucks. She starts to build her life, always aware that the clock on her visa is ticking. She meets two men, who will marry her,but each in their own way wish to control her just as as though they would be in Iran. Just as it appears that Tami will have to return to Iran, she is presented with a situation that enables her to follow her heart.

For me this was a very reflective storyline. It enables me to appreciate how lucky I am to live in a different and free society and like all good books, this will remain with me for some time to come.

Meme!

snaffled from Beebarf on Live Journal

I am a Canna What Flower Are You?

Book Meme

Snaffled from Caffyolay on Live Journal

Hardback, trade paperback or mass market paperback?
Either

Barnes & Noble or Borders?
Any bookshop is wonderful!

Bookmark or dog-ear?
Book mark or anything to prevent me from dog-earing a page. I've even been know to use loo roll!

Amazon or brick and mortar?

Alphabetize by author or alphabetize by title or random?
Usually by size of book

Keep, throw away or sell?
Usually keep

Keep dust jacket or toss it?
Keep

Read with dust jacket or remove it?
With dust jacket

Short story or novel?
Novel

Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket?
Harry Potter

Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks?
Both

"It was a dark and stormy night" or "Once upon a time"?
"It was a dark and stormy night"

Buy or borrow?
Buy or perhaps a book ring.

New or used?
Either, I buy both

Buying choice: book reviews, recommendations or browse?
All of these

Tidy ending or cliffhanger?
Depends on the book.

Morning reading, afternoon reading, night-time reading?
Whenever possible! - If I find the book totally gripping I will read and read until finished then feel quite sad that it is finished!

Stand-alone or series?
Both, but I do like to read a series back to back

Favourite series?
I'm greedy, and having more than one - Books by Jennifer Chiaverini, Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, Diana Gabaldon & Harry Potter

Favourite children's book?
Spiderwick Chronicles

Favourite YA book?
Not sure

Favourite book of which nobody else has heard?
THE SAMPLER (A Miscellany of other people’s lives) by Judith S. Campbell

Favourite books read last year?
STRENGTH WITHIN: THE GRANGER CHRONICLES by Lee Ann Eckhardt Smith

THE PIANO SHOP ON THE LEFT BANK by Thad Carhart

Favourite books of all time?

Floating Brothel by SIan Rees & A town like Alice by Neville Shute

Least favourite book finished last year?
THE SALT LETTERS by Christine Balint

What are you reading right now?
Just finished Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald

What are you reading next?
Welcome to the Great Mysterious by Lorna Landvik

Favourite book to recommend to an eleven-year old?
Harry Potter series

Favourite book to reread?
Too many to mention

Do you ever smell books?
Yes!

Do you ever read Primary source documents?
Yes

Blue Latitudes by Tony Horwitz

I really enjoyed this book. It was the mix of travel and history, intermingled with good humour. The author follows the trail of Captain Cook, from Tahiti through to New Zealand,Botony Bay,The Great Barrier Reef,Savage Island,Tonga,North Yorkshire, London, Alaska and Hawaii. This book is truely history brought alive.

Buried treasure: travels through the jewel box by Victoria Finlay

I did enjoy this book; it was a steady combination of history,travel,geology and social anthropology. It was a very informative book, but I did find, like the previous reader of the book ring, that the author was fairly clinical about how she pulled the threads of the book together, but nonetheless, I did find the book interesting.

A Gentle Madness : Bibliophiles, Bibliomanes, and the Eternal Passion for Books by Nicholas Basbanes

I have had this book much too long (it arrived in January!), but I have devoured it slowly! This arrived but remained as home reading because of its lack of portability. What a wonderful read, and I have just purchased my own copy of this super book. I especially enjoyed reading of the library of Samuel Pepys, and the historical aspect of how libraries became established.

Homework, Week 16, 2007: Vivid Memories

Describe the clearest, most vivid memory of your childhood.....

I consider myself to be lucky; I can remember back to the age of about 3 years old. Visiting my Great Grandmother, She was poorly, mainly due to being elderly, when I was 3 years old, she would have been 93. She would invite me to sit on her bed and cuddle up, which once I was lifted onto the bed, I of course did. She was fun great grandma and always had time for me, even though I must have exhausted her! She would sit, leaning against 3 or 4 pillows with a beaming smile. She had a rounded face and her silvery hair pulled back into a bun. I don't remember her passing away, or even being aware that I was no longer visiting her.

I have some super photos of her, but this one is my favourite.



Sitting down is my great great Grandmother Caroline Harris, nee Ellis (born 1844) with four of her children, Annie (far left) was my great grandmother, along with her sisters Mabel, Kate and Rose.

Do It Tomorrow and Other Secrets of Time Management by Mark Forster

A fascinating read, with some useful concepts for time management and clearing those backlogs! Written in simple and easy to understand language.

- Be able to declare a ‘backlog’ of work

- Be aware that having a priority list can be an excuse for being reactive to so-called emergency tasks and leaving ‘less important’ tasks until whenever

- Be disciplined and ordered, and have systems and stick to them

- Being on top of work is important and desirable, as it allows for a better work home balence

- Closed Lists are much better than open-ended ‘to do’ lists...better to have a smaller contained ‘will do’ checklist

- Little-and-often gets the job done!

- Starting is the hardest part and once you have the rest is easy!

Today's Guardian Supplement

The UK newspaper ,"The Guardian" (Saturday) has a 92-page supplement on Family History. Aimed at beginners, it guides the way to take research further.

Read the online version

Happy reading!

Who Do You Think You Are?

The Society of Genealogist Fair have teamed to host the Who Do you think you are ? Live



The entrance fee has increased from £8 to £20 per person, but there is a special offer on at the moment of 2 for £20 + a £1.30 service charge. The venue has changed this year and is the price includes the costs of any of the workshops. (To get the special ticket price you need to book by 22nd April)

I've been pondering if to attend. I usually make the effort to the usual SOG fair at the beginning of May and tie it in with a small dollop of retail therapy at Guildford and see some relatives. Hubby doesn't think he'll come to the venue, which happens to be Olympia this year, but will go fishing at a fishery he has been itching to try.

Are there any other Genealogical Book Crossers going?

Books With Stories

I spotted this on Flickr. Fascinating blog, all about old books - perfect!

More Katie Fforde's!

Catching up on my Journaling and Live Journaling. I read these three last month, they were a poor attempt to reduce mount TBR!

Stately Pursuits by Katie Fforde

Hetty goes to housesit for Great Uncle Samuel, the house is falling apart, and Samual's heir has plans for the rambling house, but after meeting Hetty can he follow them through?.......



Wild Designs by Katie Fforde

After losing her job, Althea decides to develop her passion for gardening. When she wins the opportunity to design a garden at the Chelsea Flower Show - with the unexpected help of gorgeous architect Patrick Donahugh - it looks as though she may have unearthed a new man as well as a new career.



Life Skills by Katie Fforde

A combination of overwork and jet-leg propel Julia Fairfax into becoming engaged to a golf-playing wine buff called Oscar. When she realises that she has fonder feelings for his adorable Labrador than for Oscar himself, she is forced to confront the fact that there is something drastically wrong. So, she ditches her fiance, jacks in her job and decides to revolutionise her life…

Her new career as a cook on a pair of hotel boats is certainly a departure, and teaches her more about life than how to get a couple of narrow boats through a lock. But even afloat Julia's past catches up with her. Not only must she contend with the persistent Oscar (not to mention his frightful mother and her own mother's determined matchmaking), but also the arrival of her childhood enemy, the enigmatic Fergus Grindley

NSSEB April 2007

NSSEB April 2007
Originally uploaded by AnglersRest.

My NSSEB pressie from Amarula40

Hestercombe Gardens

Hestercombe Gardens 027
Originally uploaded by AnglersRest.

It was a beautiful day so decided to take advantage of the great weather and visit Hestercombe Gardens (http://www.hestercombegardens.com) in Cheddar Fitzpaine near Taunton. This is one of my favourite photos and is of Mum and Stuart in the gardens.

Lucinda's Secret Book 3 of Spiderwick Chronicle by Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi

Another great little book in this series; full of wonderful words such as boggart! I've not read the second book in the series, but it was easy enough to fill the gaps from the first book.

Kids these days are so lucky with these lovely books.

Coyote Dreams by Jessica Davis Stein

After a slightly slow start I could feel myself becoming absorbed into this book. A business trip buying Native Indian art work for the family successful New York stores leads Sarah to meet and subsequently fall in love with Ben Lonefeather. Ben has struggled; he lives alone sharing his life with three coyote pups he rescued, his life is built around self preservation and he spends his time making jewellery and sculpting.

This is not a typical love story. It is the story of two people from different walks of life, different religon's and cultures. Are they prepared, once they admit they love each other to build a life together without others approval?

After a slightly slow start I could feel myself becoming absorbed into this book, and I really enjoyed it. It is written in a very comfortable manner and the storyline has a very gentle feel to it. One for the permanent collection!

Sisters in the Wilderness by Charlotte Gray

A fascinating account of two sisters who married and migrated to Canada out of necessity in the early 1830s. Even though these two women (and the family they left behind) were authors, they were not exempt the severe hardship that pioneering Canada would entail. Ironically, when I bought the book I had not been aware that the very area they had migrated too, was infact the area where my own family would migrate too twenty years later.

The book gives not only details of the life the two women experienced in Canada, but of the life that was endured by their relatives back in England and the circumstances that lead to them migrating in the first place. This is the story of two very brave and resourceful women, who were ahead of their time.

There are some wonderfully descriptive passages showing just what pioneering this part of Canada meant. Buying land, clearing the forest areas and establishing and building a house. Meanwhile, both the sisters relied heavily on their spouses, this was a time when men made the decisions, good and bad and women endured the outcome. Nonetheless, both sisters commenced their writing career in Canada, and later, so did their brother Samuel. Their sister Agnes, who remained in England also wrote and assisted them as best she could.

A lovely descriptive and informative book, complete with photographs (not colour),maps,sources,several family trees and an index

The Our Roots web page has various books online. These are the books available online from this family.

Life in the Clearings Versus the Bush by Susanna Moodie

The Canadian Emigrant Housekeeper's Guide by Catherine Parr Traill (1802-1899)

Twenty-seven years in Canada West, or, The experience of an early settler. Vol. 1 & Vol 2 by Agnes Strickland & Samuel Strickland

The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai

I am disappointed to say that I have really struggled with this book. I found it immensely difficult to remain focused despite holding onto the book for over the month. I am now at the point that if I can't manage it in five weeks I'm probably not going to.

It is very rare that I give a book less than 5/10, alas this scored a 4. A huge shame as I had been looking forward to reading it.

Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich

Arrived the day before I was heading off on a business trip. I could not resist this one and ring jumped it! It proved to be ideal travel & hotel reading, and I wasn't disappointed with number 12 of the series.

Stephanie does seem to get into some real pickles; and I found this one as funny as the rest of the series. There is less of Grandma and Stephanie appears to be growing up, ever so slightly! and of course more of Morelli and Ranger.....wonderful!

Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde

Another great book from Katie Fforde. If it is book to escape with you can not go far wrong with one written by Katie Fforde!

Anna has bought a lovely cottage that needs lots doing to it. She can put her hand to any DIY job, and plans to get the house up and running within budget. She forms a lovely friendship with the lady who lives next door. With a short time, Anna has acquired a dog called Caroline and has met the "dog and building police" to whom Anna finds herself slightly attracted to. Then there is her old college lecturer.......

Paradise Fields by Katie Fforde

Nell is a widow, with three children, all at college. Nell spends lots of time fundraising for the local hospice who use the land called Paradise Fields owned by one of the locals. When he dies, the land is passed to his son who has, along with the director of the hospice and a local builder has other ideas. Nell decides to find a way around this and then enters the Solicitor for the family, despite being on opposing sides, Nell is attracted to him.......

The Rose Revived by Katie Fforde

The story of May,Sally & Harriet. They met by chance whilst working for "Slimeball Slater" and when they realised they were being exploited they decided to form their own company. Each of them are short of money and yet they get by despite some serious upsets and of course all live happily everafter with the men of their dreams, eventually!

Another relaxing read from Katie Fforde

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

From Random Books

"This is a truly extraordinary book which has already become a bestseller all over the world in hardback. Read as much by adults as the older children for whom it was originally published, it is the story of a 9yr old called Bruno, another boy called Schmuel – and a fence. It is Berlin, year 1942.

When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far, far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance. But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. And that’s when he meets Schmuel – the boy in the striped pyjamas."

Written from the perspective of a child, complete with the innocence of childhood, this was an incrediably powerful story, and one that will remain with me for sometime.

Tracing Your Roots, 4.30-5.00pm Radio 4

Tracing Your Roots, 4.30-5.00pm, 12th March. Serial of 6.

New series. Sally Magnusson explores how to trace your family history and delve into ancestors' lives and times. The team would welcome your input with stories of family history or burning questions about how to do the detective work. email: tracingyourroots@bbc.co.uk
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/tracingyourroots/pip/q43t2/

Bricks and Mortals,11-11.30am Radio 4

Bricks & Mortals, 11-11.30am Starting 9th March Radio 4. Series of 4.

Series bringing the past to life through historic buildings and the imaginary lives of the ordinary people who lived there. Series of 4.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/bricksandmortals/

Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom

I finished this book over the weekend, and wanted to take a few days to reflect on it. I found that it was actually a powerful book, allowing us as readers to identify with ourselves that we really don't know what is around the corner. We each have someone who has in someway shaped our lives or perhaps someone that we greatly admire. This was the story of admiration,friendship,understanding, acceptance, death and mortality. Morrie had such dignity that was actually refreshing and I feel that we can all learn a great deal from this book, no matter how often it is read. Definitely one for the bookshelf and I shall acquire a copy for my PC.

The Florabama Ladies' Auxiliary & Sewing Circle by Lois Battle

The very gentle story of women who come together through circumstance and not choice. What continues to bind them together is friendship,understanding and appreciation of each others achievements. There is not much sewing, as the title might imply, but it does bind the women together. It is a delighful book illustrating that every cloud has a silver lining!

NSSVS Feb 2006

NSSVS Feb 2006
Originally uploaded by AnglersRest.

I simply have no willpower and opened up my pressie early this morning. Thanks wilksie for two books from my wish list and a selection of goodies!

Circle of Quilters (Elm Creek Quilters Novels) by Jennifer Chiaverini

Two of the Elm Creek Quilters are leaving. That means that Sarah, Sylvia & the Elm Creek Quilters need to interview for replacements. - Meet Anna, a chef and quilter frustrated with her boyfriend Gordon who I think is very shifty!. There is Karen who is a stay at home Mum with two young children, whose husband takes her for granted and doesn't really understand that Karen needs more of a challenge in her life. Maggie is another applicate whose interest was spoarked when she came across a quilt at a garage sale and purchased it for $5.00, she researches the history of the quilt and the woman who made it and publishes a book. Russell, the only male applicant who discovers his passion for quilting as he struggles to overcome his grief following his wife's death, and lastly Gretchen whose good nature has been abused by "friend" Heidi, who takes Gretchen's business plan and request for help set up a quilting shop and makes it her own.

Each applicant enjoys quilting and has a lot to give Elm Creek, but who will Sarah, Sylvia and the team choose?

I am so disappointed, this is the last Elm Creek novel on my bookshelf, well until book 10 is published!

The Christmas Quilt (Elm Creek Quilters Novels) by Jennifer Chiaverini

A really lovely little book, from the size of the book (18 x 12.5cms), the decorative dust jacket, and storyline. Indeed the cover has a "read me" feel to it and I wonder just how I resisted to read for so long, but I have read the books in order of publishing.

The book is actually set between The Quilters Apprentice and Round Robin. Sarah and Sylvia are in the attics of Elm Creek Manor hunting for the Christmas decorations. Instead of removing to the foyer two chests and a box, Sarah brings an extra box. Upon opening it they discover the Christmas Quilt.

As Sylvia explains to Sarah the history of the quilt, that it was worked on by her great aunt, her mother,her sister and herself, her memory spirals back to past Christmas's,to those of her childhood, including and especially the last Christmas that her beloved mother was alive, the Christmas following the Wall Street Crash and the subsequent Depression in the US (1929-1930). Also remembered is that last Christmas when Andrew spent it with the family as a young boy, the making of Apple Struddles using a recipe that has been passed down from previous generations both in America and Germany.The traditions of the newest wed couple selecting a Christmas tree from Elm Creek grounds and when Sylvia and her late husband selected the tree and coincidence involving Sarah and her husband Matt some 60 years later.

The Sugar Camp Quilt: (An Elm Creek Quilts Novel) by Jennifer Chiaverini

The very gentle story of Dorothea Granger, who we, as readers meet in The Runaway Quilt. Dorothea is the very close friend of Sylvia's great great aunt Greta. This story unfolds the life that Dorothea endured before she meets Greta, from a young 19 year old who discovers that her Uncle Jacob, although a tyrant due to the loss of his wife and children, has actually been helping slaves on the run to safety. Dorothea and her family decide to continue their deceased relative's work.

The Master Quilter (Elm Creek Quilters Novels) by Jennifer Chiaverini

Sylvia has married her childhood friend Andrew and she is happy and her friends delighted for her, but something is amiss. There is an undercurrent of the Elm Creek Quilters being unsettled. Bonnie is about to face a divorce and her business is struggling, Diane continues her feud with Mary Ann, and so the lives of the Elm Creek Quilters are unravelled. Despite all this, the Quilters and the friends they have made along the way make secretly a Bridal Quilt and present to Sylvia and Andrew....regardless of all odds friendship shines through.....

Weekend Review

Kitchen Floor
Originally uploaded by AnglersRest.

Over the weekend we decided to crack on with the kitchen/breakfast room. It is a huge room, 27 foot, but was originally two rooms when the house was built in 1896. At some point, these two rooms were knocked into one to make a lovely spacious room to enjoy, but a daunting experience to decorate.

We nearly have all the wall paper off, and decided that the tiled floor was now going to come up. We purchased a hammer drill, which removed the tiles like cutting through butter. The floor underneath the tiles is concrete, despite the hall and lounge being floorboards. We came across an inscription in the concrete from when the floor was last done - I've loaded a photo, but reads J Burgess 1970. Was that the owner or perhaps builder/decorator.
I need to access a local phone book for that year or a house directory.

The Quilter's Legacy (Elm Creek Quilters Novels) by Jennifer Chiaverini

The very gentle story of Sylvia's search for her mother's quilts. Sylvia is about to marry her long term friend Andrew. She remembers her mother's quilts and searches the attic, only to be told that the quilts were sold by her sister Claudia when money was short. Sylvia explores and researches what happened to the quilts and begins to piece together her mother's ancestry, and the lives of her beloved family.

Another meme!

Spotted on pussreboot's LJ

Loneliness Quotient: 9%

Your Personalized Assessment Report:

Your LQ is incredibly low, indicative of quite a satisfying social life. Congratulations on scoring so low. Your relationships with friends are not a source of loneliness for you. You are doing well in this area. Your family is also not a source of loneliness for you. Sometimes family can put a strain on your life, but in your case things seem to be okay. Importantly, your current romantic situation seems not to be a source of unhappiness for you. You and your special man don't seem to have any major difficulties. Finally, a bright spot for you is that you don't suffer any major insecurity issues. This fact helps keep your LQ lower than what it might have been.

Take the Loneliness Quotient Test at Dating Diversions

The Runaway Quilt (Elm Creek Quilters Novels) by Jennifer Chaverini

This was a beautiful story, and for me the series of books gets better and better.

Sylvia is approached by a fellow quilter and shown a quilt named the Elm Creek Quilt. There is not obvious connection between the two women, but Sylvia's curosity is aroused and upon her return to Elm Creek she searches in the attic for the chest that legend has it contains several quilts. The chest indeed does contain quilts, three of them, and a journal. The memoirs of her great aunt, Gerda Bergstrom.

The memoirs reveal the early life of Gerda and her brother, their connection to a local family who became their friends and the story of Gerda's love for a local doctor. Through what is a terbulant time in American history, leading to the abolishion of slavery and the part Sylvia's family played in it. Summer, one of the Elm Creek quilters assists in searching at the local archives and soon, much of what is written in the memoirs is confirmed through other sources.

Although Jennifer Chiaverini states that this is a work of fiction, I can't help but wonder if there is just a strain of truth as the foundations for her book. Perhaps a diary or folklore than she has come across?

Personality Meme

Spotted on Molyneux's Live Journal


Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.

The Cross-Country Quilters (Elm Creek Quilters Novels) by Jennifer Chiaverini

Another satisfying book from Jennifer Chiaverini. As you read them, they are books that you can soak up and enjoy!

Julia, Megan, Donna, Grace, and Vinnie meet at the Elm Creek Camp to enjoy a week of quilting. Julia is an actress, attending camp because she needs to learn before her next movie, Megan & Donna are online friends who have never met,Vinnie is a regular to camp, whilst Grace is an old friend of Sylvia's.

As the week of the camp draws to a close the five women have formed a friendship,race,religion and geography can not affect. Pledging to return next year and complete their friendship quilt.

This book, is essentially about love,mothers & their children, and most importantly, friendships.

Snaffled from pookledo and

tiggsybabes

1. Where were you 1 hour ago? In the study, talking to my boss

2. Who will be your next kiss? Peck or tongues? From Stuart when he comes home this evening

3. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you? yes, mobile & slippers

4. When is the last time you went to the mall? Before Christmas

5. Are you wearing socks right now? No pink slippers

6. When was the last time you went out of the state? I went to Cornwall about 3 weeks ago for a meeting

7. Have you been to the movies in the last 7 days? No.

8. What was the last thing you had to drink? Cup of tea

9. What are you wearing right now? Blue jogging bottoms and a green top

10 Last food you ate? grapefruit & orange segments

11. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week? No.

12.Do you have a pet? Yes

13. What's the last sporting event you watched? I endured watching some fishing with Stuart

14. What was your favourite class in high school? History & English Lit

15 What is the last thing you purchased online? Book from eBay

16 How old are your parents? Approaching 60

17. Are you in love? Yes

18. Do you miss anyone? Yes, Stuart & my family in Australia

19. Last play you saw? The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in London about 10 years ago

20. Ever go camping? Not if I can help it - where would I plug in my hairdryer?

21. Were you an top set student in school? Yes. - History & English

22 Are you wearing any perfume or cologne? No.

23 Do you have a tan? No.

24 How old do you want to be when you have kids? 30s

25. Do you collect anything? Books, Early royal commemoratives & fishy things!

26. Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over? It's never happened

27 Have you ever drank your soda from a straw? No

28. Last time you took a shower? 6.30am

29 Are you someone's best friend? Yes

31. What's the last TV show you watched? Sky News at 8am

32. Do you own a Britney Spears C.D? No

33. Are you a Lost fanatic? No.

34. Have you ever eaten an entire pint, or more, ice cream by yourself? No

35. Do you sing obnoxiously in the car when you're driving alone? I sing badly whenever I sing!

36. Have you ever liked a girl/boy but didn't ask her/him out because you were afraid? Oh yes!

37. Have you ever written a poem/story about your love life? No

38. Do you eat all the servings in the food groups on a daily basis? Yes

39. What's the current ringtone on your cellphone? Harry Potter music

40. When you open your closet, what is the dominant colour of your wardrobe? dark - black,brown,navy & dark green

Monthly Reviews - January 2007

January seemed to go on forever. Despite being busy, it seemed a dreadfully long month. Several things happened I went to my endrocrinologist appointment last Friday.

We heard from two friends, one in New Zealand and One in Australia that they had, had new additions to their families, strangly enough both girls!

Mum and I spent several hours sorting out her pension arrangements for Feb, which she reaches the big 60! There is lots of form filling and each wretched form has to be accompanied with her birth certificate, which means they have to go, one after the other, which is understandable, but irritating!

I managed to keep up with my journaling for several projects, and the weekly journal over at

journaleers

Work is becoming more and more emotionally draining. I have an especially unpleasant situation happening at the moment. My CPD folder is in a mess and I am dreadfully behind writing everything up.

I reduced the ring pile from 10 at the start of the month. If I am totally honest, I've had a succession of books here, totaling between 7-10 since October! It has now reached the dizzy number of one book and I am almost done with it.

January was a month of reading, I read a total of 15 books, including 4 books scoring a 10 and several 9s. Actually there wasn't much I didn't enjoy. Here is my list, culled from my web page reading list.

1. KNITTING RULES! by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee *
2. YARN HARLOT, THE SECRET LIFE OF A KNITTER by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee *
3. THE MANGO SEASON by Amulya Malladi
4. FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND by Sarah Challis *
5. SAM’S LETTERS TO JENNIFER by James Patterson *
6. THE BIRTH ORDER BOOK by Dr Kevin Leman
7. TESTIMONY OF AN IRISH SLAVE GIRL by Kate McCafferty
8. THE JASMIN MOON MURDER (A Tea Shop Murder Mystery) by Laura Childs
9. NO! I DON’T WANT TO JOIN A BOOK CLUB by Virginia Ironside
10. (UN)ARRANGED MARRIAGE by Bali Rai
11. WILL YOU BE MOTHER?: WOMEN WHO CHOOSE TO SAY NO by Jane Bartlett
12. CROW LAKE by Mary Lawson
13. BOUND FOR MURDER by Laura Childs
14. THE QUILTER’S APPRENTICE (Elm Creek Novel Book 1) by Jennifer Chiaverini
15. ROUND ROBIN (Elm Creek Novel Book 2) by Jennifer Chiaverini

Round Robin: (Elm Creek Quilters Novels) by Jennifer Chiaverini

The story continues from book one. Elm Creek Quilt Camp has been running for two years, and even though the Camp is successful, each of the Elm Creek Quilters struggle with their own personal crisis or upset. Each member of the group relies on their resilence to deal with the problems and the wonderful friendship of the complete group. This is a book of friendships,past & present;past history and moving forward....and what better way to cement and honour friendship, than to make a quilt.

The Quilter's Apprentice (Elm Creek Quilters Novels) by Jennifer Chiaverini

What a fabulous book, I thoughly enjoyed the gentle storyline, with rich characters and descriptive scenes of learning how to quilt.

Sarah meets Sylvia after moving with her husband's job. Initially, it doesn't look as though Sylvia & Sarah are going to get along, but they do and Sarah commences work for Sylvia sorting out Sylvia's family home that she left suddenly as a young woman. Sarah meets some of the local quilting group and together with the help of the group & Sylvia, she makes a quilt for for Matt her husband.......

This was a story of starting over,friendship,regret,forgiveness and a new beginning.

Birth Month Means.....

Your Birth Month is October

You are a natural leader who is able to stand up when no one else can. Strong and powerful, you tend to overshadow those around you. Your soul reflects: Gratitude, comfort, and true love Your gemstone: Tourmaline Your flower: Cosmos Your colors: White and yellow

What Does Your Birth Month Mean?

Bound for Murder by Laura Childs

Started yesterday while at the hospital for an appointment and finished today. I love these books, they are easy and enjoyable reads.

I've read book one of the series, but not book two, but nonetheless, the story was easy to pick up. Carmela is still married to Shamus, and is slightly considering divorce, she now has a delightful dog call Boo, who dedicates his life to sleeping and being cute! This was a page turner, I simply had to find out who was responsible for the murder of Jamie and was surprised with the ending, I didn't see it coming......I do hope there is a 4th book in the scrapbook mystery series, and Carmela's scrapbook store sounds delightful!

LJ Spectral Meld

Get your own spectral analysis from Area 23®

Crow Lake by Mary Lawson

Written in almost a matter of fact style, Narrated by Kate with a flash back to her childhood and the events that took place.

Set in an isolated farming district in Canada, Kate lives with her baby sister,two older brothers and their parents. Upon hearing the news that their eldest son has been accepted to train as a teacher they venture into town to purchase a suitcase. They have a car accident and suddenly they are gone leaving four stunned children.

Written from Kate perspective, about her relationship with her siblings and how they cope and the sacrifices they make to ensure they stay together and manage to survive. This was an emotional story, yet written in such a style that there was no real emotion displayed by the narrator.

There were several loose ends, and I would like to have had a couple more chapters whilst the author developed the relationship between Matt and Kate, once Kate discovers that her relationship with her brother has become the way it has.

Nevertheless, it was a pager turner, and I read this as a bedtime read over the last two nights.

Will You Be Mother?: Women Who Choose to Say No by Jane Bartlett

As I got about a third of the way through I kept getting the feeling that I had read this before. I had a rummage in the study and sure enough I read this as part of a course that I took in 1995 at Kingston (upon Thames) Uni.

At the time, I was reading with academic purpose and had not made any choices one way or the other. Having been married for about nearly 13 years we are at the point of accepting that we are more than likely going to remain childless, not through design, but sometimes it is the way life works out. Having been married for such a while without children, I feel that we have become selfish at how our lives have evolved.

I guess though, we are all in a position to make choices about this issue, and feel that we should accept the choices others have made for themselves. The article, which was included with the book, was an interesting one. In the 21st Century, we are in a society where women, can have a career and a family. Sure there is lots of juggling and financial issues but lots of women do hold down demand jobs and have a family. I am sure that there is real potential to look at the types of jobs those women do, as some jobs are more flexible for dual roles, but that is another subject!

(Un)arranged Marriage by Bali Rai

The page turning story of Manjit or as he preferred to be called Manny. Set in Leicester and the Punjab region of India. Manny is unhappy, born in England, he does not feel such a link to the Punjabi culture as his parents,including the issue of arranged marriages for his brothers. He wants peace to be his own person. His home is full of noise as his family becomes more extended. He is subjected to more than sibling teasing from his brothers, and some physical abuse from his father.

Manny has one best friend called Ady and has a girl friend, but as he approaches towards his 17th birthday the issue of arranged marriage raises its head. Manny doesn't want to and feels tore between the issues of a quiet life and rebellion.

Taken to India, on what is a holiday, Manny's family leave him behind and return to England. Manny builds a relationship with his Uncle, who has experienced the same issues and broke away from the family tradtion and helps Manny return to England, where Manny becomes his own person and has the life he wants.

I took this to bed last night, with a cuppa, and thought I would read a chapter or two on an early night. The book was written in such a comfortable, easy reading style that I zipped through the book and finished it just before Midnight! Clearly explaining the issues faced by teenagers, I wondered if this was slightly autobiographical? Like a previous reader I was surprised at the issues surrounding racism in the book, but I felt that the author had dealt with the complexities of the issues very well for a first book.

No! I Don't Want to Join a Bookclub by Virginia Ironside

Written in diary style, it was an undemanding, but humerous read. It was also though, more than just humour, it was very funny in places, the sort of funny that makes you laugh when perhaps you normally would not, such as a commuter train, so that fellow passengers feel that actually something is not quite right! Full of characters experiencing emotions that we, as readers can identify with. One of my favourite bits was on page 52 "The five ages of man, said James, Lagar,Aga,Saga,Viagra,Gaga"

Christmas Narcissus - Week 4

Christmas Narcissus Week 4
Originally uploaded by AnglersRest.

Doing well for week 4. Planted 20th December 2006.

The Jasmine Moon Murder by Laura Childs

Another delightful story in the life of the tea shop owner Theodosia Browning. I think this is book 5 of the series and I seem to have missed a few in the middle, but no matter, the thread of the story is easy to pick up and they can be read as stand alone books. As usual I did not manage to guess who did it, and I wish more of these fab books were available in the UK.