tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240566833341313922024-03-05T03:12:47.485-06:00Great Escape from NJSweet Asylum living in TNDebbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.comBlogger408125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-6204302961475465542015-12-19T18:08:00.000-06:002015-12-19T18:08:19.749-06:00Just book reviewsSorry, just book reviews.<br />
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<b>AUDIOBOOK REVIEWS:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25342128-a-desperate-fortune" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Desperate Fortune" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1428778600m/25342128.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25342128-a-desperate-fortune">A Desperate Fortune</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/486812.Susanna_Kearsley">Susanna Kearsley</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1420598623">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Excellent narrator. I could not keep track of this book. Would switch back and forth from 1700's to modern day. I get that. I understood most of the modern day story, but didn't understand the historical story. The link is a diary that is in code. Modern day woman is hired to break the code and read the diary. <br />
In the end, I don't know what happened.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25884511-food" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Food: A Love Story" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436549231m/25884511.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25884511-food">Food: A Love Story</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6555784.Jim_Gaffigan">Jim Gaffigan</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1438275634">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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If you have a strong love of food. If you have a relationship with food, this is the book for you. I don't know how Jim filled up 7 hours of audio about food and without my ever being bored. <br />
Funny and relatable. Very enjoyable listen.<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22590713-those-who-wish-me-dead" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Those Who Wish Me Dead" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1407522132m/22590713.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22590713-those-who-wish-me-dead">Those Who Wish Me Dead</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/24197.Michael_Koryta">Michael Koryta</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1444226418">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Ever changing circumstances keep this interesting. Montana country life, wilderness, forestry, survivor skills. Characters with huge hearts and others with no heart at all.<br />
Can a witness really be protected? What happens if the secrecy is found out? What alternatives are there? <br />
The narrator did an excellent job, especially with the two main evil characters. REALLY CREEPY!<br />
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<b>BOOK REVIEWS:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18306388-one-to-hold" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="One to Hold (One to Hold, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1379493569m/18306388.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18306388-one-to-hold">One to Hold</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7213961.Tia_Louise">Tia Louise</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1432508010">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Free Kindle download.<br />
Held my interest, somewhat. Nice guy, good in bed. Lots of sex scenes. At first, yum! But then I started to skim right over them, so made for a fairly quick read. Glad is was free.<br />
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<strong>BOOK REVIEWS:</strong><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22354016-reese-s-cowboy-kiss" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Reese's Cowboy Kiss: Witness Protection - Rancher Style: Blake's Story (Sweet Montana Bride #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1401204563m/22354016.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22354016-reese-s-cowboy-kiss">Reese's Cowboy Kiss: Witness Protection - Rancher Style: Blake's Story</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6527799.Kimberly_Krey">Kimberly Krey</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1435346771">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Gosh darn it. Scuse, my language. Definitely a "G" rated book, which is fine. A nice break from "romance" novels being on the tipping point of just a dirty book. But Golly gee, y'all. That about sums this up.<br />
Pageant queen Reese is just full of sweetness and appropriately friendly to all.<br />
Starts off interesting, with Reese having to go into hiding from a killer. Once she goes into hiding, all we hear about is will he kiss me or not. And when he does, it is very chaste, but yet he feels like he took advantage of her. <br />
She meets a potential love interest and when their arms brush against each other, it's like "sugar pulsing through her veins", as to a "normal" romance stating something like I could feel my nipples harden or a heat took over my nether regions. <br />
Then Reese sees local ranch hands/cowboys all cleaned up to go to "Sunday meeting" and she exclaims, "Goodness, me". I'd be saying day-amn boys you look hot!<br />
50% into the book and we're still at the holding hands, chaste kiss. Which is fine, but what happened to the reason she is there in the first place? 50% of the book and it's all just child's play? Where's the danger? She doesn't even mention missing her friends and family at home. <br />
The only time we are reminded that she is in hiding is when she has nightmares about the incident.<br />
I told myself that if the author didn't get on track about the danger looking for Reese, I would give up. 51% and I'm done.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19067285-run-run-as-fast-as-you-can" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Run Run As Fast As You Can (Emma Frost #3)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435023019m/19067285.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19067285-run-run-as-fast-as-you-can">Run Run As Fast As You Can</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4804769.Willow_Rose">Willow Rose</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1467676827">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I've enjoyed the Emma Frost series. I enjoy the small town atmosphere, but how can so much murder, missing persons, depravity happen on a small island community? If you can get past the fact that Emma can question the police about a case when in "normal" circumstances she would be considered a nuisance and maybe even obstructing the investigation and if you can get past so many crimes happening in this little close knit community, then the book is really good. The mystery is there, the creepiness is there, the drama is there and a little bit of romance.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22844955-tahoe-ghost-boat" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Tahoe Ghost Boat (An Owen McKenna Mystery Thriller Book 12)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1406782847m/22844955.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22844955-tahoe-ghost-boat">Tahoe Ghost Boat</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/175890.Todd_Borg">Todd Borg</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1473713327">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Happen to be a kindle free download at one point.<br />Didn't realize that this is the 12th in the series. I didn't feel like I missed out on anything.<br />Not only a great murder mystery, but an education also. This is my first book by this author. He will go on tangents explaining the inner workings of things, that is not necessary, but I found interesting and educational. Have you ever heard of a tarantula wasp? <br />You love some characters and hate others, which makes for a story that keeps you interested. <br />Having visited Tahoe, it was nice to hear the detailed descriptions of the area and bringing back beautiful memories. And being a dog lover, I enjoyed having "his largeness", a great dane included in most of the story. A bit of a spoiler alert...the dog does NOT die or get hurt.<br />I look forward to reading more by this author.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2785570-debbie">View all my reviews</a></div>
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Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-2427496064478295882015-09-28T11:50:00.001-05:002015-09-28T12:33:09.864-05:00Finite lives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>CONTENTS</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TENNESSEE LIFE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PETS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CRAFTS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BUSINESS REVIEW</div>
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BOOK REVIEWS</div>
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<b>TENNESSEE LIFE:</b><br />
<b>Really just life in general.</b> Both Scott and I have been thinking along the same lines lately. Is it because Scott just turned 59 and I'm only a couple months away from that same age? Almost 60! That's a grandparent's age. How does Christy Brinkley look so good at 61?? Exercise? Plastic Surgery? Good genes? All of the above?<br />
Admittedly, I've let myself go since I turned 50. From the age of 14 to 50, I watched and thought about everything I ate. I exercised regularly and kept my weight down. At 50, I was tired of it. No exercising, eating what I want and now 50 extra pounds later, I'm thinking about how long I have to live. We're at the age where we look at the obituaries hoping they are full of "old" people, meaning high 80's and older.<br />
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I see I am falling into the mindset of my late Father in Law. He went to the same diner for years to have coffee and breakfast in the morning with his buddies. Eventually one by one, his buddies died off. I see that now with acquaintances of mine. A rescue friend's (only known via email and rescue) husband recently died of brain cancer. I followed the fight via Facebook. Young family. Why? I just can't believe that a God has this "special plan". I believe we are just worker ants going about our lives, some trying to do good, others not. If we happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, we are crushed by a giant foot or swatted like a fly...and we're gone.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lazy afternoon on hammock reading</td></tr>
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<b>PETS:</b><br />
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In proofing this post, I watched this video again. Since I've seen it so many times and have actually done this event twice daily for years, I listened to the TV in the background. At the very out of the video, you can hear the guy on the TV say..."and everyone gets what they want!". How appropriate.<br />
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It's been "only" a little over a month since my last blog post. In that time, my senior Setter Sassy has been adopted and on the same day I picked up another dog to foster. Meet Bell. She is an 18 month "PointSetter", part Pointer part Setter. She was given up because she was too rambunctious for the kids. I'm thinking, uh oh, we're in for a wild child.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bell lying near foster Mom</td></tr>
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What a pleasant surprise Bell was. She is house trained, calm, a cuddlebug, gets along wonderfully with our dogs, obedient. Rambunctious? I don't think so. Her only negatives...she will jump on us once in awhile, but it is a gentle jump and she has a wicked whip of a tail wag. Both of these negatives could be somewhat dangerous for a very young child.<br />
She has been a joy to have and we could have easily adopted her known as "foster failure", but we have too many dogs of our own already.<br />
I drove to Vienna, IL to meet Bell's adopters. They have a Gordon Setter mix who is looking for a playmate and Bell is just the dog to fill that need.<br />
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Bell was very attached to me. No matter where I went Bell had to follow. No matter how cozy she was lying on a dog bed, if I left, she would follow. Even while eating dinner, if I left the room, she would leave her dinner to be with me. Sorry Bell, there was just no more room for another dog in our already crowded king sized bed.<br />
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I've already been asked to take in another Setter needing help. Have YOU ever considered fostering? It can break your heart when they leave, but if you don't foster, that dog in need may be killed at the shelter because no one would help. I believe it is selfish to say, "it would hurt too much to let them go". Hmmm, well then, that's one less dog needing help because it is now dead. Put your big girl panties on or jock strap and deal with your decision to not help or step up and <b><u><a href="http://www.esrescue.org/Application.html" target="_blank">fill out a application to foster or adopt</a></u></b>. If you can't handle larger, very active dogs, then look for a small dog rescue. <b><u>All </u></b>rescues need help!<br />
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*Disclaimer: of course I know there are legitimate excuses not to foster. I really DO understand. I just hate hearing the lame excuses which to me are just selfish reasons. This is coming from a somewhat selfish person myself. I chose NOT to have children because I didn't want to deal with them and the time it takes to care for them, the money it takes to feed, clothe, educate them, and sometimes the heartache of rebellion as I gave my parents for awhile.<br />
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<b>CRAFTS:</b><br />
Surprise, surprise...another Mystery Knit-a-Long complete! I absolutely love this yarn. I usually try to stay away from 100% wool, but the color saturation and tonal changes is beautiful. Also there is almost a springy softness to the yarn. The yarn name? Oh...<b><u><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/jilldrapermakesstuff" target="_blank">Jill Draper Makes Stuff</a></u></b><br />
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This yarn was perfect for this design. There are so many defining stitches that this yarn just showed the depth beautifully.<br />
The name of this design is <b><u><a href="http://fiddleknits.com/product/water-shawl/" target="_blank">"Water"</a></u></b>. Can you see how the stitches look like water rippling? Very cool. This is why I like these mysteries. It challenges me with stitches and designs I've never done or seen before. Those long stitches at the bottom of the photo is a new stitch for me. And also learned to "drop stitch" on purpose. that was scary, but it worked and I love the results.<br />
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<b>BUSINESS REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.hausofyarn.com/" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Haus of Yarn</a>, Nashville, TN<br />
<b>My rating 4.5 out of 5</b><br />
I've only been there once, but from what I've seen and experienced, this is a great yarn store. This is a nicer/larger store than the one I went to in NJ. Haus of Yarn is still 2 hours away, but when I have to transport a dog to that area, I can stop in. I don't need yarn in general, but going to a well stocked yarn shop is equivalent to going into a bakery. I try to resist the baked goods, but it is so difficult. Same with the yarn. A beautiful smooshy and soft yarn would knit up beautifully.<br />
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Haus of Yarn has many classes, the staff are helpful. It's a large yarn store and I love that they yarn is displayed according to weight, meaning lace, fingering, worsted, etc. That type of organization makes sense to me.<br />
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They also have many finished projects on display which is a great sales tactic. Oooh, how pretty! I want to make that and oh, here's the yarn for it! I'll take it! They will wind the skeins into balls which is a very nice extra touch.<br />
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Now for us folks in the country, Haus of Yarn has a "Yarn Bus" that sort of comes to us! On Saturdays, they travel to different parts of TN. They stop in Jackson, TN which is only 30 minutes away. Yep, living in the country things are not just around the corner.<br />
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<b>BOOK REVIEWS:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21445677-the-storied-life-of-a-j-fikry" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1394653600m/21445677.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21445677-the-storied-life-of-a-j-fikry">The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/40593.Gabrielle_Zevin">Gabrielle Zevin</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1306104361">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I related to this book in that I am essentially a loner, but certain events can bring me out of my shell. Such is the case with bookstore owner and book genre snob A.J. Fikry. <br />
He owns a failing bookstore and not only the internet and e-readers being the cause, but also that he only stock books that HE thinks are worth the shelf space. Thus a limited clientele. <br />
He lives a lonely sad life. Sort of reminds me of Scrooge only not quite as grumpy. Then an unexpected, and initially unwanted important person comes into his life. <br />
This has the appeal of a small town quaintness, family, romance, heartache, growth. A great read.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18046743-runes" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Runes (Runes, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1370672365m/18046743.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18046743-runes">Runes</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4188120.Ednah_Walters">Ednah Walters</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1370203188">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Very smart move to make this available as a Kindle free download. There are so many young adult paranormal books out there. Free got me in the door. After finishing Runes, I am a fan, looking forward to reading the next in the series. <br />
If you liked the Vampire-Werewolf series, Twilight, you should really enjoy Runes. Runes is not about vampires and werewolves, but definitely immortals and mortals with special insight.<br />
The high school students in this book are mostly mature, good kids, so no getting frustrated by immature antics...for the most part. And of course there is the electricity/romance akin to Edward and Bella.<br />
The author definitely keeps you hanging as to what is going on. Who are these "people". She gives you just an itty bit of info and then goes on with the story. Just like catching a fish. Put out the bait, we bite, we're hooked and the line is let out, then drawn in again and so on. <br />
I am a 59 year old woman and will admit I loved Twilight. If you too are a Twilight fan, please try out Runes, currently (Aug 2015) a free Kindle download.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18874126-immortals" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Immortals (Runes, #2)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437456939m/18874126.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18874126-immortals">Immortals</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4188120.Ednah_Walters">Ednah Walters</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1380057839">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Now that the excitement of a new set of paranormal is over, this is still a good book, just not as exciting because there is not as much of the unknown.<br />
Characters are still enjoyable, there are still some new non-humans being introduced. <br />
Why can Raine get away with what she does? There must be something special about her...hmmmm?<br />
Her boyfriend doesn't remember her, her male best friend is having episodes of violence and sickness. Her female best friend's loyalty is being doubted. Her Father isn't feeling well. She certainly has a lot of stress to deal with at only 17 years old.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16174358-suspect" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Suspect" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1354020302m/16174358.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16174358-suspect">Suspect</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8944.Robert_Crais">Robert Crais</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1374574637">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Being a dog lover, this book had me hooked from the beginning. Military & police K-9's that are treated kindly and trained appropriately. Not like in the old days of hanging a dog by his leash into submission. These dogs are trained with positive reinforcement.<br />
A murder mystery, a love story, a dog story. A great read.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19367581-a-desperate-place-for-dying" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Desperate Place for Dying (A Garrison Gage Mystery)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386728066m/19367581.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19367581-a-desperate-place-for-dying">A Desperate Place for Dying</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2941874.Jack_Nolte">Jack Nolte</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1343151784">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
I'm not liking the road Gage's character is traveling. He was quite likable in the first book. Sympathy for losing his wife to murder, sympathy for his need to use a cane. Rooting for him to find love again. Liking his character because he took it upon himself to find out what happened to the girl washed up on the beach.<br />
This 2nd in the series, Gage seems to be depicted as more of a womanizer, although all in his head and he doesn't act on it, but the thoughts are strong and disappointing to me. Another woman close to him is murdered. I guess this is now considered a trend in his life. And of course, he just can't let the police and FBI solve it, he has to. Another character development I'm somewhat disappointed with. Only Gage can solve this, again, in HIS mind.<br />
Two separate storylines, one that Gage chose to be involved with and the other came to him unwanted.<br />
Still a decent murder mystery, but may hold off a while before or if I read the next in this series.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17161637-you-called-9-1-1-for-what" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="You Called 9-1-1 For What?" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361244978m/17161637.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17161637-you-called-9-1-1-for-what">You Called 9-1-1 For What?</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6545441.Dave_Konig">Dave Konig</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1393411802">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Can't beat free! Interesting little read. I believe the point of the book was really education about the 9-1-1 system. It's history, proper use, dedicated work force and to add some humor to the history, some ridiculous calls to 9-1-1. I'm glad I read the book. Quick read. It accomplished it's point. I did learn about how 9-1-1 developed and changed with new technology. I learned about 3-1-1, which means you need help but is NOT an emergency. Definitely worth reading. Always good to learn something new.<br />
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<b>AUDIOBOOK REVIEWS:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23505544-all-the-light-we-cannot-see" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="All the Light We Cannot See" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1427226115m/23505544.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23505544-all-the-light-we-cannot-see">All the Light We Cannot See</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/28186.Anthony_Doerr">Anthony Doerr</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1363615614">1 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Life is too short to plod through books that take too long to get interesting.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18983451-the-fault-in-our-stars" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Fault in Our Stars" border="0" src="https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/111x148-bcc042a9c91a29c1d680899eff700a03.png" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18983451-the-fault-in-our-stars">The Fault in Our Stars</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1406384.John_Green">John Green</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1370204712">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Teens with cancer. Life quotes we may think are corny, aren't so much when you know your end of life is within sight.<br />
Life today as if it were your last...Make today your best day...<br />
The author worked in children's hospice for 5 months. I suppose that is how he know about the dark humor of living with and dying of cancer.<br />
A sweet young love story.<br />
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Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-42485419264742285372015-08-17T18:01:00.001-05:002015-08-17T18:01:16.285-05:00Gardening in Tennessee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dtSzcEpZvciUsunzMXdzVydCqZyiTsmbtf6ZSTvW3qbpzgKFbfi77KKr5l7x0rNv4lGQYQe1blvC2Y8UjM7QZEL6_MkEHVF6wyowWqKReRRzu7FcOw74oFznwrdj_pMjXhl1FTVeDnC7/s1600/10734225_815216568522145_7547746896544845007_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dtSzcEpZvciUsunzMXdzVydCqZyiTsmbtf6ZSTvW3qbpzgKFbfi77KKr5l7x0rNv4lGQYQe1blvC2Y8UjM7QZEL6_MkEHVF6wyowWqKReRRzu7FcOw74oFznwrdj_pMjXhl1FTVeDnC7/s400/10734225_815216568522145_7547746896544845007_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>CONTENTS:</b></div>
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TENNESSEE LIFE</div>
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PETS</div>
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PRODUCT REVIEW</div>
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CRAFTS</div>
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BOOK REVIEWS</div>
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<b>TENNESSEE LIFE:</b><br />
Every time I add a new book to the blog, I say, "I need to write a post". Week after week goes by and I don't take the time. Mostly because I'm just living a "normal" life. I'm not traveling the country living in 350 square feet with all our possessions and pets. Just living a quiet life on a nice private piece of property in TN...a good life but not a blog worthy life. I now post this simply for my family and for the curious who want to learn about me as they would otherwise not know this part of me.<br />
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We have been settled for a year now! I still love our property and grown to love our house. I sit out on our porch as much as possible when the weather permits, meaning not too hot/humid, buggy or cold. I have been known to stay out there until 10:00 at night when the weather is wonderful. Scott has installed many lights, both electric and solar so we can see the dogs out in the back area of our yard. The porch light is bright enough for me to knit under, but not glaring, nor bug attracting. Thank you hubby!<br />
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I am very content with my life although it can be spoiled by my need to EARN my place on this Earth. Just recently a dog rescue acquaintance lost her husband to brain cancer. A couple in their 30's with a 4 or 5 year old child. Why? Why am I allowed to live when no one really depends on me. I'm sure Scott would be upset if I died, but he'd be happy living his TN life with the dogs. Why does a young man, with a young family die? They are religious folks also. Oh sure, they'll say God has a reason. <b>I can't accept that. </b>Just makes me feel all the more unworthy of living a long and happy life. Then I become afraid that I am asking to die. Around and around I go....<br />
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Back to life in Tennessee. I have managed to not fill the house with knick knacks. The house is kept simple. I just pulled out some framed photos from a storage box and thought, "what should I do with this?". I feel they are just dust gatherers. I can look at photos on my computer with just a click! No dusting required. I guess time to put my doggie photo frames on ebay for sale.<br />
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Our small piece of property in NJ was full of hostas. A great way to cut down on edging and to fill in small areas so you don't need to mow.<br />
I just couldn't resist the end of season sale on hostas. About $1.50 each at Walmart. I bought 5 and planted them along our fence line. NEVER AGAIN!!!!! I will admit wholeheartedly that I miss NJ shore soil!!!!!! The whole section you see full of hostas and flowers in the photo on the right, I dug up by hand with just a spade type shovel. I took up all the grass, added manure/soil, mixed it in and planted and planted and planted.<br />
All I did here in TN, was plant 5 small hosta plants and I'm done with gardening in Tennessee! The soil is red clay and you have to poke and poke and try to little by little make a hole big enough to fit the plant. I just found out from a dog rescue friend that she uses a pitch fork to dig in her Georgia clay soil. Scott has since bought a pitchfork, but I already told him, I won't be helping!!!! I'll stick with the hanging flowering plants on the porch, as I call "house jewelry". Scott, being the "girly man" as I affectionately call him, has since planted some flowering bushes which I'm sure I'll appreciate as they mature, but I do not plan to ask for or plant any more.<br />
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Starting in July, an extension to Tennessee’s “Good Samaritan law” that allows people to break into cars to save children makes it legal to do the same for animals. Specific steps, including searching for the owner and notifying law enforcement, must be taken to qualify for protection under the law.<br />
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“If you act reasonably, as any reasonable person would respond, you will not be at fault to save a life, and/or animals,” Nashville Fire Department Chief of Staff Mike Franklin told Nashville ABC affiliate WKRN.<br />
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This weekend is the annual Fried food fest in Milan, TN. We went to it last year because of it's uniqueness. Now, we are no longer newcomers and the fest has lost it's appeal. I'd rather stay inside in the AC. As I said, a year in TN and we are still loving our decision to settle down here. Of course, we do get melancholy when we see Susan of <a href="http://belugasexcellentadventure.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beluga's Excellent Adventure Blog</a> post photos of where they are now on Facebook. To travel or not to travel...been there, done that. Very happy to stay at home looking out over our private asylum! This is when I wish to clone myself to be in two places at once. We have too many dogs now, which would prevent our RV travel.<br />
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<b>PETS:</b><br />
We have been regularly fostering, which I didn't plan since we adopted our first two foster dogs a month after moving to TN. We officially have 5 dogs of our own, but seem to always have a foster dog.<br />
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I believe I have achieved all 10!<br />
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Our last foster, Oscar was adopted to a very senior couple. I had mixed feelings about adopting to an 83 year old. The only reason I gave the ok, was because he was very experienced with Eng Setters and I felt that even if something happened to the adopter, Oscar would come back a better dog.<br />
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We currently have Sassy, a 6-9 year old. I thought we would have her for a while, since she may be older. We paid to have 3 lumps removed from her legs. One was golfball sized. Luckily, all benign!<br />
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We've only had Sassy a couple of weeks, but she already has an adopter! She will be traveling to VT sometime in September.<br />
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<b>PRODUCT REVIEW:</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00596TFVA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00" target="_blank">Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle</a> </b>$15.00 from Amazon<br />
<b>My rating 5 out of 5</b><br />
In my post of July 4, there is a photo of our last foster dog, Oscar sleeping with his muzzle on.<br />
Great muzzle. Durable, strong. Fit the dog well. Stayed put even when he tried to get it off. Can drink easily with it on. Can also eat, although a bit more difficult.<br />
The muzzle did what we needed. Oscar was attacking our other dogs and instead of always keeping them separated and also the danger of a fight, we put the muzzle on him and made our life so much better. Oscar was able to interact with our dogs without hurting them and was finally getting used to them and not attacking as much.<br />
It did cause a small abrasion sore on the top of his muzzle/nose, but Oscar was wearing this product at least 8 hours a day.<br />
Great product for peace of mind.<br />
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<b>CRAFTS:</b><br />
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Another <a href="http://ravel.me/deafsetter/ds" target="_blank">Mystery Knit-a-long</a> finished. This was to use up scraps of yarn. I thought I had plenty of scraps, but actually I don't and had to ask my knitting friends to donate their scraps.<br />
This was a very odd constructed "showl" meaning a shawl and a cowl combined. I was disappointed in the finished product simply because I don't know how to wear it, but I do love the striping and a great way to use up scraps. We'll see if in the fall I figure out how to wear it.<br />
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Also finished our Jackson Underground knitting group Summer knit-a-long. This was not a mystery. This was a summer t-shirt, that only 2 or 3 ladies knit out of the 15 in the group.<br />
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It was called <a href="http://ravel.me/deafsetter/nxofe" target="_blank">Feather & Fan Ribbed Tee.</a> If Diane from the "What's the Scoop" knitting group in NJ still follows my blog, she knows that I'm not a fan of feather & fan, but it's growing on me.<br />
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This tee was knit with "Den-M-knit" cotton yarn. From the Elann website...<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px;">“Washes and fades like your favorite pair of blue jeans - the real thing!"</span><br />
I like this finished sweater and think it will get a lot of use. Especially since it is machine washable and dryable!<br />
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<b>BOOK REVIEWS:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17984882-a-good-man-gone" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Good Man Gone (Mercy Watts Mysteries #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1369749302m/17984882.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17984882-a-good-man-gone">A Good Man Gone</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5774149.A_W_Hartoin">A.W. Hartoin</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1323854820">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
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It COULD have been a much better book. The double murder/stalking mystery...very good! But oh my gosh...on and on and on about what a slob Aaron is and all the stuff he eats. We get it! Then about how hot Mercy and her Mom are. Big boobs and looks like Marilyn, Marilyn Monroe that is because no last name seems to be need, especially when she is mentioned over and over and over again.<br />
Her descriptions of the characters are detailed enough to really get a feel for their personalities. But the gluttonous of Aaron and the constant sleazy remarks towards Mercy were just overdone. Get past that and it was a very good storyline.<br />
Also what irked me was that Mercy is a nurse, but the only way you'd know that is because she said so. She never seems to work. She is constantly being talked in to doing things for the family. She has to learn to say no. <br />
Since there was a snippet of her next book in the series at the end of this one, I thought, ok, maybe she's learned her lesson. NOPE! Within 5 page of the beginning of the book, she describes the ill fitted dress that opens up at her bustline and splits up her thighs and the guy in the room can't stop staring. I see where this book is going. Even though I'd like to read more and would like to find out what happens to her Aunt's money, I just can't take anymore sexual harassment.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10159568-the-gray-and-guilty-sea" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Gray and Guilty Sea" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328305350m/10159568.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10159568-the-gray-and-guilty-sea">The Gray and Guilty Sea</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2941874.Jack_Nolte">Jack Nolte</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1331920575">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I LOVE the main character Garrison Gray. Being a woman of "mature age", I enjoyed Garrison's 40 something maturity. I'm a softie for a man with a slight disability, whether it be a limp, stutter, etc. Garrison's character was beautifully depicted in describing his struggles with his past vocation and the consequences of it and how he is still dealing with it. If you've watched Downton Abbey, Garrison reminds me of Mr. Carson. They are both frustrated by their needing a cane, but they are strong men when need to be. They are usually somber looking, but both want love in their quiet way. I know they both would protect their mate with all they have. Garrison is a "real" man, meaning, there is no describing him as still handsome with graying hair to make him look distinguished. No describing him as still having a 6 pack and hard muscles for a man of 40. I can so relate to him as someone I would be drawn to. Enough about Garrison. I guess I really do like his character!<br />
This is a murder mystery with many characters that could have "done it". There are characters that you wonder if they are trustworthy or not. Things seem questionable, but really in another situation we wouldn't be questioning. <br />
Not action packed, but definitely kept my interest. I was able to imagine myself living in this little town on the Oregon coast. <br />
I DEFINITELY plan to read this author again. I hope there are more books with Garrison's character.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24739993-bum-rap" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Bum Rap" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1430780522m/24739993.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24739993-bum-rap">Bum Rap</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/88535.Paul_Levine">Paul Levine</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1343154338">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Better than 3 starts, but 4 stars is generous. Pretty good legal drama, although it's so upsetting to hear about all the deals. Each side is not really thinking of their client, they are just thinking of strategies how to win. <br />
Likeable characters, that can be annoying, immature, but still likeable. Main character, Lawyer Lassiter is a somewhat sad misfit, but I look forward to learning more about him in future books. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19685772-long-man" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Long Man: A novel" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1387744211m/19685772.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19685772-long-man">Long Man: A novel</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1256071.Amy_Greene">Amy Greene</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1299638642">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
I was drawn to this book because we have moved to TN in the past year. Behind our property is an 80 acre lake made by the TVA.<br />
The story was somewhat long winded, but full of details of the lifestyle of the community that was being evicted for the dam. <br />
Mostly sad...a hard life, a struggling community prior to the dam. <br />
We see into the thoughts of both the town folk and the progressive thinkers and the impact of progress.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13514365-the-nazi-officer-s-wife" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Nazi Officer's Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived The Holocaust" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331046247m/13514365.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13514365-the-nazi-officer-s-wife">The Nazi Officer's Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived The Holocaust</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/365431.Edith_Hahn_Beer">Edith Hahn Beer</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1360158738">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
I am fascinated by slavery and the holocaust. I cannot understand the arrogance of a people that think they are better than another race, religion, financial status, etc. <br />
This is a true story but reads like a great novel. Instead of hearing about the concentrations camps, they are merely just mentioned in this book. This is about a female Jew who lived among the Germans and Nazi's fooling some, trusting others and surviving. Fascinating story.<br />
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<b>AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33603.Shantaram_Part_Two" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Shantaram Part Two" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348924516m/33603.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33603.Shantaram_Part_Two">Shantaram Part Two</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18907.Gregory_David_Roberts">Gregory David Roberts</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1324070694">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
I listened (part way) to the audio book. If this was a "normal" length audio book, I would have been able to state I finished it. I thought his story was quite interesting. Learning about the underground world of India, about the day to day life of the people. Knowing nothing of India, I do not know if the characterizations of the subjects were correct. I agree with a previous reviewer, Mayuri who looks to be of Indian descent that Prabaker seems to be a cartoon character, always happy go lucky and innocent in a childlike way. Prabaker seemed very stereotypical. <br />
I actually was enjoying the quasi biography for a while. But after that long while, I wondered what the point of this book was. I wouldn't call it "drivel" as others have stated but it certainly goes on and on and on and on. Like reading from someone's diary. 17+ hours of listening through part II, I thought that was going to be the end, but knew it didn't sound like an ending. Ugh! There is a part III. I'm just not looking forward to listening to the same day to day goings on. Well, I'm this far, maybe I should finish, but let me make sure Part III is also the final part...NOPE! There are 5 PARTS. A total of 43 hours!!! I gave up.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12090305-a-stolen-life" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Stolen Life: A Memoir" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1311307296m/12090305.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12090305-a-stolen-life">A Stolen Life: A Memoir</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4842866.Jaycee_Dugard">Jaycee Dugard</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1348978423">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
If you are interested in Jaycee Dugard's true ordeal, then go ahead and listen to this book. This is just the story told by her. No feeling sorry for herself, no great dramatizations to make it more readable. Jaycee is a strong woman. She describes her time in captivity year by year and what happened & what her thought process was. Sometimes it was frustrating because I wanted to yell, take the girls and run when she had opportunity, but being taken at 11 yrs old and "taught" this is the way life is, it seemed as if she didn't realize that she could or even should run.<br />
Very sad, but her attitude is wonderful. She cannot dwell on the past or it will ruin her present and future.<br />
Best wishes to you Jaycee.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13425361-we-need-to-talk-about-kevin" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="We Need to Talk About Kevin: A Novel" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328054311m/13425361.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13425361-we-need-to-talk-about-kevin">We Need to Talk About Kevin: A Novel</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/45922.Lionel_Shriver">Lionel Shriver</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1355893825">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I tried to listen to the audiobook. Very depressing, but I expected that. I listened to 2 hours and just couldn't go on. The mundane details of Kevin's mother's life lost my attention. The narrator was almost too perfect in her reading. Perfect voice, perfect annunciation, with no emotion. This woman is trying to deal with going on living and dealing with her son's crime, although 2 hours into the book, I don't really know what he did except from reading the description of the book. She has to deal with the stigma, the judging, the looks while going about her life. Should be a great heart wrenching story. But the narrator just did me in. Maybe she was supposed to sound monotone. Maybe the Mom is so broken that her life is just the straight line on a heart monitor. But this does not make for good listening. I needed to hear some hesitation in the narration, some emotion and it wasn't there.<br />
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<br />Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-69100050075670450312015-07-04T17:05:00.001-05:002015-07-04T21:17:21.952-05:00Good time at the river house<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>CONTENTS</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PETS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TENNESSEE LIFE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CRAFTS</div>
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<b>PETS:</b><br />
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I must admit, I'm looking forward to Oscar being adopted. Then we can open up the whole house again, not worry about dog fights, not have a dog constantly under foot. While enjoying some outdoor office time, I had my laptop on the table and Oscar was next to me. Ryan decides he wants to play. That could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on Oscar's "mood". At this time it was a bad thing. A fight ensues, and I jump up to break it up, spilling my full glass of wine all over my laptop!!! Anyone that knows me, knows that I practically live on my computer. I do dog rescue work all day long. Losing my computer is a disaster. As soon as I saw that wine go over, I just knew...but the dogs's safety was more important and had to break up the fight.<br />
Fight finished, all dogs ok and now separated. Back to my computer...blank screen. Just as I expected, but was hoping it somehow would survive. Scott? Honey?? Can you fix this??<br />
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Well, as you can see from the photo above, he opened it up, dried it out. My fan need replacing anyway, so this was an opportune time to do that. The good news? The hard drive is fine, so if I have to, I can plug it into Scott's laptop or computer and use it as an external hard drive. The bad news, the keyboard is shot. Will take a few days to get a new one. The good news, the computer is actually still working except for the keyboard. Scott lent me his wireless keyboard until my new one arrives. All is well. New keyboard arrived, installed and computer is working normally. A week later, damn! My track ball/mouse isn't working. Again, Scott loans me his mouse until my new trackball arrives.<br />
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If you look closely at the dog, you'll see that he is muzzled. I've never had to muzzle a dog before in the house. Oscar is just not trustworthy with our dogs. He'll play for a bit and then he gets more excited and it turns into attacks. Poor Ryan, he's almost twice the weight of Oscar, but a bite is a bite, so Ryan wants to be close to us for protection. Oscar will be a great dog to his adopters, since he will be the only dog and get all the love and attention he wants. He's a great cuddler.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>TENNESSEE LIFE:</b><br />
Starting to miss RV life again. Farm markets, new places, something to blog about, the simplicity of RV life. Living in our house in TN really isn't like the burden of living in a house in NJ. We don't have high property taxes, our house is new and better made. We are retired so yard and house maintenance isn't the chore it was trying to squeeze it in on our off days. I miss trying new restaurants. We only had two dogs and could crate them to go out <u>together</u>. I don't think we have gone out together since acquiring our 3 additional dogs.<br />
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I am now a "regular" at the Jackson Knitting Underground or as I call it "Jack Knit" get togethers every Thursday evening. As I said before, a great group of ladies and no one that "bugs" me as in a certain knitting group I was a part of in NJ. If any "What's The Scoop" knitting ladies still read this, it is none of you!<br />
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One of the girl's has an in-law that lets us use their River House getaway home a couple times a year. Ever since attending the knitting get togethers I've heard about how great the River House weekends are. I wondered if I was invited since I am still fairly new. Yep, invited and now feel a real part of the group.<br />
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And the weekend lived up to it's reputation. Just a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Although, I really don't have a hustle, bustling life. I brought my laptop (pre wine spill) to the River House and still kept up with my dog rescue duties.<br />
Only 3 of us stayed overnight. Plenty of bedrooms and comfy mattresses to relax overnight in. We spent the evening knitting and watching TV with conversation that caused us not to really pay attention to TV.<br />
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We all bring something to contribute to our meals. For breakfast, there was all the makings for omelets. Yum!<br />
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More ladies arrived mid morning. More food, snacks, laughter and knitting.<br />
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For dinner, our host smoked two whole chickens. Yep, down here in the South, smoking is just like grilling in the North. No big deal.<br />
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This house sits right on the Tennessee River which has similar qualities as the Mississippi River. <br />
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They are both huge and long and are used to transport goods on barges. I've always been fascinated by the great Mississippi. Would have liked to find a home on that River. We were not disappointed by the Tennessee River though. She has her number of barges also.<br />
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The ladies got all excited when a barge would pass, especially after a few chocolate martinis!<br />
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I was told that we are supposed to flash the barge workers as they pass. Ya know, show 'em a good time. Hmmm, really? We are all over 40 and many over 50 years old. Do they really want to see our sagging boobies?<br />
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Here we go! One! Two! THREE!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAYJccSZ2KTCEjUZhPZ-Vwo_fU4OjqbnTarJRBosZFW-1p3x7FBZw-tlVWvleO1nwHG7lUSmAzm7hMg-vJqMspIePYWHralBnoVCEuswO_-4seEMUhWnEADEa7LyJnnYuS4TQY6fUMuye/s1600/Riverhouse07-small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAYJccSZ2KTCEjUZhPZ-Vwo_fU4OjqbnTarJRBosZFW-1p3x7FBZw-tlVWvleO1nwHG7lUSmAzm7hMg-vJqMspIePYWHralBnoVCEuswO_-4seEMUhWnEADEa7LyJnnYuS4TQY6fUMuye/s640/Riverhouse07-small.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
Chickens! Or maybe we all know better. We wouldn't want to distract the barge workers, now would we. All in all, we had good company, good food and lots of knitting time. Thanks to Amy and her in-laws for allowing us the use of their lovely home away from home.<br />
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<b>CRAFTS:</b><br />
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Well here's a change...I'm not going to show a knitting project. I signed up for a <b><u><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodturning" target="_blank">woodturning</a></u></b> demo, taught by <b><u><a href="http://www.wtnwoodturners.com/cms/" target="_blank">West Tennessee Woodturners</a></u></b>. We made a pen! I think I could really enjoy woodturning and making bowls, table spindle legs, etc. But lathes are sooo expensive. I'm glad I attended the demo. I was able to experiment a little on the lathe and turned a long rectangle block of wood into a pen!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made this!</td></tr>
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<br />Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-32511601937895564102015-07-04T15:00:00.000-05:002015-07-05T09:07:28.452-05:00Crunch Time!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>CONTENTS</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TENNESSEE LIFE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
RV LIFE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PETS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CRAFTS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BROWSING THE WWW</div>
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<b>TENNESSEE LIFE:</b><br />
It's been yucky hot here lately. But it doesn't feel any different than in NJ. Except here I have a huge porch and view of our green yard & woods to look at instead of looking into our neighbor's yard hoping they don't talk to me. Now that the cicadas are gone, the flies are here. I'm told it is worse than most years. At least they don't bite, they are just annoying landing here and there on my skin.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">I've never seen THIS in NJ!!! </span></td></tr>
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Our property tax rate is going DOWN! What??? Yes down! The board feels they have enough to work with. In NJ, it's always more, more MORE! It's for the children. The middle school HAS to have an Olympic sized swimming pool. How can we deprive the CHILDREN???? Yea, it would be nice, but let the parent's raise the money for the pool and maintenance. We never had children, so never used the school system, yet had to paid the ridiculous school taxes. I have to think of it as securing our future, since the children are our future, but they don't need the best of everything to make theirs and our future bright.<br />
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<b>RV LIFE:</b><br />
No, we don't have an RV life right now. Our RV is a mess and I really need to take the time to clean it up in case we need to get up and go in a hurry. But...<br />
we did have an RV friend visit! Our 1st and hopefully not last.<br />
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Mary Anne of <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://wlmam.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Not lost, Just Wandering</a></u> blog came by for a visit for a couple of days. How we met and how things ended up is just part of the wonderful full-time RV lifestyle and a part that I dearly miss.<br />
We met Mike and Mary Anne while staying at <b><u><a href="http://greatescapefromnj.blogspot.com/2013/07/rv-park-review-point-hudson-rv-park.html" target="_blank">Port Hudson RV Park in Port Townsend, WA</a></u></b>. They were parked right next to us and the sights were very close. They had two of those itty yappy type dogs, but their dogs weren't yappy! Yea! Mike is very outgoing and will talk with anyone that comes along his path. He happened upon someone that had just caught a load of crabs. His new friend gave him a whole bunch of them! In turn, Mike doing the neighborly thing, shared the crabs with us. Little did he know he could kill me with that gesture since I'm allergic to shellfish. But that didn't stop Scott from enjoying them! From there we got to talking and somehow we mentioned <b><u><a href="http://greatescapefromnj.blogspot.com/2013/03/park-review-hidden-valley-ranch-deming.html" target="_blank">Hidden Valley Ranch </a></u></b>in Deming, NM as a great place to winter. Sure enough, we spent 2 months at Hidden Valley during our last Winter on the road and Mike and Mary Anne were right next to us and staying for 3 months!<br />
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Sadly, Mike had a heart attack after they left Hidden Valley and passed. What did Mary Anne do? Move to Kansas City to be near her relatives? Nope! She knew where she wanted to be. She had their 5th wheel moved back to Hidden Valley Ranch and leased a permanent spot. If something happened to Scott, I would seriously consider the same plan. Hidden Valley Ranch is our favorite RV park as far as hospitality. NM is not our prime environment, but the wonderful owners and residents there make up for the desert environment.<br />
Mary Anne bought a little R-Pod so she could still travel and it seems to all be working out well for this independent woman. She came East to visit some Civil War sights and since we were on the way, she stopped by for a couple of days. It was great having her here.<br />
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We have since received an unexpected, unnecessary, but much appreciated thank you gift from Mary Anne. A package from Harry & David came the other day. Triple Berry Jam and Raspberry Jam survived. Mary Anne took note that I have toast with PB & J almost every morning, so she knew the jam was the <u>perfect</u> gift. That's one of the things we miss about traveling. At local markets, we usually were able to pick up some interesting and tasty jams. I also mix a touch of jam in cottage cheese to add a bit of sweetness and flavor. Yum!<br />
On a sad note...only two of the 3 jars survived. The packing list said the 3rd jar was "Tart Red Cherry", but the jar that broke was Peach. Maybe it committed suicide because of an identity crisis! The triple berry and raspberry survived. Scott said that packing was very bad.<br />
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Have you ever tried their hot and sweet pepper relish and mix it with cream cheese? Addicting!!!!<br />
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<b>PETS: </b><br />
Crunch, crunch, CRUNCH! What is that sound? Hmm, it's coming from the living room. Ryan's probably just chomping on another stick. I better take it from him. We don't need any bowel obstructions.<br />
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Ewwwww!<br />
Damn, that "toy" is really messed up! I don't remember a toy that makes a crunchy sound. Better make sure it's safe for our dogs.<br />
Yeck! Yeck! Ohhhhh! Nooooo! It's a dead squirrel on our COUCH! Thank goodness we put old blankets on the couch to protect from our dirty dogs.<br />
Scott was still asleep, so it was my job to clean up. Ewwww! Again, glad to have that old blanket on the couch. Off with the blanket and the squirrel inside. Open blanket over garbage and squirrel is gone. Thank your Ryan!<br />
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I am now admitting defeat. Between my hours on the computer doing dog rescue work and having 5 permanent dogs and 1 foster dog, I am overwhelmed. Lesson finally learned...well, sort of.<br />
Since I have 5 dogs and don't see that shrinking for a couple of years at least...I hope, I might as well continue to foster dogs. 2 dogs is perfect. 3 dogs is nice if you have a house. 4 dogs is still ok, but now getting to be a bit much. After 5, it doesn't matter because they are not going to get the attention and care needed anyway.<br />
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Setters need grooming. All but one of my dogs hate to be groomed, so it can only be done in small stages time 5 which means a lot of stages. One of our dogs has to be sedated to be groomed! So, our Setters are not sleek, but fluffy, with spiked hair on their heads, flyaway hair on their sides, mats behinds their ears, and who knows what in the paws with all that hair to live in. <br />
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Training a foster? Difficult when there are 5 other dogs that want those yummy treats I'm using for incentive. I have to go off into one of our HOT garages to train and I hear my own dogs barking at the fence wondering why they were invited to the party.<br />
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I need a spreadsheet to keep track of who is due for the vet and for what. Heart worm pills must be given monthly and come in a 6 pack, so each month I practically use a whole pack at $50.00 a 6-pack. With a foster dog, I DO use the whole pack!<br />
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I'm not getting anything physical done. No woodworking, no preparing the RV for storage or traveling, no exercising, and on and on. I sit like a lump of lard (and look like it too) all day on the computer.<br />
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We currently have another foster dog. A 3 year old English Setter who is deaf. Deafness really isn't a big deal. Dogs learn sign language quickly. You just need to get them to look at you and you to give them a sign command and you cannot let them off leash in an unfenced area. Other than that...not a big deal. His name is Oscar and he's a sweet dog. He follows me wherever I go. But he's another dog that doesn't play nice with our dogs. So again, our house is split in two by an xpen to keep the dogs separate. Sigh. We've had him for about a month. He is getting adopted in about a week and moving to NY state.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkc35Xhas5egKd2ch7rWxQ2hpHojZK41MC1P_0UiCx64uNTOIXbeSDwVt48ltwJxZlESP8YHQ8jcwj7zcmqUAOMu8DqowNuNLXCzLiqxNUlhZLlTBwOMxd1JjeYebK9cy2XcdlAYO-9l7v/s1600/IMG_0231-small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkc35Xhas5egKd2ch7rWxQ2hpHojZK41MC1P_0UiCx64uNTOIXbeSDwVt48ltwJxZlESP8YHQ8jcwj7zcmqUAOMu8DqowNuNLXCzLiqxNUlhZLlTBwOMxd1JjeYebK9cy2XcdlAYO-9l7v/s640/IMG_0231-small.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oscar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>CRAFTS:</b><br />
I'm winding down on the Mystery Knit-a-longs I've been doing. I had two scheduled to begin in July. One was cancelled and the other I felt was too difficult for me to deal with right now with all the dogs and rescue work.<br />
I finished a very boring MKAL called <a href="http://ravel.me/deafsetter/mps" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Alpine Scarf</a>. Most MKAL are a challenge, whether a big challenge or small challenge, with a different pattern of knitting for each clue. There are usually at least 4 clues with usually more like 5-6 clues. This Alpine Scarf had 3 clues, but the 1st and last clue were the same. BORING!!! Then the long middle was the same pattern over and over. It's a nice scarf but I don't plan on joining this designers future MKAL's.<br />
I have enough scarves. Anyone want this one? My gift to you for reading my blog. It's machine washable, made with 80% Acrylic, 10% Wool, 10% Mohair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqVPisFZ42n-z7uY45Yv9r0vtDhSa_-4MhqiLlDKe7w-iNyWPxv5r87xuA9lHmXH1VVvmr_TKyeqJrdmOg81zOS7ffKEqhdGH2s8YaMghsCq54rLaeP32aVrS2zWXZt_8UQ2W0AMBFFYk/s1600/IMG_0225-small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqVPisFZ42n-z7uY45Yv9r0vtDhSa_-4MhqiLlDKe7w-iNyWPxv5r87xuA9lHmXH1VVvmr_TKyeqJrdmOg81zOS7ffKEqhdGH2s8YaMghsCq54rLaeP32aVrS2zWXZt_8UQ2W0AMBFFYk/s400/IMG_0225-small.JPG" width="365" /></a></div>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>BROWSING THE WWW:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKvMu28oesm-U2zW_b0WZ01_hl55YraziagozKveVyjhg3ElbiIct1eHstS5vSvqmz3Faxp-RvMfXYlgUuuxdJdAPfQ-wgozcRVs6mblUnm8dQ3Qwa6Rs8w-OKGga6n5ZQWgZ6JT5p7eo/s1600/Bonnie+%2526+Babies+005-001-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKvMu28oesm-U2zW_b0WZ01_hl55YraziagozKveVyjhg3ElbiIct1eHstS5vSvqmz3Faxp-RvMfXYlgUuuxdJdAPfQ-wgozcRVs6mblUnm8dQ3Qwa6Rs8w-OKGga6n5ZQWgZ6JT5p7eo/s400/Bonnie+%2526+Babies+005-001-small.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom in back with 4 babies</td></tr>
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I used to foster guinea pigs when we lived in NJ. We had a small house and 4 dogs already, so had no room for fostering dog. Me, being the rescue friendly person I am, found out about a rescue for guinea pigs! There is a rescue for just about any animal. I fostered piggies for about 4 yrs and had 2 litters born in my care. Guinea pigs do not eat their young and they are born fully formed. They look just like mini piggies!<br />
Guinea pigs are great pets for children. Fairly easy care, rarely bite and usually just because they think it's food. Lives longer than hamsters/gerbils. More to cuddle with.Anyway, my reason for bringing this up under "browsing the www" is because there is a great you tube channel called <b><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCreVub8zOW6R2zg15FfBq4A" target="_blank">"Talking Animals".</a></u></b> This guy does quality work! There is no way you won't be laughing by the end of the video. I especially love the guinea pig videos, because they "talk" so fast! <b><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUtdR9rkTMs" target="_blank">Here's a link </a></u></b>to just one of his talking piggie videos. Laugh on! Just have to add another link. He got Ricky Gervais to help him with one.<b><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwyT_1aNGos" target="_blank"> Check it out.</a></u></b><br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>BOOK REVIEWS:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22743478-the-color-of-the-season" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Color of the Season (The Color of Heaven Series #7)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1433861754m/22743478.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22743478-the-color-of-the-season">The Color of the Season</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/186987.Julianne_MacLean">Julianne MacLean</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1306168120">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
A romance and working through grief. I kept waiting for this to turn into a religious book for some reason, but it never came to that. <br />
The book leaves you wondering as you did probably prior to reading the book, if the dead can communicate with the living. Do people that have "died" and been revived really see the other side and can they make a decision whether to go on or give up?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15867223-bowling-avenue" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Bowling Avenue" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355047254m/15867223.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15867223-bowling-avenue">Bowling Avenue</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1321439.Ann_Shayne">Ann Shayne</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1313232976">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Was going to rate this 4 stars, which of course is a very good rating, but as I neared the end, my emotions took over and I realized what a great "self-help" book this was, but told as a wonderful story.<br />
The book is full of words of wisdom to think on. <br />
"...not talking is a great way to not solve problems."<br />
"Misery shared, is misery halved." or "Joy shared, is joy doubled."<br />
"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards."<br />
"Attention is the rarest kind of generosity."<br />
<br />
Multiple characters all with their own secrets, emotional immaturity or maybe better called severely controlled emotions. Instead of sharing with a friend or relative, things are held in so not to hurt another person. So things fester and impressions are made because of truths not spoken. I found the book very thought provoking as well as entertaining.<br />
<br />
Being a knitter, I enjoyed the references to yarn & knitting also.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/92146.Carved_in_Bone" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Carved in Bone (Body Farm #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388515913m/92146.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/92146.Carved_in_Bone">Carved in Bone</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2747568.Jefferson_Bass">Jefferson Bass</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1310416055">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
I enjoy reading medical mysteries. I enjoy learning from the medical staff's point of view.<br />
I was excited to read this. Being a new resident of TN and a "fan" of the concept of the body farm, I thought this book would be a slam dunk for me. <br />
10% in and I was ready to quit. Boring! Too much detail into the actual medical procedures, reasons, effect, etc of death on the human body. Interesting, but just too much info. I felt like I was back in school, reading a textbook.<br />
I plodded on. 20% into the book, now it was getting a little more exciting and was getting my imagination warmed up to what may be ahead. Murder, rednecks, corrupt police, backwoods entrepreneurs, danger... <br />
Seems by 70% into the book, the author is learning how to write. Seems like a totally different book. Quirky characters, some extra twists, who's good, who's bad, who's just weird. A little bit of Carl Hiaasen like.<br />
Maybe there's hope since the author improved greatly within the span of one book. <br />
I will probably try his next in the series, but don't expect much. I hope to be pleasantly surprised.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>AUDIO BOOKS REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19092612-the-longest-ride" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Longest Ride" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1385952289m/19092612.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19092612-the-longest-ride">The Longest Ride</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2345.Nicholas_Sparks">Nicholas Sparks</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1310496302">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Eh...<br />
Two separate storylines, that I expected to intermingle at one point. Back and forth between two couples. One couple has been together for 75 years, the other is just beginning. This was an audible book and although the narration was excellent, the story of the senior couple, Ira & Ruth was quite drawn out. I get it, Ruth was Ira's whole life, his one and only love. Let's move on.<br />
The younger couple, Luke and Sophia was more interesting, but almost too sappy, predictable. I thought I was reading a harlequin type romance.<br />
The ending is what made this book. How the two couple eventually connected. And yes, in typical Sparks tradition, it was very romantic, very sad, yet heartwarming...at the end. A lot of slow moving to get to a sweet ending.<br />
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Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-38022215014120394252015-06-24T09:38:00.001-05:002015-06-24T09:38:12.621-05:00Longest word in TN<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>CONTENTS</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TENNESSEE LIFE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
DESTINATION REVIEW</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CRAFTS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BOOK REVIEWS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>TENNESSEE LIFE:</b><br />
My knitting friends are trying to teach me "southern talk". I've been informed the longest word in the southern vocabulary is...shiiiiiiiiiiiyat.<br />
<br />
<b>DESTINATION REVIEW:</b><br />
<b>The Dixie - </b>Huntingdon, TN<b> </b><br />
<b>My rating 4 out of 5</b>, depends on performance, but organization does a great service for the community.<br />
Depending on the activity, some tickets are as low as $15. up to over $50.<br />
<a href="http://www.dixiepac.net/" target="_blank">The Dixie Carter Performing Arts & Academic Enrichment Center</a><br />
This is the town of Huntingdon's claim to fame I guess. Huntingdon is near where Dixie Carter grew up. Remember her from "Designing Women" in the 80's?<br />
The Dixie, has many events, anywhere from concerts, to classes, to plays performed there. I've been asked a number of times if I'd like to volunteer to be an usher there. NO THANK YOU! With my great people skills (much sarcasm), they would not like this Yankee to represent them.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.nashvillescene.com/nashville/after-60-years-hal-holbrooks-mark-twain-tonight-still-has-lessons-for-us/Content?oid=3748789" target="_blank">Mark Twain</a></b><br />
<b>My rating 5 out of 5</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bXp_U9IYLVMBSSM550d0-NwbTFUu_CKD49UvUE9N1gkqFcHxBFM_IHpcJb5noYV5hWmfkmSMDa5s8Qhlc_n3F62d0YRCPuDFqieCt4QEAFQYJ_WrbAvg-f8JD5ub3gUZtYhGiguzSFm-/s1600/Hal+Holbrook-Mark+Twain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bXp_U9IYLVMBSSM550d0-NwbTFUu_CKD49UvUE9N1gkqFcHxBFM_IHpcJb5noYV5hWmfkmSMDa5s8Qhlc_n3F62d0YRCPuDFqieCt4QEAFQYJ_WrbAvg-f8JD5ub3gUZtYhGiguzSFm-/s320/Hal+Holbrook-Mark+Twain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Performed by Hal Holbrook (Dixie's husband) was here last year, which I attended. An amazing performance! And made even more amazing since Mr. Holbrook was 89 at the time I saw his wonderful performance.<br />
<br />
<b>Big, the musical</b><br />
<b>My rating 2 out of 5</b><br />
This was local theater performing the play, "Big, the Musical" at the Dixie. For the most part it was VERY amateur. Definitely "local yokels" performing. I wish I could give credit to the two very good and outstanding performers, but I saw this in February, and can't find the cast listing.<br />
The performer who played the main character, Josh (Tom Hanks in the movie version) had an excellent voice. He didn't fit the physical image in my head of Josh. This young man was thin with long blond hair, quite different from Tom Hanks looks. But his voice was strong, clear and in key.<br />
But the show stopper, what the performer who played, Billy. He was Josh's best friend. This actor stole the show. Seemed very comfortable on stage. Comedic timing was excellent. Very endearing. Great singing voice as well as projected "his" acting voice clearly. Loved, LOVED this performance of Billy. Billy wore a baseball cap throughout the whole play. In the end, we found out why! Bill was performed by a girl! She was amazing and pulled off a male part flawlessly. When they ended with their final bows, she took off her hat and her long pony tail fell forward. BRAVO!<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>CRAFTS:</b><br />
Finished another Mystery Knit-a-long. I really enjoy the mystery and the process but what do I do with all these damned shawls???<br />
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I hope to begin making more practical pieces. I have started a summer tee shirt made from cotton yarn. I hope to make a summer lace cardigan as well as a fall poncho. Hopefully, I will not be purchasing yarn for these. I must use from my stash, I must use from my stash. I must use from my stash!<br />
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<b>BOOK REVIEW:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22701492-miriam" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Miriam" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404956666m/22701492.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22701492-miriam">Miriam</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8380006.Vic_Evans">Vic Evans</a></div>
<div>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1296890820">3 of 5 stars</a></div>
<div>
I should rate this 1 star since I couldn't finish it, but since I didn't give it much of a chance, I'll just rate it in the middle. I only got to 6%.<br />
I was intrigued by what was going on, although quite depressing, it did make you wonder what is this woman's history. The author slowly gets to her history.<br />
The author goes from 1900 to 1950 to 1915. Unless your are reading this book in a long sitting at a time, it is difficult to keep track of. Which characters were in what year and what were their ages, and then "present" day relating to 50 years ago. Because I was reading this in just short 15-30 minute sessions, I had a difficult time re-orientating as to who was who and when. Just too much jumping back and forth in time for me.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13415269-murder-deja-vu" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Murder Deja Vu" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1336502365m/13415269.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13415269-murder-deja-vu">Murder Deja Vu</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5368875.Polly_Iyer">Polly Iyer</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1298722050">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Loved this book. Murder mystery with 4 or 5 possible suspects, or...will the author throw in an oddball? Or could there be two murderers? I had my suspicions, but still had my doubts. Throw in a nice romance, although their emotions moved too quickly ahead. I will read this author again.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17609114-my-nights-with-kate" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="My Nights With Kate (Jack Ryker #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1363713768m/17609114.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17609114-my-nights-with-kate">My Nights With Kate</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4686521.M_T_Stone">M.T. Stone</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1305254461">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Rating a 3 out of respect for author. My personal rating is 1 star, but I feel it is because of my age. Being a 58 yr old woman, I cannot fathom why a 49 yr old man would want a 22 yr old girl for anything other than arm candy and sex. The author has made Jack (the 49 yr old widower) sound like the perfect man. He's got money, maturity without being old, keeps in shape, kind, generous, wise, giving in bed. Yet, he goes for a 22 yr old. It just doesn't seem to fit Jack's personality. He knows better than that. Jack is looking for a relationship, not just sex and a 22 yr old from an on line "sugar daddy" site is not where to find a relationship.<br />
<br />
I couldn't finish. <br />
Kate and Jack are on their 1st "date" and end up in bed. Jack waited for HER to make the 1st move. Yea, right. He's just too nice.<br />
In bed Kate asks "What do you like?" Jack's answer..."Honestly, what I like most is giving a woman multiple orgasms".<br />
OH COME ON! Really? Stick a finger in my mouth and make me gag!<br />
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<b>AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4284272-fractured" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Fractured (Will Trent, #2)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347691675m/4284272.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4284272-fractured">Fractured</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12504.Karin_Slaughter">Karin Slaughter</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1289814802">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Narration was good. I was disappointed in this book. I can't pinpoint why. My husband loved it and encouraged me to listen to it. I loved the 1st Will Trent book. <br />
I wasn't able to really enjoy the characters. It was just a murder/kidnapping mystery and unremarkable.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19461610-how-to-run-with-a-naked-werewolf" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="How To Run With A Naked Werewolf (Naked Werewolf, #3)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1387031502m/19461610.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19461610-how-to-run-with-a-naked-werewolf">How To Run With A Naked Werewolf</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2503028.Molly_Harper">Molly Harper</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1300505905">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Molly Harper is always good for a fun read. If you're looking for a serious vampire/werewolf adventure, this is not the book. Her books are light hearted & sarcastic. Always a romance. Always vampires or werewolves living, interacting and falling in love with a "normal" human.<br />
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Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-10786186264886371402015-06-04T11:35:00.000-05:002015-06-04T11:35:06.836-05:00Transition almost complete<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKDCM5c7GsjFi_QKvw95qRTW-CsGPoRVvq42y1_ZNHYVdGTgCASqqSbKZfvgKRPGuF_E40X_m5EuaVRPUszzhy46AxE35u5Bd5ibT78oyUXfUKuvxflXVHI4D0glHZ9NRGKGqVczc68bZ/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKDCM5c7GsjFi_QKvw95qRTW-CsGPoRVvq42y1_ZNHYVdGTgCASqqSbKZfvgKRPGuF_E40X_m5EuaVRPUszzhy46AxE35u5Bd5ibT78oyUXfUKuvxflXVHI4D0glHZ9NRGKGqVczc68bZ/s400/unnamed.jpg" width="343" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
CONTENTS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Tennessee life/ Retirement life</b></div>
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<b>Destination Review</b></div>
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<b>Dogs </b>(with dog treat review)</div>
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<b>Crafts</b></div>
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<b>Book Reviews</b></div>
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<b>TENNESSEE LIFE/RETIREMENT LIFE:</b><br />
Although I do read a lot of vampire fiction, I have not gone over the edge and found my self transitioning from human to vampire. Nothing so dramatic. Transitioning from NJ "sticks & brick" life to RV life was easy. The purging was work, but not so difficult. But moving into the RV and living in a small space with with so little was surprisingly easy.<br />
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Moving from an RV into a house was not difficult, BUT, moving to a <u style="font-weight: bold;">stationary </u> lifestyle was VERY difficult. I do believe the transition is almost completed though. Oh yes, I still would like to travel. I miss meeting new friends. I miss the thought of meeting with fellow RV bloggers & dog rescue volunteers I only communicate with via email and phone. I miss the anticipation of new RV parks, new areas of the country, new foods and revisiting favorites we've been to in the past. I just saw on facebook, some photos of our Cedar Creek Club meeting together and acting their silly selves and we weren't there.<br />
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But in all honesty, I'm really happy to just stay put in our little "sweet asylum" in the South. I love our property. I love sitting outside. I love our dogs running free. I almost dread the thought of packing up and traveling. Yep, I think I've completed the transition and am no longer in the group called RV'rs. We still have a working RV and plan to use it in early fall, but I'm not sure I'm really looking forward to the journey. I'm looking forward to the destination though.<br />
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Scott also has really acclimated himself to this life. I have never experienced him as a non stressed husband in a house. When he was employed, he basically worked & slept. Throw in an occasional meal he would cook and a "honey do" that HAD to be completed and that was his life. He hated mowing our 100' x 80' property with a house in the middle. Now, he actually takes pride and enjoys mowing the lawn and doing chores!! He almost looks forward to doing just one project a day. He feels productive, yet not overwhelmed and he can enjoy the rest of his day doing anything he pleases. Retirement is wonderful.<br />
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Now that Winter is over, I have moved my office outside. I've set up a table, my extra monitor, my lap top in a corner of our porch. This enables me to do my dog rescue computer work, while enjoying our property, enjoying the company of my dogs and letting them get outside time. They sure do sleep well at night when they are outside all day. Plus being "stuck" doing dog rescue work on the computer, at least I'm outside.<br />
The photo on right is not my outside office set up, but a more relaxing setup still doing volunteer computer work.<br />
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Along with Springtime comes Magnolia blossoms! We are lucky enough to have two Magnolia trees/bushes in our yard. Unfortunately, I'm not very impressed by the blooms. They are few and far between. I thought the tree would be loaded with them. But a flower is still a flower and I'll enjoy the view.<br />
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Another Springtime occurrence are the noisy cicadas! Supposedly 13-year, Brood IV are here. The noise goes on all day and the cicadas in the far distance almost sound like the hum of some kind of motor or spaceship (not that I've actually heard a spaceship, except on the show <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056775/" target="_blank">My Favorite Martian</a></u>.<br />
How long will they last? The typical answer is about 4 weeks of singing or less. They sing to meet a mate, and once they mate a few times, they run our of energy and die. Four weeks is the typical time, although this varies depending on weather. Cicadas are largely in 13 and 17 year spans. The early part of the 2020s will be interesting in TN as there will be broods emerging nearly every year between 2020-2025. Ugh.<br />
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Cicadas are edible if you're into those type of oddities. This may be the first time I'm thankful I'm allergic to shellfish! It is believed that the cicada's skeletal body is similar to shrimp and may cause the same anaphylactic shock because of the chitin in their skeleton.<br />
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Chitin is a dietary supplement made from a starch found in the skeleton of shrimp, crab, and other shellfish. It can also be referred to as 'chitosol' or 'chitosan.' It is not digested and passes through the intestines unabsorbed, thereby adding no calories. The chemical makeup makes it bind with fat thus preventing the fat from being absorbed, as well. It is currently undergoing evaluation as a weight loss supplement.<br />
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That's a cicada on the magnolia blossom. This photo was taken with our new Canon Power Shot camera I reviewed in an earlier post. This shot was probably about 200 feet away, so it zooms pretty nicely for a cheap camera.<br />
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<b>DESTINATION REVIEW:</b><br />
<b><u><a href="http://muttermuseum.org/" target="_blank">Mutter Museum</a></u>- </b>Philadelphia, PA $16.00 admission<br />
<b>Our rating 5 out of 5</b><br />
If I HAD to live in a city, Philly would be the one. It's rich in history. It is a well laid out city and fairly easy to navigate. I love the old stone buildings mixed with modern. Luckily, I have never had to live in a city and now I'm living in the country. Ahhh.<br />
We visited Mutter Museum quite a few years ago while still living in NJ. It was just an easy hour's drive.<br />
This is a super interesting museum. It is filled with medical science items. Some are models, such as a full size model of a man sliced open to see the roadway of muscles throughout the human body. Some are actual specimens preserved in bottles of liquid. From <a href="http://muttermuseum.org/collections/wet-specimens/" target="_blank">their website</a>- <i>"We have wet specimens from every part of the human body as well as parts that aren’t supposed to be there, such as cysts and tumors."</i> Some things are gross, fascinating, heartbreaking. Then there is is the gigantic colon. I don't know if it is mummified, taxidermy type or a model, but either way, this poor guy needed a good "BM".<br />
If you are ever visiting Philly, this is a "MUST SEE" destination.<br />
Review of the biography of Dr. Mutter below in book review section.<br />
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<b>DOGS:</b><br />
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<b>Dog treat review...</b><br />
Cost FREE!!!!<br />
What is plentiful in the Spring? Free? Dogs love em?<br />
Cicadas, of course!<br />
Our dogs love to hang under the Magnolias. Usually, it's because it has heavy foliage and birds love to nest in there. Since Setters are bird dogs, this keeps them entertained for hours.<br />
But now that millions of cicadas are in the area, our dogs are under the Magnolias waiting for the dead to drop after a heavy mating encounter.<br />
From the <a href="http://www.cicadamania.com/cicadas/are-cicadas-safe-to-eat/" target="_blank">Cicada Mania </a>website:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't I look delicious?</td></tr>
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<i>People want to know: <b>“is it safe for my pets to eat cicadas”.</b> The truth is in most cases your pets will be fine if they eat a few cicadas, however you still need to be cautious and keep a close eye on your pets. Watch them for odd </i><i>behavior, and don’t let them gorge themselves. Be cautious: the Humane Society has warned Cicadas Dangerous to Pets.</i><br />
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<i>Pets can choke on the rigid wings and other hard body parts of the cicadas.</i><br />
<i>Pets will gorge themselves on cicadas, and possibly become ill and vomit.</i><br />
<i>Pets who consume cicadas sprayed with copious amounts of pesticide can and will die.</i><br />
<i>Pets might have an allergic reaction to the cicadas just as people do.</i><br />
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Our Gordon Setter pup has certainly gorged on them. He has no "full meter" when it comes to food. And the evidence was on our porch steps. I'll spare you the graphic photo of black heads and wings regurgitated.<br />
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<b>CRAFTS:</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poststitchbox.com/blogs/news/19119107-you-know-youre-a-knitter-when" target="_blank">Check out the link</a></td></tr>
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You know I've been doing a lot of knitting when you see a lot of audiobook reviews. I knit and clean listening to audiobooks. My house is not spotless, so I must be doing a lot of knitting instead.<br />
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I am addicted to MKAL's (Mystery Knit-a-longs). I love learning new knitting skills and also not knowing what the pattern will look like finished. I DO have to know what I'm knitting though, meaning is it a scarf, shawl, sweater,cowl, etc. I have joined 8 Knit-a-longs in 2015 so far, some are mysteries and some are not.<br />
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I recently completed this mystery shawl, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/paris-in-the-springtime" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Paris in springtime</a><br />
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The graphic on the left is all we see prior to starting the knitting project. This particular MKAL had the option to buy a kit, which I did at <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/StunningStringStudio?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Stunning String Studio</a>.</u> The kit included the yarn, beads, floss, stitch markers and a special Eiffel tower stitch marker. The yarn was merino, nylon and a bit of sparkle.</div>
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<b>AUDIO BOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13425558-american-sniper" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="American Sniper" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1414349119m/13425558.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13425558-american-sniper">American Sniper</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2728589.Chris_Kyle">Chris Kyle</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1259636923">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Don't expect this to be the book version of the movie. While this was interesting, the Navy Seal life of Chris Kyle, was narrated in a matter of fact tone. He was very dedicated to the US and fought hard and was a great service to us all. He made a great sniper because he could separate family from military. He could accept his kills were the enemy and not seem to take it as he killed a person with a family. It almost seems very very cold. BUT...it is kill or be killed and that's the reality. <br />
Not an exciting book, but it does give us a glimpse of being and Navy Seal and right in the middle of active war. He missed out on his family life defending our country. He states he loves war. Oh how I hate it!<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/295657.Bloody_Jack" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary " border="0" boy="" faber="" jack="" jacky="" loody="" s="" ship="" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347447844m/295657.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/295657.Bloody_Jack">Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/170658.L_A_Meyer">L.A. Meyer</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1264128737">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Love, Love, LOVE Bloody Jack and this book! What a smart young "boy". Life is not kind to him, but he is resourceful and not only intelligent, but also has common sense and street smarts. Follow his adventure from being a poor homeless orphan begging/stealing on the streets to working his way up in society. Also, growing from an adolescent into a teenager. <br />
Excellent narrator also. <br />
I had to go out and immediately get the the 2nd in this series.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9436550-curse-of-the-blue-tattoo" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Curse of the Blue Tattoo: Being an Account of the Misadventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman and Fine Lady (Bloody Jack, #2)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421615615m/9436550.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9436550-curse-of-the-blue-tattoo">Curse of the Blue Tattoo: Being an Account of the Misadventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman and Fine Lady</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/170658.L_A_Meyer">L.A. Meyer</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1270585676">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I truly think Jacky Faber is my favorite character of ALL TIME! Just as the first book in this series, Jacky is full of energy. She jumps into to things before thinking, or even if she does think about the circumstances feels the experience or the need is greater than the punishment.<br />
Again, the narrator truly makes this book. <br />
The book is funny, endearing, uplifting, exciting, heartbreaking all in one. I never got bored and opted to listen to this audio book rather than watch TV. <br />
Just thinking of Jacky Faber and the troubles she gets herself into makes me smile. This is a natural antidepressant.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23092606-conversion" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Conversion (Conversion, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1423535722m/23092606.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23092606-conversion">Conversion</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4372391.S_C_Stephens">S.C. Stephens</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1270590365">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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There are so many vampire books out there now. Surprisingly, I have found most of them are quite entertaining and all have a slight twist to keep them interesting. This book is another fun, sweet, vampire/human love story.<br />
I'll probably continue to read the series.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22310690-dr-m-tter-s-marvels" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Dr. Mütter's Marvels: A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1400943069m/22310690.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22310690-dr-m-tter-s-marvels">Dr. Mütter's Marvels: A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/492712.Cristin_O_Keefe_Aptowicz">Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1285021299">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Medical History...fascinating. From operating before anesthesia to the discovery of germs.<br />
This is the history of a medical teaching school in Philadelphia and the differences in the doctors' opinions about teaching, medical practices, medical beliefs. Within just a span of 20 years how far medicine advanced. Some doctors welcomed new techniques, others refused to accept and held back development, causing continued pain and death.<br />
Dr. Mutter was open minded, had a true love of medicine BECAUSE it would benefit the lives of people.<br />
We hear about the development of plastic surgery & thoughts on deformities. <br />
I had visited the Mutter Museum in Philly years ago and would love to revisit after reading this book.<br />
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<b>BOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22890393-a-highlander-s-passion" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Highlander's Passion (Highlander's Beloved, #2)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1415540325m/22890393.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22890393-a-highlander-s-passion">A Highlander's Passion</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5009146.Vonnie_Davis">Vonnie Davis</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1259644922">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Not as good as the first book in the series "A Highlander's Obsession" but still a fun read. A couple of things that bothered me...<br />
1. There is an evil character after someone who is under the protection of the clan. So what does she do? Go out by herself. Well duh! Of course Mr. Evil will find you! <br />
2. Mr Evil is supposed to be oh so powerful, but yet there is little action as to finding him, eluding him, or killing him. His demise just seems to be so easy. Doesn't agree with his oh so powerful character.<br />
Still fun to read and some more decent love scenes.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19014622-hooligans" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Hooligans" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1394665290m/19014622.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19014622-hooligans">Hooligans</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/109299.William_Diehl">William Diehl</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1265181297">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Free Kindle Download<br />
I really wanted to rated this only one star, but wanted to be fair to the author. The book isn't bad, it's just not my genre. Mafia and politics...bleck! Depressing. If you like this type of book, I think this is a good book. Characters well defined. A good mystery as to what's going on. Who is behind what. Who can be trusted. Just not for me.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18817755-itsy-bitsy-spider" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Itsy Bitsy Spider (Emma Frost #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1384803380m/18817755.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18817755-itsy-bitsy-spider">Itsy Bitsy Spider</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4804769.Willow_Rose">Willow Rose</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1269792293">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Free Kindle Download<br />
I couldn't stop reading. What should be a quaint small town community is really run by two faced religious fanatics.<br />
The story goes back and forth between 40 yrs and keeps you guessing who is who from the past and the present. Why are these people being killed and what is their connection. Sick people and in the end, they deserved it in my opinion.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5250019-lady-audley-s-secret" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Lady Audley's Secret" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1329472894m/5250019.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5250019-lady-audley-s-secret">Lady Audley's Secret</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/45896.Mary_Elizabeth_Braddon">Mary Elizabeth Braddon</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1272467443">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Free Kindle Download<br />
A pretty face can get you places. Lady Audley is beautiful, innocent looking, cunning and a great actress.<br />
Written in the late 1800's, the style of writing was somewhat drawn out in the over abundance of descriptions. Walking through a garden, so much detail goes into the leaves, the light of the sky, the surroundings and on and on. Same with the description of their emotions...pages of describing how they feel. Just skip those parts after a while. After the first couple of sentences, you get what the author is saying. You don't need to read it described a dozen different ways.<br />
But overall, the story is great. I kept guessing at Lady Audley's secret until it was fully revealed at the end. <br />
A bit drawn out but a very good read.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17306455-lash" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Lash (Broken Angel, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1363260478m/17306455.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17306455-lash">Lash</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6913856.L_G_Castillo">L.G. Castillo</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1283642777">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Free Kindle Download<br />
3.5 stars. Couldn't quite give this 4 stars.<br />
Archangels, fallen angels, Lucifer, etc. Some in human form, some can be seen by a few select humans.<br />
When given an assignment you are to follow through without question. But Lash (angel), thinks he knows better.<br />
That will be a long, difficult lesson learned.<br />
Starts out slow and I felt my mind wandering and not really looking forward to reading, but eventually, things started to merge and make sense or at least get my curiosity up and my thinking cap on.<br />
Enjoyed the characters and could definitely see easy opportunities for sequels. <br />
This first book was a free download. I see the next is $3.99. Reasonable enough, but high enough to give me pause before purchasing. There are so many other series I REALLY enjoy & would pay that price for. But for this series? Hmm, maybe $1.99 would be a better price.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18052043-love-lies-and-murder" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Love Lies and Murder" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1375181368m/18052043.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18052043-love-lies-and-murder">Love Lies and Murder</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3185885.Catherine_Winchester">Catherine Winchester</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1289322864">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Free Kindle Download<br />
Murder mystery and historical romance in one. Nice.<br />
A house full of relatives and dead 1st wife and the 2nd wife may be destined to the same fate.<br />
Who did it? Who's doing it? So many to choose from.<br />
Helen has a lot to deal with ...<br />
a new husband she's only known a few days<br />
trying to fit in as the step-mother<br />
dealing with in-laws and ex in-laws living under one roof<br />
a mother in-law who doesn't think you're good enough<br />
your own step family to deal with<br />
setting boundaries and establishing authority<br />
All while trying to keep yourself safe and figure out who is trying to kill you.<br />
Loved the book.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17425617-the-mackinnon-s-bride" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The MacKinnon's Bride (The Highland Brides, # 1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361821552m/17425617.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17425617-the-mackinnon-s-bride">The MacKinnon's Bride</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/178235.Tanya_Anne_Crosby">Tanya Anne Crosby</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1293230160">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Free Kindle Download<br />
As Reagan W. said in her review..."Two Wounded People Looking for Love" That is the gist of the story. <br />
I am becoming addicted to these Highland Romances. The big strong, fierce Scot, who is so loving, gentle, protective to the woman he loves and loves taking the time during lovemaking to give her pleasure before his own.<br />
Ahhhh. Purest romantic fantasy. I crave it, gotta have it. Loved this book. <br />
Definitely not for many. Not much action. More centered on 3 main very likeable characters and their growth to being a family.<br />
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Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-38152559443881318372015-05-08T20:34:00.000-05:002015-05-08T20:34:50.263-05:00Miss Debbie<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>CONTENTS</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HAPPY BIRTHDAY</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TENNESSEE LIFE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
DOGS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PRODUCT REVIEWS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BOOK REVIEWS</div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Happy Birthday Dad!</b><br />
Figured I'd get a blog post out for his 81st birthday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ8avog1mTYLfNs5oO1nOQ5IpY50BgA9H2GZuc19y4VGaPJ4ejzvV9Dw1hpCJXASQmCnuthGavBnjOt5i4DM9A0j4FfTXu2R2UKVSZwAgPhjIryE5lTUmYMzBz5OTQZqixOVFr4aXw2E_/s1600/Dad+in+navy-small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ8avog1mTYLfNs5oO1nOQ5IpY50BgA9H2GZuc19y4VGaPJ4ejzvV9Dw1hpCJXASQmCnuthGavBnjOt5i4DM9A0j4FfTXu2R2UKVSZwAgPhjIryE5lTUmYMzBz5OTQZqixOVFr4aXw2E_/s640/Dad+in+navy-small.JPG" width="404" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailor during Korean War</td></tr>
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<b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</b><br />
<b>TENNESSEE LIFE:</b><br />
You know you live in a small town when the vet tech says she heard I went to driving school a week ago.<br />
You know you live in the South when business acquaintances call me "Miss Debbie" and not "Ms. Buskirk". <br />
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Spring has sprung and I've come to realize that maybe I'm not a Winter Girl anymore. I do love snow. I used to love Winter days curled up on the couch under an afghan with a fire in the fireplace and just relaxing. But since going through Winter here in TN, I've realized that I'm now a 3-Season Girl. My love of curling up in front of the fire was because I used to work full time and a snow day was a total relaxation day. Now that I'm retired, I don't need that excuse to relax. I have this beautiful piece of property that I don't appreciate when it's cold outside and no leaves on the trees.<br />
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A few weeks back, our friend Petra from Massachusetts visited again. She is just like family. Scott and I can be totally be ourselves with her. We have such a great time with her. Hopefully, right after Labor Day, we'll try out the RV since moving back into a house and travel up for a visit.<br />
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<b>DOGS:</b><br />
Our foster Lucky mentioned in my last post, was successfully adopted. No sooner was he gone, that I got a phone call of another pup in need. This rarely happened in NJ. So off I went to pick up Gunner.<br />
Gunner was a fun 5 month old pup. Supposedly, the child was allergic. Whatever...He was an easy adoption. Hubby was not too happy, because he knew our friend Petra was coming. I usually sleep in the guest room with the foster dogs, so we didn't know how this would work. Well, Petra being the dog lover she is, welcomed Gunner into her bed and enjoyed his cuddles. So it all worked out great. Petra also went along with me to drop him off for the volunteer transport to get him to his adopters all the way to Wisconsin!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gunner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A couple weeks have passed, and I just said to Scott how nice it is to have the routine of just our own dogs. Well don't you know the very next day, I get a phone call of a dog in need in Nashville? Yes, I have another foster dog. I've named her GiGi meaning "G-G" for Good Girl. She was supposedly tied up to someone's house who has English Setters and left. This person kept her for a week, checked her for a microchip, checked local newspapers, craig's list, etc for a lost dog with no results. Unfortunately this pup kept escaping her chain link fenced yard. This family believe in keeping their dogs outside. Plus their two English Setters didn't really like having a new dog in their yard, so they decided to turn her over to rescue.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOEPjJLLTVZFDa2Qm56taLts3WJdu2zvdlWRFhccgKpvGWnYHhpvY0kBS37Zgt7qjL8E5CKQAH3eDUVKN4T6Pjq_ahH-gydTHTLFTlc7yD9UAbtG8zoz_09B0hTPjKFVWO6okqSrVzUhH/s1600/GGface01small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOEPjJLLTVZFDa2Qm56taLts3WJdu2zvdlWRFhccgKpvGWnYHhpvY0kBS37Zgt7qjL8E5CKQAH3eDUVKN4T6Pjq_ahH-gydTHTLFTlc7yD9UAbtG8zoz_09B0hTPjKFVWO6okqSrVzUhH/s320/GGface01small.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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She is super SUPER sweet. She must have been a house dog at one point. She is housebroken and very easy care., She gets along great with our dogs. She is very skinny, but that is because she is not a good eater. We've had her just about 2 weeks and she's already spoken for and will be adopted to a couple in upstate NY.<br />
Scott is now very accepting of fostering. I guess he doesn't have much of a choice.<br />
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Can you believe that guy in the chair is 58 years old????<br />
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<b>PRODUCT REVIEWS:</b><br />
<b>Canon PowerShot A710 IS</b><br />
<b>5 out of 5 stars</b><br />
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We have had this camera for about 15 years. We really are just a point and shoot type of photographer and have been very happy with this camera. We were looking for a camera mainly to take good photos of a black dog. Many cameras just wash out the dog and you just see a black blob. But our Canon did a beautiful job of showing off the beautiful black coat of our Flat Coated Retriever,Chance.<br />
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See how you can see all the waves in his coat? You can also see the unique Flat Coated Retriever shape of his snout/head. That is not a lab snout.<br />
Recently, it's been acting funny. Not reliably turning on. So we decided to buy newer version of the<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Canon Power Shot.SX160</b><br />
$150. on Amazon<br />
<b>Jury still out on rating.</b><br />
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I don't think this has the contract of the black like the older Power shot, but still need some experimenting. The controls are easier. One simple button to take movies. But on the other hand, there is not an automatic flash. You have to flip up to open the flash. Seems a little backwards. Also, there is no eye viewer, only the screen viewer. Being an older person, I grew up with the eye viewer, plus in the sun, you cannot see the screen. I think I will continue to use my old Power Shot until it really bites the dust.<br />
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<b>Wildlife Camera</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HHGAFMS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Browning Trail Camera - Dark Ops</a></b><br />
$132.00 at Amazon<br />
<b>My rating 4 out of 5</b><br />
Easy camera to set up.<br />
Fairly inexpensive<br />
Long battery life.<br />
Infrared flash so it doesn't scare wild life<br />
I wish we had this while RV'ing. I think it not only would have been fun, or maybe a little scary to see what was creeping around our RV at night, but also may be a good thing to have for security in case of a break in.<br />
The picture quality isn't great, but I'm just looking to capture what's going on while we're not outside. So far, we've only captured a few squirrels and my butt while clearing some brush in the woods.<br />
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<b>BOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12835722-going-insane" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="going insane" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328770347m/12835722.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12835722-going-insane">going insane</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4726063.Tim_Kizer">Tim Kizer</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1233674325">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
I should have known better. I don't enjoy short stories.<br />
Plus, the main characters are definitely INSANE, with no moral, no remorse, etc. Just too much killing, like dropping dominoes.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17409062-going-out-in-style" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Going Out in Style" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361587518m/17409062.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17409062-going-out-in-style">Going Out in Style</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590745.Daniel_Kelley">Daniel Kelley</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1235301157">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I should learn to NOT download short stories. I don't look forward to the beginning, story, ending in such a short amount of pages.<br />
But, the 2nd story, "Bathtub Ripples", was disturbing, yet beautiful. I think I will always remember that story. So well described. I felt in a trance "listening" to this girl's story and how she ended up at the point she is.<br />
I rate "Bathtub Ripples" 5 stars.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13341853-deliver-me" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Deliver Me" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1368809725m/13341853.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13341853-deliver-me">Deliver Me</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/236656.Farrah_Rochon">Farrah Rochon</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1242114623">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
A nice light romance. I enjoyed the setting of New Orleans and the unique local flavor. Two Dr.'s trying to make a go of a relationship. One is lusted after by every female in the hospital, the other recently hurt in a relationship, yet she still takes a chance with Dr. "Hottie". <br />
There is a sub-story included within the book that I really don't understand the purpose of, unless it is to establish characters for future books. The sub-story had nothing to do with the main story except for the fact that Dr. "Hottie" or "Super Doc" was their Dr. The sub-story only confused me in keeping track of development.<br />
Not much depth to the story, but enjoyable. I don't think I'd buy the rest of the series unless they are free or under $1.99 downloads. The Holmes brothers are likeable characters and will make a pleasant series. The characters are mainly Black, but just normal people, almost not worth mentioning their race. No emphasis on race, just a couple of references so you know their ethnicity.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23555091-the-stranger" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Stranger" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1417734368m/23555091.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23555091-the-stranger">The Stranger</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/24689.Harlan_Coben">Harlan Coben</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1246527517">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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This book keeps you on the edge the whole time. Multiple stories, each involving a secret, switching back and forth. Just as something happens, or is just about to be revealed, or a question asked, we are switched to another set of characters and story. Constant cliff hangers!<br />
Adam & wife<br />
Heidi & daughter<br />
Dan & son<br />
John & son<br />
plus the "Stranger" & accomplices.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21544875-a-highlander-s-obsession" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Highlander's Obsession (Highlander's Beloved, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1395700281m/21544875.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21544875-a-highlander-s-obsession">A Highlander's Obsession</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5009146.Vonnie_Davis">Vonnie Davis</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1259641031">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Hunky men in kilts. Mmmmm. An easy read and VERY enjoyable. I could easily become obsessed with this series. Creighton is a woman's fantasy man/lover/protector/provider/friend and to ice the cake, he's got the Scottish accent and many times wears his kilt. This is a total escape book. While reading the love scenes, all my surroundings still and dissipate and I am wrapped in my little world of perfect lovemaking. Let me cool down and talk about the actual storyline...<br />
Paranormal genre with heavy romance thrown in. Characters with special abilities and evil counterparts. She describes her characters so you either love them or hate them. Not too many characters to get confused. Effie, also known as "Gram" is a really fun quirky character. She's old, wise, loveable, strange, and "bawdy", speaking her mind about her "heavy hung" late husband. I want to be like Effie as I grow into my senior years.<br />
I will definitely continue this series. Smart move to offer the 1st in the series as a free Kindle download.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11255053-word-of-honor" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Word of Honor" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348799786m/11255053.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11255053-word-of-honor">Word of Honor</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1238.Nelson_DeMille">Nelson DeMille</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1242116097">1 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
May be better read that listened to. This just dragged on and on and on. I increased the speed of my audio just to get through the slowness. I jumped for joy when I started part two of the audiobook. 11 minutes left of part two and I knew it couldn't end that quickly. UGH! There was a part three. I did finish, simply because I DID want to know the verdict/outcome, but it sure took a long time getting there.<br />
Interesting in that the story reveals a soldier's side of Vietnam, I assume since I wasn't there. And you do wonder throughout the book if he is guilty by action or "just" association or not at all.<br />
<br />
<b>AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13606660-the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oz, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1334730053m/13606660.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13606660-the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz">The Wonderful Wizard of Oz</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3242.L_Frank_Baum">L. Frank Baum</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1230933633">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Having grown up with Judy Garland and the Wizard of Oz and seeing the movie many times over, I'm very familiar with the details of this story.<br />
Listening to the book was so interesting. To hear how the original story was written and the differences from the book and the movie. I enjoyed both versions thoroughly!<br />
Anne Hathaway does an excellent job narrating.<br />
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Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-57704999958863041902015-03-22T15:33:00.000-05:002015-03-22T15:38:47.405-05:00Where's the ball/s??<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>CONTENTS</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TENNESSEE LIFE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
RV</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PETS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BOOK REVIEWS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CRAFTS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CHUCKLE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>TENNESSEE LIFE:</b><br />
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We went through a really bad cold spell under freezing for many days a couple of weeks ago. But just since those couple of weeks, the weather has blossomed as have the daffodils! Scott and I enjoyed some time outside on our porch, reading. Since we now have both front and back yards fenced, we can enjoy the company of our dogs on any section of our covered porch. Ahhh, the country life!<br />
Scott has gotten into bird feeding and now bird watching. I cleaned out the bird houses and have them back up waiting for new residents.<br />
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I have thought about gardening, but just don't want to bother. I'm surprised by that. I was so excited to grow our own vegetables, but I admit, I've gotten quite "lazy" and just enjoy living the life of a senior citizen. I guess I'm a little young for that at 58, but this is what I like to do.<br />
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Speaking of lazy....<br />
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These are still sitting on our porch since we emptied our storage unit. These 3 boxes are things I THOUGHT I would put in the house. They are just a lot of knick knacks...mainly dog themed, but I have lost my need? want? for all these dust collectors. So I'm still purging even though we have the room now. "Things"/ "Stuff" just collects and makes more work...dusting. Our house is VERY dusty. I think it is from the 5-6 dogs and lack of grass through the Winter. We use the coffee machine every day and yet, even that gets a layer of dust on it! Do I really want to be moving and dusting all these cutesy dog figurines?? No!<br />
FULL TIME living in an RV has changed my whole attitude about our possessions. I want things to be functional and better yet, mult-functional and even better, compact too.<br />
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We were informed that our the previous owner of our house committed suicide. This was to be her retirement home with her husband. He died of cancer. She kept the house for a year after, but decided to sell it to move closer to family. She shot herself on Valentine's Day. She was only about 50.<br />
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<b>RV:</b><br />
I found recently that our 5th wheel is not an RV, since it is not a vehicle. Oh well, it's still an RV to me. You all know what I mean. I'm not missing the RV as much as before. I think it's because I'm really enjoying the freedom the dogs have with our huge fenced yard. Also, I'm enjoying the convenience of a large refrigerator and regular sized kitchen, stove and sink!<br />
Of course, having a washer/dryer just waiting to be used on a whim and not scheduled is really nice also.<br />
We'll be giving her a good cleaning, some lubricants for the slides, etc. and close her up soon. Sigh.<br />
Next post, I'll have a product review for something you RV'rs may be interested in purchasing. I wish we had this when we were on the road.<br />
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<b>PETS:</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklv-fT84QNC4JFg3IsUJSiVqcPV-UsAvjsvVH1uC0nnZ2OrfC3H11FUzhGNDG9sid76u-amytDhjnfj78VXENqgvvEOyFkEksMyXFnF-rbk_Wgj2OO5xIjMqXSC0RURVsZ0eeS8hsAdJc/s1600/Lucky+o1-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklv-fT84QNC4JFg3IsUJSiVqcPV-UsAvjsvVH1uC0nnZ2OrfC3H11FUzhGNDG9sid76u-amytDhjnfj78VXENqgvvEOyFkEksMyXFnF-rbk_Wgj2OO5xIjMqXSC0RURVsZ0eeS8hsAdJc/s1600/Lucky+o1-small.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
It's still a revolving door of dogs in our home. We are now fostering Lucky. He is about 5 years old and very sweet to people. He's a nervous dog and has to be separated from our dogs, because if they get too close, he attacks. He attacked our 11 yr old deaf dog, Lyla. She is a total sweetheart, but damn! She gave it right back to Lucky. We saw blood and thought it was from our sweetheart, but nope, she bit his ear!!! He didn't learn his lesson though. Thankfully, he is being adopted at the end of the month, by a single man with no other pets.<br />
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Now on to BALLS!<br />
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Our Gordon Setter is 7 months old and 67 pounds! He is definitely going to be a big boy! He has started to show signs that his testosterone is kicking in. He's starting to mark where the other dogs pee and once in a while, lifts his leg to pee. Well, we'll nip that in the bud!!! Cut em off! Yep, his balls are gone! Funny thing, we think he keeps looking for them. He has become balls obsessed! Ryan loves chasing tennis balls, to the point of obsession. It's a good bonding time for Scott and Ryan.<br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>BOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18872268-fallen-palm" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Fallen Palm (Jesse McDermitt, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1384969792m/18872268.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18872268-fallen-palm">Fallen Palm</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7356235.Wayne_Stinnett">Wayne Stinnett</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1201472205">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Not my cup of tea. Very detailed descriptions of the Florida keys, boats, etc. Too much for me. I want to get into the storyline. I'm sure others find the descriptive writing about the Florida Keys very interesting. Just not for me.<br />
I may return to this book because the base story sounds interesting, but just couldn't get through all the details.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18668287-freefall" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Freefall (Custom Culture, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1401768366m/18668287.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18668287-freefall">Freefall</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4178161.Tess_Oliver">Tess Oliver</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1204802367">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
As "Aura" stated in her review...<br />
"Nix is totally best-book boyfriend-ever material. He's sweet enough to swoon for, Alpha enough to want to obey, and sexy enough to drop panties for. Then again, I have a soft spot for artists and good men with rough edges."<br />
Add to that the damsel is not only in distress but has a handicap (mute). <br />
Nix is a modern knight in shining armor.<br />
The story can be somewhat slow, but I enjoyed the characters so much, I was interested in the little details of their lives.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21474459-frenched" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Frenched (Frenched, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1395040542m/21474459.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21474459-frenched">Frenched</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7095467.Melanie_Harlow">Melanie Harlow</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1215571383">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
The main female character reminded me of myself. I am a constant list maker and like things to be planned. And in my younger days, I have very pleasant memories of "romance".<br />
Nice story, predicable. Great girl book. Much of the book was hot, raw, but not raunchy sex scenes. Although I really enjoyed them and thought of my own past, it did get to the point where I just scanned over the sex to find out what happens next. I scanned the sex because, Lucas ALWAYS hits the sweet spot, they ALWAYS seem to have simultaneous orgasms. Only so much I could take. I'm very envious.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13529900-a-game-of-proof" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Game of Proof" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331512141m/13529900.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13529900-a-game-of-proof">A Game of Proof</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/87104.Tim_Vicary">Tim Vicary</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1215596338">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Detailed courtroom drama. At first I had a difficult time getting used to the English terms and English court system, but soon grew accustomed. Also, many abbreviations were used for detective, policemen, etc., which I didn't know what they stood for.<br />
Excellent storyline. The barrister, Sarah is not a likeable character. She is driven to obsession with her career, claiming it is for her son to have a better life than she did, but at what sacrifice? Now he is grown and accused of murder.<br />
She is having trouble dealing with not only her grown son, but also her teenage daughter and her loving husband. All seem to be put 2nd to her career and they lash out.<br />
A possible serial murderer/rapist is in York. Or is it two guys working together? Or is it the guy Sarah just got cleared of rape charges, or is it her own son? Read on to find out.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13266037-a-gift-of-ghosts" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Gift of Ghosts (Tassamara, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328329670m/13266037.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13266037-a-gift-of-ghosts">A Gift of Ghosts</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5387551.Sarah_Wynde">Sarah Wynde</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1230351132">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Cute story about a community with "quirks" or special powers. The main character can communicate with ghosts. Sweet characters, a little danger, some romance. Most of the ghosts reminded me of young married couple that are ghosts in "Beetlejuice". Cute.<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: </b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17288661-sycamore-row" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Sycamore Row (Jake Brigance, #2)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1375888633m/17288661.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17288661-sycamore-row">Sycamore Row</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/721.John_Grisham">John Grisham</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1195096648">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Very good court drama about the legitimacy of 2 different wills. I kind of saw the ending ahead of time, but still held my interest. Typical Grisham courtroom...<br />
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<div>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9822489-triptych" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Triptych (Will Trent, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1291456465m/9822489.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9822489-triptych">Triptych</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12504.Karin_Slaughter">Karin Slaughter</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1189780634">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
My husband recommended this to me. He kept asking if I liked it as I'm reading. Yes, I did like it. The beginning was a good read (3 stars), but as you get further into it, and learn of everyone's past and how it has evolved into the present, the book got better.<br />
Even though I pretty much could tell who the real villain was fairly early on, my interest held because I wanted to see the delicate dance between the accused, and the real killer, how the detectives investigate, etc.<br />
Very, very good. Not quite 5 stars but a solid, 4.5 star read.<br />
Narrator was good for the most part, but sometimes the southern accents just seemed to blend into one another.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6065215-the-strain" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Strain (The Strain Trilogy, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1326225354m/6065215.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6065215-the-strain">The Strain</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/167605.Guillermo_del_Toro">Guillermo del Toro</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1221301637">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
If you like Zombie books, this is the book for you. I'm a Vampire fan and did not like the characteristics of the Vampires depicted in this book. And no-Vampires don't have to be sexy, but I don't like them mindless which is how most of them are described here. To me, that is more Zombie behavior.<br />
The beginning of the book was good. I was looking forward to the mystery evolving of the plane landing with unusual circumstances. The middle of the book was kind of boring (for non-zombie fans), then the ending was exciting.<br />
The book definitely left a typical opening for continuing the series.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>CRAFTS:</b><br />
I'm really enjoying my Jackon Underground Knitting group. We eat at a great Japanese restaurant, laugh, do show and tell, etc.<br />
I am thrilled with retirement life and being able to knit for hours if I want. Sometimes when I need a break from the dog rescue work, I just listen to an audio book and knit and knit and knit. My knitting friends think I'm a fast knitter...no...I just have more time to knit than they do.<br />
I'm still enjoying MKAL's (Mystery Knit A Longs). I've completed 5 so far in 3 months. Here's my latest called, <b><u><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lightning-thief" target="_blank">The Lightning Thief</a></u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QNWX5jD2P3ckkcheVqClV_ZPvBfTtiLWC4Y3RZH-ZPFIykHOZm4yheMXgfTlONZcSw7t9bxzAjvjJKjkRPFztoGec6YBOkN4TwG9SXU11vWptBtMEGhYN0OzzarOZKnczf_RxJXZqQNO/s1600/IMG_0046-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QNWX5jD2P3ckkcheVqClV_ZPvBfTtiLWC4Y3RZH-ZPFIykHOZm4yheMXgfTlONZcSw7t9bxzAjvjJKjkRPFztoGec6YBOkN4TwG9SXU11vWptBtMEGhYN0OzzarOZKnczf_RxJXZqQNO/s1600/IMG_0046-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
The top middle section of zig zags is supposed to look like lightning bolts. This has a lot of beads which can't be seen in this photo. I ran out of yarn for this. There wasn't supposed to be a different color border, but I like it a lot. I used leftover yarn from another finished project. The lighter yarn is silk from <b><u><a href="http://www.kangaroodyer.com/" target="_blank">The Kangaroo Dyer</a></u></b> and the darker yarn is silk/merino from Knit Picks called <b><u><a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Gloss_Fingering_Yarn__D5420151.html" target="_blank">Gloss</a></u></b>.<br />
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An earlier MKAL this year, called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/triangle-of-happiness-shawl" target="_blank"><b>Triangle of Happiness</b></a>. Mine does not look like a triangle because I did an extra wedge to make it larger.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2xk5Y7SItw0FnY2so2OdoYXWAdC8NYXzqJE4wBFkMbakUtfBDvnpq4WNDhPCok1RScs4N7g80wv4ljomsXr-vCYGF1zpbATpFxIhazd294CAaSgE0PBQp5WP6AdlBcdaqmVneZYIdqP_/s1600/IMG_0031-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2xk5Y7SItw0FnY2so2OdoYXWAdC8NYXzqJE4wBFkMbakUtfBDvnpq4WNDhPCok1RScs4N7g80wv4ljomsXr-vCYGF1zpbATpFxIhazd294CAaSgE0PBQp5WP6AdlBcdaqmVneZYIdqP_/s1600/IMG_0031-small.jpg" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
This one is also beaded, but only a few. For this pattern, I was just using stash yarn given to me, <b><u><a href="http://www.joann.com/patons-lace-yarn/10096436.html" target="_blank">Paton's Lace</a></u></b>. This is mostly acrylic with some mohair and wool.<br />
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I still don't know what to do with all these finished items.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>CHUCKLE:</b><br />
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Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-69139710749318402682015-02-15T15:46:00.000-06:002015-02-15T15:47:21.839-06:00Fulfilled life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMWuqnu6fAviSylml3JWBmpaTf0Mg79iCt8FXoDtdFFlYhrGIyyquTu6x5kecn-kpGM1r7HP-1B6t9zLtC9csuWdHvyn13fgZKZZhP7NM4chEaP2Z2Cgh4P6fl0hox9AAylO27CHbgtVX/s1600/IMG_7763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMWuqnu6fAviSylml3JWBmpaTf0Mg79iCt8FXoDtdFFlYhrGIyyquTu6x5kecn-kpGM1r7HP-1B6t9zLtC9csuWdHvyn13fgZKZZhP7NM4chEaP2Z2Cgh4P6fl0hox9AAylO27CHbgtVX/s1600/IMG_7763.JPG" height="381" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>CONTENTS</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>TENNESSEE LIFE</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>RV LIFE</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>CRAFTS</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>PETS</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>PRODUCT REVIEW</b> (Food)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>BOOK REVIEW</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</b></div>
<b>TENNESSEE LIFE/RV LIFE/DOGS:</b><br />
I guess you can tell from all my book reviews, that retirement life is having loads of time to read. I love it!!!! We bought a house in July, that was live in ready. The kitchen could use some updating, but is in good shape and I'm not picky. So I get to enjoy just relaxing, and doing revisions as I want, not as I need to. No honey-do's for Scott...well, very little. Life is good. But, I do miss the RV life. Again, I'm wishing my life away. When I worked, I wished for retirement, just prior to retirement, I wished for the RV life. RV life evolved into country living and now country living is dreaming of RV travels again. Because we are in the country, there is not much to offer, well, except a nice quiet, country life. Which I truly am enjoying, but in the back of my mind, I miss traveling and trying new foods, and finding a really great RV park, and new friends, new culture, etc.<br />
I am in no way wishing the demise of our dogs, but I can see since we have an 11 year old and two 8 year olds, that within 5-8 years, we'll be down to two dogs (presently 4 years old and under 1 year), and can RV again. RV'ing is never far from my mind. I was happy living in an RV although I wanted to experience having a home in the country, instead of crowded NJ.<br />
I must admit, my life is pretty much complete.<br />
In my 20's & 30's, I sowed my "wild oats" and had a blast during the disco era. I enjoyed the advantages of good looks, and a good figure (I had to work hard for the good figure).<br />
I was smart and waited to get married and chose someone I get along with, and puts up with me.<br />
I was lucky to have and tolerated a stable job with good benefits for 32 years.<br />
My plan to retire at 55 year old did not happen. Nope, I was able to retire just 2 months shy of age 53!!!!<br />
I chose not to have children. I was always fearful that in my old age, I would regret that decision. No regrets so far!<br />
I fulfilled my RV full time dream.<br />
I fulfilled my country living without struggling financially.<br />
I've fulfilled enjoying my retirement and doing what I want to do.<br />
Just two things I'm somewhat disappointed in...my weight and my over commitment to dog rescue. But...I sure am enjoying eating what I want, and my volunteer work keeps me from thinking that I am not a useful part of the world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfxyrfPzLfrnWJxZ2oSMSk64GIr7Dzh390cAUedMyh2HYjpqHshveLiyKco7A9T_NaGbB0mXM013_Rt80IuYpnNL49OanWXFU8gy9XlNu6uyicKys2Gw70Xg_DR6Cg-4QoWizgqb-q4uw/s1600/IMG_7762-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfxyrfPzLfrnWJxZ2oSMSk64GIr7Dzh390cAUedMyh2HYjpqHshveLiyKco7A9T_NaGbB0mXM013_Rt80IuYpnNL49OanWXFU8gy9XlNu6uyicKys2Gw70Xg_DR6Cg-4QoWizgqb-q4uw/s1600/IMG_7762-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>CRAFTS:</b><br />
I am enjoying the Jackson Underground Knitters that meet weekly at a Japanese restaurant. We have a private area, good food, and nice ladies to socialize and knit with. So far, none of the ladies get on my nerves. Really fun group. Plus, I get to wear something I've made and they've never seen. Every week is show and tell for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRdJmMXlDLktibBPHJd8dmAcQd1rccE_ALFLmxmHtlWQpKdMeW-LZZxY-eH5AQXa_kLZfOu6I4T77szFN6gsYgKkEbzwRuUPM8ZfH1_LsvDKBTX1mGzDW0XVVyej5AhWUqec-O8ZexmIu/s1600/IMG_7760-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRdJmMXlDLktibBPHJd8dmAcQd1rccE_ALFLmxmHtlWQpKdMeW-LZZxY-eH5AQXa_kLZfOu6I4T77szFN6gsYgKkEbzwRuUPM8ZfH1_LsvDKBTX1mGzDW0XVVyej5AhWUqec-O8ZexmIu/s1600/IMG_7760-small.jpg" height="269" width="320" /></a></div>
I LOVE this hat I crocheted. The free pattern is <b><u><a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/com.yarnspirations.pattern-pdfs/WEB-P-CAN-WomensPeakedHat-ENG.pdf" target="_blank">Women's Peaked Cap</a></u></b>. And with temps in the teens, I'm appreciating the warmth of this hat. Thanks to Shirley for the buttons.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>PETS:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQgE2YD-kBknXwLnvnGLuGsnhkxTtwbEVKVkL95faod7vr33-7R8ZeJK0JGhH6o6qn6nFXu_HMvxjvRNVdVOZPTESNJk3qCpMLoTh_dNz2DusTF_ZQ8EtGEdHdTIRRn475T_E9rinUCWF/s1600/IMG_7753-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQgE2YD-kBknXwLnvnGLuGsnhkxTtwbEVKVkL95faod7vr33-7R8ZeJK0JGhH6o6qn6nFXu_HMvxjvRNVdVOZPTESNJk3qCpMLoTh_dNz2DusTF_ZQ8EtGEdHdTIRRn475T_E9rinUCWF/s1600/IMG_7753-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue, named for her blue eyes, in her toy box.</td></tr>
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Well, our little rescue puppy, Blue is on her way to NJ to her adopters. I have to admit, I do miss her even though a good night's sleep eluded me the whole time she was in our home. She is such a happy dog! She just makes us smile.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDnlMYYVXeSjtVCgsYGtwU2_maN-EkRxpInecsTLBZgKJBO5kwgRsLR3IstumKdugoRfvEfZjR7-bvgARCjEFi_SFOZoDZGCxLlqJh6WEyoPKrgaX-S3hQRKJjD626Ph3_QlxE67Fbz5n/s1600/IMG_7759-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDnlMYYVXeSjtVCgsYGtwU2_maN-EkRxpInecsTLBZgKJBO5kwgRsLR3IstumKdugoRfvEfZjR7-bvgARCjEFi_SFOZoDZGCxLlqJh6WEyoPKrgaX-S3hQRKJjD626Ph3_QlxE67Fbz5n/s1600/IMG_7759-small.jpg" height="640" width="506" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Blue on left, and our 7 month old on right.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUb8ldTW6Xu9PyXwpW7dOLCdR9iUTvEZ_LKzzFY4RKVZf7sWj0pnj0iZddUX2MI1VEtzDPYxSNyxNzytQf44xkEK7smoRqu8eWr408xxuCQvM5ABR1IIjuuFC0nFyrvuKpM3IOJCz7VZc/s1600/IMG_7757-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUb8ldTW6Xu9PyXwpW7dOLCdR9iUTvEZ_LKzzFY4RKVZf7sWj0pnj0iZddUX2MI1VEtzDPYxSNyxNzytQf44xkEK7smoRqu8eWr408xxuCQvM5ABR1IIjuuFC0nFyrvuKpM3IOJCz7VZc/s1600/IMG_7757-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Buds, play hard and rest, play hard and rest...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi_NFtezj-HU6xNRCpElKdMu84Yc_D9GGyAeoxxlX8hBX5FXG5p5L03NMPQLGDRn0a95fuO7p_tulZVxrMrTP3Yc7r9wABi65mg7sbSdOlQEvZPycjy92PlZi0PowjPomZ19bBb-cWKOz/s1600/IMG_7748-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi_NFtezj-HU6xNRCpElKdMu84Yc_D9GGyAeoxxlX8hBX5FXG5p5L03NMPQLGDRn0a95fuO7p_tulZVxrMrTP3Yc7r9wABi65mg7sbSdOlQEvZPycjy92PlZi0PowjPomZ19bBb-cWKOz/s1600/IMG_7748-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>PRODUCT REVIEW:</b><br />
<b><u><a href="http://www.stubbsbbq.com/product/chili-fixins/" target="_blank">Stubb's Chili Fixins</a></u></b><br />
<b>Our rating 4 out of 5</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aknjgGIOMzlKTe_Tq3HB2EirFEHqMaR0Tj213y9BmF9kJL6-wZxzeug2U4q0r-GMxDQ3Aya1L_lWDvwCvwT_izJLelgjOkNHba4v5D9opfb9XwL-CM6lYn2wclDdQAlmRl6PcikHcMBh/s1600/Chili-Fixins.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aknjgGIOMzlKTe_Tq3HB2EirFEHqMaR0Tj213y9BmF9kJL6-wZxzeug2U4q0r-GMxDQ3Aya1L_lWDvwCvwT_izJLelgjOkNHba4v5D9opfb9XwL-CM6lYn2wclDdQAlmRl6PcikHcMBh/s1600/Chili-Fixins.png" height="320" width="175" /></a></div>
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Scott seems to do most of the grocery shopping. I mainly shop for the other items for the house, such as cleaning products. So when I do shop for food, I take my time, since I still haven't learned the layout of the small Walmart grocery section. So while strolling through the aisles, I saw this product. Scott really likes Stubb's BBQ rub and such, so when I saw a package for, just add meat chili, I had to check it out. It was only $2.50 and had a $1.00 off coupon on the package. Can't beat $1.50!<br />
We added chop meat, onions and beans. Delicious!!!!! I don't know if the $2.50 is the regular price or not. I checked on line and it's much more expensive. I'll definitely buy up Walmart's stock of Stubb's Chili Fixins if it's still $2.50.<br />
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<b>BOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18522975-broken" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Broken (Broken, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1382131008m/18522975.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18522975-broken">Broken</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6581091.Kelly_Elliott">Kelly Elliott</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1184463509">1 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
36% in and gave up.<br />
This is probably an enjoyable book for an immature teen to early 20's audience. The "F bomb" flew throughout the book by all characters. Whitley is being helped by a handsome cowboy when her car breaks down. Would you start throwing the F word around when you first meet someone? How low class.<br />
Then the continual bickering while trying to convince themselves they have "just friends" feelings, nothing more. Their hearts are too broken for love again WTF? I might as well join in the disgusting language. <br />
It sure would NOT win my heart if a handsome, hunk of a cowboy started using that language around me.<br />
A guy's looks can make me all hot, but when they disrespect me with that foul language, I'm outta here, but if I were using the same language, I guess low lives attract low lives.<br />
Very sad example of our youth today.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22719302-chasing-perfection" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Chasing Perfection: Vol. I (Chasing Perfection, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1409107864m/22719302.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22719302-chasing-perfection">Chasing Perfection: Vol. I</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8109231.M_S_Parker">M.S. Parker</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1186497787">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Free kindle download...thank goodness.<br />
DeVon is slime or very unhappy or angry and taking it out on women. No, he doesn't beat them, but he uses them sexually and throws them away. But I guess that's not saying much for the women either.<br />
A couple of shocking sexual surprises. DeVon is not a likeable character, but the romantics out there will hope that he comes around and finds a woman he can respect and tame him. Well, I'll never know. The book ended at what should be just a chapter ending, not a book ending. In order to really complete the storyline, you need to read the next in the series, which I will not. Book just left us hanging and not in a good cliffhanger sense, just a tease like Devon the main handsome, sexy, jerk.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11884921-the-dead-room" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Dead Room" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328348009m/11884921.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11884921-the-dead-room">The Dead Room</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4385962.Robert_Ellis">Robert Ellis</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1192969213">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Wonderful journey into the thinking process of finding a murderer, possibly a serial murderer. And within that story are political secrets, corruption, and egotism.<br />
Fast paced, murder mystery with a touch of romance. The development of the characters is excellent. Really enjoyed the book...hated the ending.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19270365-dreams-of-reality" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Dreams of Reality (The Dreams Trilogy)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386448364m/19270365.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19270365-dreams-of-reality">Dreams of Reality</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5765672.Beth_Bares">Beth Bares</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1196563058">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Really 3.5 more than a 4 star.<br />
Paranormal, vampires, etc. romance/adventure. Very good story and characters. Another interesting take on the vampire rage.<br />
Kept my interest the whole time. My only problem was being a woman in her 50's, the female characters, barely in their 20's were showing their immaturity with their giddiness, but other than that, I look forward to the next in the series.<br />
Yes there were editorial errors, but nothing to deter from the story. <br />
*Just checked Amazon. At $10.95 for Book #2, I do not think I'll be reading further. Just too steep for a just above average book.<br />
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<b>AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6151016-open-and-shut" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Open and Shut" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347505638m/6151016.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6151016-open-and-shut">Open and Shut</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/277189.David_Rosenfelt">David Rosenfelt</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1168457957">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I learned of this author because of his true life story "Dog Tripping". I gave his fiction a try because of his love of dogs.<br />
Narrator was quite irritating at first, but then he grew into the main character, a wise ass lawyer, who seems to be a loser, but is actually quite efficient in the courtroom.<br />
Murder mystery, courtroom drama, a lot of sarcasm.<br />
I enjoyed the book, but thought it was just average.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21532127-prince-lestat" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Prince Lestat (The Vampire Chronicles #11)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1413747607m/21532127.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21532127-prince-lestat">Prince Lestat</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7577.Anne_Rice">Anne Rice</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1187929832">1 of 5 stars</a><br />
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So disappointing! I was sad when Anne Rice announced she would no longer be writing vampire novels. A few years later, lo and behold, Prince Lestat pops up! Yeah!!! Over two hours into the audio book and it is just creeping along. She seems to be trying to refresh our memories of characters past, which at time brings back fond memories of her previous books. But then it gets old. Too much detail into the previous covered characters with just a smidgen of new material. A teaser, I suppose of what is to come. But she took just too damned long. <br />
I felt like I was listening to a history book. BORING! Plus the narrator was terrible! He made Lestat sound like the original vampire, Bella Lugosi. Very distracting. Lestat is supposed to be sexy and the narrator did not come across as sexy. Sigh.<br />
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Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-6310904857157077022015-01-29T16:35:00.001-06:002015-01-29T16:35:34.580-06:00Ugh! They're everywhere!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYueDmhc_NtFBz_Gzrs_aSMdEJSiEaIYHSF4yBw7wZ8FpdFmxDP5FB1hBByuxol3Dtke2tXe5RiFA2O27ZD8r7bgKe-SIl29DiehmVf0Q22ty_NX8J0kKtZoaJcl1L5ZKnFTflFcmxSML/s1600/10801696_10153787619154460_7500007933540883607_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYueDmhc_NtFBz_Gzrs_aSMdEJSiEaIYHSF4yBw7wZ8FpdFmxDP5FB1hBByuxol3Dtke2tXe5RiFA2O27ZD8r7bgKe-SIl29DiehmVf0Q22ty_NX8J0kKtZoaJcl1L5ZKnFTflFcmxSML/s1600/10801696_10153787619154460_7500007933540883607_n.jpg" height="400" width="390" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
CONTENTS:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
COMMENTS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TENNESSEE LIFE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PETS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BOOK REVIEWS</div>
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<b>COMMENTS:</b><br />
Just thought I'd respond to some comments I receive. I really enjoy seeing the comments.<br />
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<b>LG: </b>LG is hoping to full time in the future. She used to live in the country, so she enjoys both parts of my blog. Thanks LG. I hope your full time dream comes true. It's a very odd feeling to have "been there, done that" and check full time RV off my bucket list.<br />
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<b>JOHN & CAROL </b>of <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://5thwheelwanderings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">5th Wheel Wanderings blog</a></u> liked my end tables I made. They have been full time for about 5+ years. They just bought a park model, so now will be sort of snowbirds.<br />
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I think if we didn't have the urge to still foster and rescue dogs, that we may gone the same route. At the end of 3 years of full timing, we were ready to slow down. Settle someplace for the Winter and travel the rest of the year, but staying longer in places instead of just 2 weeks. But the "need" to have a huge yard for our Setters overruled the RV life. As I've said over and over, we may return as we hopefully downsize the breed of dog from 60-80 pounds down to 10-30 pounds. If that ever happens, I think we'll be on the road again.<br />
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<b>MERIKAY</b> of <u><b><a href="http://merika-merika.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Merikay's Dream</a></b> </u>also liked my end tables. I'm quite envious of her time she has been spending in the Florida Keys this Winter. We never made it down there because it was so far out of the way and we didn't want to deal with the high prices and hoping to get reservations and excuses, excuses.<br />
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<b>SUSAN</b> of <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://belugasexcellentadventure.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beluga's Excellent Adventure</a></u> comments regularly via email. They have recently sold their large farmhouse and are building a cottage on the lake. What a great compromise! RVing and a cottage to come home to.<br />
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<b>TENNESSEE LIFE:</b><br />
We have finished our fencing. Total about 2 - 2.5 acres. We have quite the hodgepodge of different fence types. Some we did ourselves, some we had professionals install, some was existing. The dogs are really enjoying the extra freedom. Poor Ella, a recent foster/adoption is about 8 years old. Well, she just loves to run and try to spook the birds out of the huge magnolia tree/bush. She forgets her age, until she tries to get up in the morning and has a difficult time moving...at least until she spots more birds outside.<br />
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Before the cold spell, we were clearing some of the forest to make it more walking friendly. Right now it is quite dense with many small trees, sticker bushes, vines, cluttering any pathways. What a difference between NJ and TN. In NJ, anytime we had to clear weeds, trim trees and bushes, we had to separate them for garbage. The weeds needed to be in a separate garbage pail and the shrubs and trimmed branches had to be tied in bundles no longer than 3 feet long. Now, we have 7 acres, mostly wooded. There's plenty of places to put our cuttings, and we can even burn them if we want!<br />
I finally did make a clearing to walk to our water. Unfortunately, we have the ugliest view. Ugh. But, the good news is, our neighbor has no problem letting us walk on his property to get to the water and his view is much much nicer.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3VRkEOTWXcP6lMQJrJlzKbx54ibdbwWW_cfpZpz4mIbQIcQxkcSvk1zF3ZbGSo25_ZKidq2DXVsLZSCJuXvCSO4P3FyQ11UHUoAVKRhS7rE0CIPs3epmBE5xuintnu2sd_2X_UaWqxhc/s1600/IMG_7537-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3VRkEOTWXcP6lMQJrJlzKbx54ibdbwWW_cfpZpz4mIbQIcQxkcSvk1zF3ZbGSo25_ZKidq2DXVsLZSCJuXvCSO4P3FyQ11UHUoAVKRhS7rE0CIPs3epmBE5xuintnu2sd_2X_UaWqxhc/s1600/IMG_7537-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our neighbor's view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our view looks basically like swampland. Sigh....<br />
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Our wood stove is installed and keeping the house cozy! I love it! We will no longer have the roaring fire in the large fireplace, but we will also, not be losing all the warmth up the chimney and using so much firewood for so short a time of beauty from the fire.<br />
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I am happy with the glow from the window of the wood stove, knowing that is easing the workload of our heat pump and allowing us to keep the house at a more comfortable 70-74° instead of a chilled 67-68°. I haven't been taking as many photos as when we were traveling. So no glowing fire photos for now. Maybe I'll remember to take a photo one of these days.<br />
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<b>PRODUCT REVIEW:</b><br />
<b>Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</b><br />
Now that we have a woodstove, we will need firewood more consistently, so Scott bought a <b><u><a href="http://www.logsplittersdirect.com/Powerhouse-FX128-Z-Log-Splitter/p3215.html" target="_blank">Powerhouse 7-ton log splitter</a></u></b>. He loves it and says it works beautifully! Fairly lightweight. We could probably take it along in the RV if we planned to have a lot of campfires!<br />
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Our address is fairly rural. Our street is about 1/2 mile in from a main thoroughfare (2 lane road), then our house sits up on a small hill about, I don't know 300-500 off the road so we are not seen from the road and we don't see the road. And still, we were visited by Jehovah Witnesses! You first have to specifically come up this street with homes well distanced apart. Then you have to go up our driveway, no knowing what you'll find up there. Then you need to pass by a fence and open the gate and hope our 5 dogs don't knock you down. I saw this minivan in front of our garage with 2 guys in suits. It's either the mob or JW. Then I see two "church lady" types holding their bible or whatever they use as a guidebook come out of the car. I walked out to the gate to "greet" them. Didn't even give them a chance to get to the gate. "Not interested, good bye", and I turn around.. Then they play the guilt trip and let me know I have a nice piece of property. In NJ, I just would not have answered the door.<br />
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<b>PETS:</b><br />
Having 5 dogs seems "normal" now. Our puppy Ryan is about 7 months old & 55 pounds! He has settled nicely into a routine with the other dogs. Now if I would just stop taking in puppies in need of homes. Yep, I did it again. This is the 3rd puppy in as many months that I have taken in to find a home for. This time, it's not even an English Setter! But because of networking among the rescues, the pleas for help are widely circulated.<br />
A 5 week old black lab mix puppy dumped in a church parking lot. A good samaritan and neighbor of the church found the pup and took it in. She has two dogs of her own and a special needs son, so really couldn't take on another responsibility. An email was sent to me because I live in the same state. I send out to my contacts to see if someone wants to adopt a puppy. Sure enough, someone in NJ. So I take the pup in.<br />
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Only 5 pounds!!! Still had the blue eyes of a young pup, so the good samaritan called her "Blue". So, I'm back to sleeping in the guest bedroom and waking up multiple times per night to let the pup out to do her business. Sigh. She is too young to travel right now, so I'm stuck, oops, I mean I'm caring for her until she can travel to NJ.<br />
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Luckily our vet is very inexpensive! No appointments needed and most times, office visits are not charged, just the service completed. I brought Blue in for vaccines and to see if she had worms and health check. Total $24.!!!! She has a clean bill of health and not even worms, but we worm her just in case.<br />
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The good samaritan didn't have a crate for her, so she lined a box with felt, covered and stuffed cardboard with fake fur to make a soft bottom for her to feel safe in.<br />
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She also gave us this cute pillow that had slots inside where she put info on the dog, a couple of toys, an adorable little paw print baby blanket, some chewies, and a nice card. I felt like I was having a baby/puppy shower!<br />
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So our big goofy Gordon Setter puppy is trying to learn how to play "easy". Little Blue is easily knocked around by one of his paws. Ryan, our Gordon Setter puppy, likes to put Blue's whole head in his mouth!<br />
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<b>AUDIO BOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2138727.Mudbound" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Mudbound" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1296591096m/2138727.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2138727.Mudbound">Mudbound</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/972440.Hillary_Jordan">Hillary Jordan</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/650177116">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Racial prejudice. I will NEVER understand it nor accept it. <br />
Newlywed wife (white) becomes a farmer's wife instead of a city wife as expected. <br />
This is a time when blacks are still trying to own their own land and be self sufficient. Black family living on the farm are sharecroppers, meaning they help work the land , but must give a share to the farm owner. The white and black families seem to get along, but individuals around them cause prejudicial problems.<br />
2 soldiers return home, one from each family. How are they treated? Very differently, but there is a bond of the war between them.<br />
How are the wives dealing with the families, how do the husbands respond?<br />
After writing my review, I changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars.<br />
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<b>BOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17877370-all-my-love-detrick" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="All My Love, Detrick" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1367459109m/17877370.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17877370-all-my-love-detrick">All My Love, Detrick</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5778736.Roberta_Kagan">Roberta Kagan</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1182169023">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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If you are a true history buff, this book is probably not for you. This book may not be spot on accurate historically, but I'm not reading a history book, I'm reading a romance in an historical time period.<br />
Wonderful love story.You get just an inkling of the horrors of this time period of Hitler, living as a Jew and as an Aryan. You want more accurate history, read a nonfiction book. <br />
My only complaint is there were too many chapter breaks when totally unnecessary. But that did not detract from the story, so my 5 stars stand strong.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11263404-open-season" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Open Season (Joe Pickett, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328333558m/11263404.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11263404-open-season">Open Season</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/314195.C_J_Box">C.J. Box</a></div>
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My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1168476617">4 of 5 stars</a></div>
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I originally listened to this as an audiobook. HATED IT! Couldn't finish it. Boring and the main character seemed like an idiot. My husband read the book and loved it and has read many more in this series loving each one. Every time he reads another in the series he encourages me to try to read this. I really hated the audiobook. I trust my husband's judgement. He knows my taste in books.<br />
The written version is so much better. The character I thought was an idiot, is now very endearing. Set in very rural Montana, we are exposed to the mindset of a different type of world. We have men that hunt for a living, we have a ranger trying to keep the balance between preserving nature, yet allowing them to be hunted. Greed vs. love of nature. Facing the gov't workers who don't give a crap, can be bribed, yet our main character pushes on facing which is the right next step. <br />
I look forward to reading more in this series. I'm a convert.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22799237-breaking-up-with-barrett" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Breaking Up with Barrett (The English Brothers, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1409294739m/22799237.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22799237-breaking-up-with-barrett">Breaking Up with Barrett</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7211470.Katy_Regnery">Katy Regnery</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1182213363">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A typical nice romance. I enjoyed reading it, but nothing special. Reminded me of "Pretty Woman", but just an escort, no dirty business. Male character was in the same business as the Greer character in "Pretty Woman". Typical, expected ending.<br />
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<br />Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-46280327837048290832015-01-12T15:19:00.000-06:002015-01-12T15:21:12.311-06:00Clip Clop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybwU5YqiUeWacIQBBrHGjONfyZ5E_CHIbpWu7ffn5IEZ0AQYeAKIcCa1hUUtIK3lAq5UzbrP9zE4xkQaaMl5-E4cpcCdBazG53bsN0r4gsduga7Ic0WVVduput55TKxe3k5tbIPICkyTt/s1600/2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybwU5YqiUeWacIQBBrHGjONfyZ5E_CHIbpWu7ffn5IEZ0AQYeAKIcCa1hUUtIK3lAq5UzbrP9zE4xkQaaMl5-E4cpcCdBazG53bsN0r4gsduga7Ic0WVVduput55TKxe3k5tbIPICkyTt/s1600/2015.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CONTENTS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TENNESSEE LIFE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PET PEEVES</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CRAFTS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PRODUCT REVIEW</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BOOK REVIEWS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<b>TENNESSEE LIFE:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYeDpXJ4GxMv98AUmFKJwT5C47TZxU0eJU0eOlGNM-_UBIUxwlN-WPhFzkThxdf9lSj4NCCvChf4CMeTjQARG0967dc4IbC4g8fAMS80VU_DObA1fR4FX64esoTfydOhS3KMCF9uEpfSi/s1600/DSCN16292-930x510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYeDpXJ4GxMv98AUmFKJwT5C47TZxU0eJU0eOlGNM-_UBIUxwlN-WPhFzkThxdf9lSj4NCCvChf4CMeTjQARG0967dc4IbC4g8fAMS80VU_DObA1fR4FX64esoTfydOhS3KMCF9uEpfSi/s1600/DSCN16292-930x510.jpg" height="218" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have met the neighbors on either side of me. One neighbor is far enough away, we can't see the house, the other neighbor can be seen in the Winter, but barely seen through the trees in the Summer. Both seem very nice. I have not met the mysterious ones that own a small section of land on the lake sort of behind us. Luckily no trouble from them, but haven't heard good things.<br />
I also haven't met our neighbor sort of across the street from us. All this is relative to the area. Across the street in our NJ town, was literally, 50 feet from our front door to theirs. Here in TN, is go down the hill of our 200 foot driveway to the main road, turn right, a few more 100 feet, then up their long driveway. When we first were looking at our house, we thought <b><u><a href="http://www.howardshorses.com/" target="_blank">"Southern Serenity"</a></u></b> as our neighbors call their spread was a retirement community. We saw a large building that we assumed was the activity center. WRONG! Southern Serenity is a private residence that trains <b><u><a href="http://www.gaitedhorses.net/BreedArticles/twhfacts.htm" target="_blank">Tennessee Walking Horses</a></u></b>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMnAH9p_a0bKS3FBAsOQzVeG-IH3J6Tc_GBxm1Ks2DzjIDDqfOWpzpZ9PXcw-aORWjrkt8NBp4X_uiNr-OzAwu90JH-tm6-1GUgzQ6EceJe2_WzH3qf46z5FYZVi-sF6-va9Q5-H4fPbo/s1600/27dae988867330c4a1c0df5353f1012d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMnAH9p_a0bKS3FBAsOQzVeG-IH3J6Tc_GBxm1Ks2DzjIDDqfOWpzpZ9PXcw-aORWjrkt8NBp4X_uiNr-OzAwu90JH-tm6-1GUgzQ6EceJe2_WzH3qf46z5FYZVi-sF6-va9Q5-H4fPbo/s1600/27dae988867330c4a1c0df5353f1012d.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weighted shoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19Jzz96p4I_oaBnwxlKk7_HYf7CU6irdsXF3KWZ5TbOkw7Ar44vmf_rtRrMCt-TV_JvtvuGT85E40X5ChgIHr0CP5Qjk5ainkbawXZ2R9kA0CISbwko5NaDKcd-A6PvR2hoPkpKfXbz6I/s1600/soring3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19Jzz96p4I_oaBnwxlKk7_HYf7CU6irdsXF3KWZ5TbOkw7Ar44vmf_rtRrMCt-TV_JvtvuGT85E40X5ChgIHr0CP5Qjk5ainkbawXZ2R9kA0CISbwko5NaDKcd-A6PvR2hoPkpKfXbz6I/s1600/soring3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caustic chemical damage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There is much controversy about the training and abuse of these beautiful horses for winning shows. Some trainers cruelly put caustic chemical on the horses ankles and wrap with plastic wrap. This causes pain and makes the horses lift the feet for the special gait/walk these horses are known for. Others cut the tendons, so the feet can move unnaturally. What may look to the audience like a happy horse prancing is actually a horse flinching -- the animal lifts its legs higher because putting them on the ground is painful.<br />
Of course I've read by defenders of the breed that this abuse is not necessary to win titles. I don't know enough to judge and I don't know how I feel about my neighbor.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>PET PEEVE:</b><br />
<b>Grammar:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2CTPo-J18lQjXv0JTRa3WsloSCrjs0uAjvH5mUGR26XSBGcJRFqnNk-VudPu2eYc7oNWu-Fa37lE_l758nG5pHFw5pgYGgDcd-eYZinAapLY9WX324Yyb3DVvtbf9UROnE_n-WM4w_Xl/s1600/I+vs+me.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2CTPo-J18lQjXv0JTRa3WsloSCrjs0uAjvH5mUGR26XSBGcJRFqnNk-VudPu2eYc7oNWu-Fa37lE_l758nG5pHFw5pgYGgDcd-eYZinAapLY9WX324Yyb3DVvtbf9UROnE_n-WM4w_Xl/s1600/I+vs+me.png" height="167" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><a href="http://www.grammarly.com/blog/2014/the-basics-on-subject-and-object-pronouns-b/" target="_blank">I vs. me</a></u></b><br />
The mistakes of using these two pronouns has bothered my Father more than me. Mainly because I did not know the correct "rule" for usage. The link above goes in depth to explain and I feel much more educated about these two words. I still have to think before I type I or me.<br />
"Simply"...<br />
<b>"I"</b> is a pronoun that is doing the action.<br />
<b>"me"</b> is a pronoun that the action is being done to. If you are really interested, Click the link above. It's nice to learn something that has bothered me for years.<br />
<br />
<b>ask vs ax</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8u04XuJ1KIJKs5824wF5lpWwOB6J0k7p2S9hJcrRNY80S7NL19Cho3c8N_CUxfSwzLHARfxDcc83Iel-Gt2HVsBvdt6kGpjLhEGR5lOyb35dCVfx2tGUHLjslCnUh-rV83OHy7B5t_ayp/s1600/ask+vs+ax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8u04XuJ1KIJKs5824wF5lpWwOB6J0k7p2S9hJcrRNY80S7NL19Cho3c8N_CUxfSwzLHARfxDcc83Iel-Gt2HVsBvdt6kGpjLhEGR5lOyb35dCVfx2tGUHLjslCnUh-rV83OHy7B5t_ayp/s1600/ask+vs+ax.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jHZwOqLrF2M" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<b>to vs too</b><br />
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<b>across vs acrost or acrossed</b><br />
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Visit <b><u><a href="http://www.grammarly.com/" target="_blank">Grammarly</a></u></b> for more "exciting" tips on grammar.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>CRAFTS:</b><br />
Yes, I've been knitting away here and there. I've been enjoying Mystery Knit a Longs again. I'm trying very hard to not purchase yarn. So far so good. I'm using what I have on hand.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpF_tIDLqesLbv3IvcWYMlfTZe6bgXdDL89uescRGwRv8vhVL8o8yJclksr0iX85lAbdmVUKty0QUOCicYAiJdq-mnDDYARYYaPtFRTIs0FyI0HoStueZKf-oVycQm1mr4fkM8hXmkNW9/s1600/IMG_7695-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpF_tIDLqesLbv3IvcWYMlfTZe6bgXdDL89uescRGwRv8vhVL8o8yJclksr0iX85lAbdmVUKty0QUOCicYAiJdq-mnDDYARYYaPtFRTIs0FyI0HoStueZKf-oVycQm1mr4fkM8hXmkNW9/s1600/IMG_7695-small.jpg" height="564" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ravel.me/deafsetter/nck" target="_blank">Nina Cowl</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIBc6RhPMRIs_p8VV7W0l9MdwStRGlfvRT1J4rqvOVmDNzbP4dz__yKB2Bx98D__YadJcsjFV4y98vShdb9iaflrzH9BYMbcXj9oJhSNvy6fiU5nJiLrw0oyXHhrpiM7dSo3bKoYilzeE/s1600/IMG_7697-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIBc6RhPMRIs_p8VV7W0l9MdwStRGlfvRT1J4rqvOVmDNzbP4dz__yKB2Bx98D__YadJcsjFV4y98vShdb9iaflrzH9BYMbcXj9oJhSNvy6fiU5nJiLrw0oyXHhrpiM7dSo3bKoYilzeE/s1600/IMG_7697-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ravel.me/deafsetter/h1" target="_blank">Hitchhiker scarf</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilg3ZLiTIjJLrQSHB3FpbgfgTvai2hgs0gqJasVXk_drnkmMH84DH3cKVP8GkQ04xGkI1vRH3851D1gaLwJJkSS5GImxgD50aZdKLfFM6GYdAgX5vNV_faCWfPweeVzXAelnkpcTIDSjG/s1600/IMG_7699-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilg3ZLiTIjJLrQSHB3FpbgfgTvai2hgs0gqJasVXk_drnkmMH84DH3cKVP8GkQ04xGkI1vRH3851D1gaLwJJkSS5GImxgD50aZdKLfFM6GYdAgX5vNV_faCWfPweeVzXAelnkpcTIDSjG/s1600/IMG_7699-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ravel.me/deafsetter/2yol" target="_blank">2014 Year of lace scarf</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFuaRqy6UPpeuznZDx5w5z9-fygd2oyNUG6Aip3xbv5DAGiTj-uiHAOxUa0D9jc88ycb8CbK4YvXA9S4LcQTAQrxnE3aOalKSU8dupB584R-TD2AYFAC9xP2qHBidV6uGyBQQfexsgdC7/s1600/IMG_7703-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFuaRqy6UPpeuznZDx5w5z9-fygd2oyNUG6Aip3xbv5DAGiTj-uiHAOxUa0D9jc88ycb8CbK4YvXA9S4LcQTAQrxnE3aOalKSU8dupB584R-TD2AYFAC9xP2qHBidV6uGyBQQfexsgdC7/s1600/IMG_7703-small.jpg" height="278" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ravel.me/deafsetter/1drmiks" target="_blank">Don't Ruche Me Scarf</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iu7uLnsG29ctwjpxa1eCKvC47rFB-WDlh4S5oPAA3l6FQ5Dv0O5fCan5vzEo3Zp19fOPv2SXkSXj2awoJYcBUTsE6hyiPB23QY8PrBB4-mXg6-yDF_i6qENiJJh-dMh6-6XCUkeSYRA_/s1600/IMG_7704-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iu7uLnsG29ctwjpxa1eCKvC47rFB-WDlh4S5oPAA3l6FQ5Dv0O5fCan5vzEo3Zp19fOPv2SXkSXj2awoJYcBUTsE6hyiPB23QY8PrBB4-mXg6-yDF_i6qENiJJh-dMh6-6XCUkeSYRA_/s1600/IMG_7704-small.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't Ruche Me (close up)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These knitted items are beautiful (if I do say so myself). The photos do not do them justice at all! I am at the point in my knitting that I just can't wear all of these, especially when I don't go anywhere. <b style="background-color: orange;">Anyone interested in any of my pieces, let me know.</b> Maybe I'll gift them to you or ask for a donation (you choose amount) to the charity of my choice.<br />
<b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</b><br />
<b>PRODUCT REVIEW:</b><br />
I am officially hooked on the Kindle. While I was doing some local sightseeing at <b><u><a href="http://parkerscrossroads.org/" target="_blank">Parker's Crossroads Battlefield</a></u></b>, I pick up a paperback book "When I was a Slave". It was only $4.50. Today I began reading it. I am so spoiled about not needing to use reading glasses to read the kindle and not have to have the bedside lamp on while reading, that it is difficult to go back to a printed book. Out come the reading glasses, the lamp has to be on and when I'm ready to fall asleep I now have to reach for the off switch of the lamp and hope one of the 4-5 dogs in bed with us, decides to roll into "my spot". For only 99 cents, problem solved. I downloaded it to my kindle. Yes! It's worth the extra $1. spent for the convenience of kindle paperwhite ease of reading.<br />
I've had my kindle paperwhite for a year and am still very very pleased with this wonderful reading tool.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>BOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13483087-bluestone-homecoming" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Bluestone Homecoming (Welcome to Bluestone #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1329133331m/13483087.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13483087-bluestone-homecoming">Bluestone Homecoming</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1259538.M_J_Fredrick">M.J. Fredrick</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1144596606">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Very enjoyable quick read. The characters were likeable. Set in a small town the is trying to be revived. Some characters left for larger cities, some stayed and wondered if they should leave. All are drawn together with the goal of reviving this sweet little town.<br />
A nice romance, with some tough decision making. No silliness, a couple of hot sex scenes...oh my. A happy ending, but things left incomplete to make room for a sequel.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/178470.When_I_Was_a_Slave" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="When I Was a Slave: Memoirs from the Slave Narrative Collection" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328866492m/178470.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/178470.When_I_Was_a_Slave">When I Was a Slave: Memoirs from the Slave Narrative Collection</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/103960.Norman_R_Yetman">Norman R. Yetman</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1146488797">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Book is just as the title states. It is many narratives from former slaves. They tell it like it is. Nothing fancy, no "artistic license" to make it read better or flow better. <br />
Most of what is written, I've read before, but there were a few new things that were new to me about the life of slaves. Interesting to read, but does get quite repetitive with many similar, very sad tales.<br />
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Did you know there was a concentration type camp during the Civil War in the South? It was the <b><u><a href="http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/andersonville" target="_blank">Andersonville Civil War Prison</a></u></b> in Andersonville, GA, The Commander of the prison was actually convicted and hung for committing war crimes.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21427012-take-two-and-call-me-in-the-morgue" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Take Two and Call Me In The Morgue (Bennington, #2)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1394590970m/21427012.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21427012-take-two-and-call-me-in-the-morgue">Take Two and Call Me In The Morgue</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7045025.D_W_Ulsterman">D.W. Ulsterman</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1159865613">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
An intense drama. Quite frustrating because it is dealing with politics, government agencies, health care and all the fatheads in those fields that think they can play god.<br />
A cure for cancer? Possibly, if greed doesn't win over true caring.<br />
A wide variety of characters that hold their own. Because they are all unique, it is easy to keep track of who is who.<br />
Bennington P.I. is a likeable character. I think the author was trying for an older Myron Bolitar. A sarcastic, irreverent, PI. Being a woman of 58, I can relate to this older Bennington and his aging body and trying to keep up, and yet learning to accept the consequences of growing old.<br />
I will be reading more from this author. This title was a free Kindle download.<br />
<br />
<b>AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9821210-the-kitchen-house" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Kitchen House" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1291442398m/9821210.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9821210-the-kitchen-house">The Kitchen House</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3067074.Kathleen_Grissom">Kathleen Grissom</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1134485465">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Excellent mixture of history, a touch of romance. The author did a lot of research to write this book. At age 7, an orphaned girl becomes an indentured servant & lives in the main house as part of the kitchen help. She is white, but through the open hearts of the slaves is brought in to their lives as part of their family.<br />
The book follows this girl into womanhood, marriage, and old age, along with the Master and his family and the slaves that raised her and loved her. <br />
Excellent narration also.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-31323560040509352502014-12-28T13:58:00.003-06:002014-12-28T13:58:45.345-06:00Greetings from Oregon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5XwJzEoXKYyovxR9LpzJTrW0gKdIXgycLvoKtRTkRFTKm67EqfST-I1IQWuFJnCSI1SCKoB5k9ELRyraRqpnSrXEqIB7PWErwmSBxHt8y5K2C8nnEamuonFDui4YRcsWHeen07Y7qjdn/s1600/Greetings+from+Oregon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5XwJzEoXKYyovxR9LpzJTrW0gKdIXgycLvoKtRTkRFTKm67EqfST-I1IQWuFJnCSI1SCKoB5k9ELRyraRqpnSrXEqIB7PWErwmSBxHt8y5K2C8nnEamuonFDui4YRcsWHeen07Y7qjdn/s1600/Greetings+from+Oregon.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CONTENTS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TN LIFE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CRAFTS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BOOK REVIEW</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<b>TENNESSEE LIFE:</b><br />
Nope, we're not in Oregon. But we might as well be with the weather here in Tennessee. We have only had two days of sunshine in the past couple of weeks it seems. Rain, dreary, overcast, more rain. Muddy floors, chill that I can't get rid of.<br />
<br />
My mood is definitely being controlled by the weather. I'm blah. I need a nice, soft, comfy, warm bathrobe to wrap around me. That is another item I purged for the RV lifestyle. A bulky bathrobe took up too much room in the closet. I sure miss it now. One of these days, I'll go into the larger town to a higher quality store than Walmart and get a thick bathrobe.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfA9l6RKOQCPMiKjTOJ9InKeTNkkO2HDrB3-FtBtXeRDFOyM6GpXMqc63njR3HCK3-FfDsGaClGLGnp0cXLFMvZAZEUoS5jMN1ZfYEWDOpEknM5wyNd7z1Kt88iqNn0u4wgiebql11VZRr/s1600/woodstove01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfA9l6RKOQCPMiKjTOJ9InKeTNkkO2HDrB3-FtBtXeRDFOyM6GpXMqc63njR3HCK3-FfDsGaClGLGnp0cXLFMvZAZEUoS5jMN1ZfYEWDOpEknM5wyNd7z1Kt88iqNn0u4wgiebql11VZRr/s1600/woodstove01.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With faceplate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our heat pump is running all the time, yet I'm still chilled. We have a large fireplace that we've been enjoying many fires, but it is definitely an energy waster. We had a roaring fire the other night, but the room didn't go above 71°. We are going back and forth about a wood stove. Do we sacrifice the beauty of a roaring fire for the efficiency of a wood stove? Wood stoves have come a long way and have more glass area for a better view of the fire. The wood stove, accessories, and installation will run between $4000. - $5000. Ugh! It will take us about 5 years to start seeing the savings. But the house will be toasty in the Winter. Is it cold enough here for a wood stove? We rarely get below freezing here so far.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqOEYqY-T78O2akvRsnt5k2c7ilIxuWITujfrF_UKmDd6ccvhfJ4IJuEuGeN9FMrAauHkP5Hw2hNUEf95-kw3Fj595PyzeqHQrxE0TsgNssViWLkpEgQ3g2ongOJtElg_J8vzCkZla6xs/s1600/Yodel-Wood-Stove-Insert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqOEYqY-T78O2akvRsnt5k2c7ilIxuWITujfrF_UKmDd6ccvhfJ4IJuEuGeN9FMrAauHkP5Hw2hNUEf95-kw3Fj595PyzeqHQrxE0TsgNssViWLkpEgQ3g2ongOJtElg_J8vzCkZla6xs/s1600/Yodel-Wood-Stove-Insert.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rustic without faceplate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Another question...should Scott install the chimney tube part? I just assumed we would pay for installation. I am at a stage in my life, that I'd rather just pay someone to do it for us. Scott still considers it a doable challenge that will give him a sense of satisfaction. My thoughts are we're dealing with fire, high temps, etc. I don't want our house burning down or being smoked out. Leave it to the pros.<br />
<br />
Opinions please: Do you prefer the wood stove with a faceplate above or more rustic on the left. I THINK I like the more rustic.<br />
<br />
Christmas as with really all holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. is a non-event for us. We stopped exchanging gifts and now even cards years ago. I don't feel cheated. I don't feel unloved. I don't feel unappreciated. We both feel relieved to not have the pressure of having to buy gifts. Again, we are at that point in our lives where if we want something, we just go get it. What can we give each other for Christmas, etc? Love is enough. If anyone feels bad for us, then just pretend that the bedroom chests I bought were a gift to Scott.<br />
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<br />
Another mail order purchase. We love our 2 chest of drawers, made from cedar. These items were purchase from <b><u><a href="https://www.logfurnitureplace.com/" target="_blank">JHE's Log Furniture Place</a></u></b>.<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>CRAFTS:</b><br />
With all the free wood on our land, I'm hoping to be creative. I've got a scroll saw. I just purchased wood carving tools and a "draw blade". A draw blade is a blade that you pull along the raw tree to remove the bark. I don't plan on doing large projects, just small branches, small creative pieces. We'll see. Right now with the blah weather, I barely get off the couch!<br />
<br />
I did make a simple set of bedroom end tables. My goal this time around living in a house is to keep the dust, dirt, clutter under control. That means a lot of vacuuming. Vacuuming means a lot of moving items around. So the less items on the floor the better.<br />
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What do you think of my idea? It may not be the best wood working, but it'll do and fulfills it's purpose. We have end tables, without dust collecting behind them or having to move them to vacuum. I am very happy with them.<br />
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I took 2 12" x 10' boards, screwed them together, curved the corners, sanded and stained. Slip these under the mattress. The mattress holds the boards and the ends stick out for the table. I hope to add a 2nd tier to the table, but for now, it'll do nicely.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>BOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20665112-always-with-you" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Always With You" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1391218258m/20665112.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20665112-always-with-you">Always With You</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6553580.Andrea_Hurst">Andrea Hurst</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1134532612">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
You get involved with who you shouldn't, the heartache is your own fault. Nip it in the bud.<br />
On and on, sneaking little secret touches, on and on about this is the love of my life, but I can't have him/her.<br />
A romance book and I actually skipped over much of the romance. I was more interested in the workings of the little cafe and what new creations would be served to the customers.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-80303346593433176002014-12-25T14:16:00.000-06:002014-12-25T14:16:53.614-06:00Our 1st Tennessee Christmas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ho Ho Ho? Bah Humbug.</td></tr>
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CONTENTS:</div>
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TENNESSEE LIFE</div>
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BOOK REVIEWS</div>
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
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<b>TENNESSEE LIFE:</b></div>
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Christmas morning</div>
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I don't think Santa came last night. The cookies were still laid out for him. Or maybe he's full or dieting. Santa dieting? No!<br />
Either way, if it's good enough for Santa, it's good enough for me.<br />
Ahhh, a quiet Christmas morning, with cookies, and coffee in my favorite mug. My parents live at <b><u><a href="http://www.lakeviewterrace.com/" target="_blank">"Lakeview Terrace"</a></u></b>, so when I drink from this mug, I always think of Mom & Dad.<br />
<br />
I am enjoying Christmas in a house rather than in New Mexico in an RV like last year. I am shocked at how severe I was in my purging of our stuff in NJ. I swear Scott forgot some things from the storage unit. But in reality, I think I just really was bold in my purging. We have very little Christmas items left. I am desperately trying to keep it that way. While out shopping for Christmas tree lights, I saw so many cutesy things for Christmas home decorating. NO! The more you buy, the more you need to store, the more you need to display, the more cluttered it will look.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
KISS. <b>K</b>eep <b>I</b>t <b>S</b>imple <b>S</b>tupid! </div>
We have no need for outdoor lights or decorations. You <u>can't</u> see our house and yard from the street and that's the way we like it. We have 5 large dogs, so that's enough "clutter" around the house.<br />
I have managed to just purchase a Christmas Tree for $20.00, Christmas Tree lights at Walmart for $9.00 and a table runner at the thrift store for $2.00. That's it. If I want anything else, it will be crafted with items on hand.<br />
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How different Christmas is here. First, since we are away from the larger towns, the only place to really shop is Walmart and it is hardly ever overcrowded. There were only two places to buy live Christmas Trees...Walmart or Tractor Supply. A couple of days after we purchased our tree from Tractor Supply (cheaper than Walmart), I stopped at Walmart and they had already drastically reduced their tree prices. The trees originally $30. were reduced to $5.00!!! Damn!<br />
<br />
In NJ, every other corner, masses of Christmas Trees were being sold. No tree under $29.99 and most in the $40.-$50. range. In NJ, store parking lots were so full, you had to wait for an open spot. I really love living here in a quiet part of Tennessee.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All but the center one hand made by me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sxwHtE0El87JdCbZ46DVfxPbWefNwwdmj1s6c0ftqroeFN9RGhKVn4ErsJ6yzLyPBx_fCjtzFfDhfaudvH_6I09EMvcY57mfdV-MMpF016QtRQ7NoTF-ytoELD1ioV1pJewE5RMV7WN2/s1600/IMG_7693-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sxwHtE0El87JdCbZ46DVfxPbWefNwwdmj1s6c0ftqroeFN9RGhKVn4ErsJ6yzLyPBx_fCjtzFfDhfaudvH_6I09EMvcY57mfdV-MMpF016QtRQ7NoTF-ytoELD1ioV1pJewE5RMV7WN2/s1600/IMG_7693-small.jpg" height="630" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's Christmas without a gaudy Christmas sweater/sweatshirt?<br />
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<b>BOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17181452-cold-fear" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Cold Fear" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404220578m/17181452.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17181452-cold-fear">Cold Fear</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/93666.Rick_Mofina">Rick Mofina</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1112742503">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I looked forward to my time when I could read further into this book.<br />
The book keeps you thinking. What is the monster? Is Mom crazy? Is Dad a child killer? <br />
Reading about the upper Montana area was interesting also. This was one of the places we missed during our RV travels.<br />
A little romance, a lot of suspense, suspicion.<br />
Even better, a 4 star book was a free kindle download!<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21504461-crave" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Crave (Fire and Ice, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1395195752m/21504461.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21504461-crave">Crave</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8068911.Violet_Vaughn">Violet Vaughn</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1130103153">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Definitely a young adult book. But so what? I'm a young adult in my heart. Some steamy, somewhat explicit sex scenes. I really enjoyed all the characters in this book. Most were likeable and the ones that weren't, is because that is how they were supposed to be portrayed. No silly teenage flirty crap. This is more of a mid to late 20's romance. They are mature enough to not play silly games, but young enough to have the times of their lives. At a time in their lives that they are thinking of the future also.<br />
Set in a ski town in Colorado, much of the subject is about skiing, and the lifestyle of ski instructors. Light reading, enjoyable. Another free Kindle download.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5886881-dark-places" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Dark Places" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1354988288m/5886881.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5886881-dark-places">Dark Places</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2383.Gillian_Flynn">Gillian Flynn</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1112724235">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Not an exciting book, but I definitely enjoyed reading it. Narrator did an excellent job.<br />
A young woman that has been living off the proceeds of her family's murder, has finally come to the end of the cash cow. <br />
She resorts to selling family memorabilia, and giving talks to murder "fan clubs". But in so doing, questions arise as to who really killed her family 20 years ago. In opening up the long ago sealed family items, questions arise and the search of the past begins.<br />
A fairly dark book, with sad characters, but the mystery of & search for who killed her family makes for interesting reading.<br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23300233-death-dealer" style="float: left; font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Death Dealer" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412300378m/23300233.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23300233-death-dealer">Death Dealer</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4323952.Ashley_Robertson">Ashley Robertson</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1130118667">2 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A quick read. Free kindle download.<br />A different approach than the other paranormal books I've read. I like the take on the grim reaper or guide to heaven or hell, but enough wasn't explained in the beginning.<br />I still can't figure out if the death dealers are alive or dead or in between like vampires. A little bit more of an explanation into how they evolve into Death Dealers would have been nice. Since this is #1 in the series, I can't use the excuse I skipped the first book.<br />Nice little romance, with some hot intimate scenes. <span style="font-size: 13px;">
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<br />Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-4347220346079206322014-12-08T15:12:00.000-06:002014-12-12T12:57:09.360-06:00Nesting<div style="text-align: center;">
"BITE THE BULLET"...</div>
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Accept the inevitable impending hardship and endure the resulting pain with fortitude.</div>
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TENNESSEE LIFE<br />
PETS<br />
RV<br />
BOOK REVIEW</div>
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<b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</b></div>
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<b>TENNESSEE LIFE:</b></div>
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My Father sent me an email...</div>
<i>"Your Mom & I miss your "Blog" since October 29; what's up? Love you, Dad" </i><br />
I was going to title this blog "Bite the Bullet". The blog is on my mind often, but I just find myself and my life not very interesting anymore. I have to keep reminding myself, that this blog is for me as much as it is for friends and family.<br />
And really, the blog is not a hardship, but it is not as enjoyable as it once was.<br />
It seems every time I post now, I'm trying to explain myself. I'm sorry.<br />
<br />
While I was outside on "poop patrol" (cleaning the yard of poop), and Scott was laying stonework, we heard an unusual sound. I went to investigate. As I got closer, I recognized the sound. It was something burning! Oh crap! Then I heard voices. I walked a little closer to the sound and a Pit Bull came after me, I mean greeted me. Yep, even a dog lover like me is cautious around certain dogs. Ends up the Pitty was a sweety. So I've now met another neighbor. He was burning the edge of the corn field to get rid of the overgrowth. Yep, part of living in the country. Nice guy. His Father built our house.<br />
<br />
I'm in nesting mode. Last year I was somewhat depressed, because the weather was so frigid and I don't enjoy cold weather RV'ing. I DO look forward to RV'ing again. I just don't know how we'll do it with so many dogs!!!!<br />
<br />
I've found myself purchasing for two households. It really bothers me to buy duplicates of items. I still have a clear memory of purging 22 years of stuff out of our house in NJ to prepare for full time RV'ing. I purchased two alarm clocks. We've been using the one from the RV in our bedroom. Well, when we do take the RV out, I don't want to have a long list of items to remember. I want the RV to be occupant ready so we can hitch up and go. So 1 alarm clock is for the master bedroom and the original itty bitty alarm clock can be returned to the RV. The 2nd alarm clock is for the guest bedroom since I've been spending so much time there and have actually had to use the alarm clock. Huh??? There is a comfy king sized bed in the master bedroom and why would I need an alarm clock when I'm retired?<br />
Puppies, that's why!<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>PETS:</b><br />
Anyone following my blog knows I volunteer for <b><u><a href="http://www.esrescue.org/" target="_blank">A&B English Setter Rescue</a></u></b>. A good chunk of my day is dedicated to keeping info organized for the rescue. Well, now that we have a house, I've adopted two English Setters, posted earlier. But, I've somehow had the opportunity to foster one puppy after another.<br />
1st puppy at 8 weeks arrived and stayed about 2 weeks before she was adopted to a family in PA.<br />
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She was only an itty bitty thing at 9 pounds, while our Gordon Setter puppy who is only one month older, was 33 pounds.<br />
Because I'm the one fostering and Scott doesn't want to lose sleep with another puppy, I was sent to the guest room for the duration of fostering this pup. Our Irish/English Setter mix, Devin was the only one to join me during my banishment to the guest room. We went through a lot of paper towels and enzyme spray. Neither puppy was fully housebroken yet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EZSrDdHPhRvoweo18qQm3q9WxdfrbWPmndOPKDKTvIoRmsNef19-qRJrqjAks8SaO06QIOpTyITXlfiXcWS0ahiow7EZ_nuAB6r7J2beeHXYjVUH8IamNwt2ynRA9nNdxcuuif2N4O5_/s1600/IMG_7628-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EZSrDdHPhRvoweo18qQm3q9WxdfrbWPmndOPKDKTvIoRmsNef19-qRJrqjAks8SaO06QIOpTyITXlfiXcWS0ahiow7EZ_nuAB6r7J2beeHXYjVUH8IamNwt2ynRA9nNdxcuuif2N4O5_/s1600/IMG_7628-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puppy's new Mom & Dad</td></tr>
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The above photos is the good and bad part of fostering. The good in that I was able to save this dog from living in a shelter, or being adopted by someone who doesn't know the breed. The bad, it is so difficult to give them up. She got along beautifully with our dogs, she was a great cuddler too.<br />
<br />
No sooner does the 1st foster pup get adopted, I was made aware of a Setter puppy on a site similar to Craig's list. Puppies are highly adoptable, so they are good for our Rescue. The dog was 3 hours from me, so off I went.<br />
2nd Puppy was one day older than our own puppy. But he had been an outside dog, so no potty training, but luckily our Ryan, has finally become 100% potty trained and uses the doggie door.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNG2XSdIZz6jz0emafwZpA3CxbDFcKv7mydC6HxwHA9cLvnHmIjr_aqM5HHS1fkv2B315IbjvjgNztq78OsrsITHLQu6dNR208dGVNErlEOnapzjkYWpLQc7o0_-fmnjzW5qzyRnovOTU/s1600/IMG_7650-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNG2XSdIZz6jz0emafwZpA3CxbDFcKv7mydC6HxwHA9cLvnHmIjr_aqM5HHS1fkv2B315IbjvjgNztq78OsrsITHLQu6dNR208dGVNErlEOnapzjkYWpLQc7o0_-fmnjzW5qzyRnovOTU/s1600/IMG_7650-small.jpg" height="640" width="538" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1/2 Gordon Setter & 1/2 English Setter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgyMV9Dd2Ifw1_iptJzxYWc-Zbfk72VChyMBc5L6X0GfXuUQxDFmhVk-BGnhGZFNZdP6AD-iMWeH5UL1FZeJWUDH3qmyRirpFTVa6Q8UaMGSCxXlBAk_1-_qYlwGtigJfCrpn2mlC1vC3/s1600/IMG_7651-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgyMV9Dd2Ifw1_iptJzxYWc-Zbfk72VChyMBc5L6X0GfXuUQxDFmhVk-BGnhGZFNZdP6AD-iMWeH5UL1FZeJWUDH3qmyRirpFTVa6Q8UaMGSCxXlBAk_1-_qYlwGtigJfCrpn2mlC1vC3/s1600/IMG_7651-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pup on left, foster pup on right, recent adopted dog in center.</td></tr>
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So I had a few night's sleep in our wonderful Master bedroom and then wham! Back to the guest room on the air mattress.We were very close to keeping this 2nd pup. But we really don't want 6 dogs. We really don't even want 5 dogs, well, we really don't want 4 dogs. I think 3 dogs is the perfect # for us.<br />
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Can you picture dinner time with 6 dogs? Even the normal 5 is quite a production.<br />
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We go through 30 pounds of food in 2 weeks.<br />
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All the dishes are put on the counter. The dogs begin to get excited. Luckily, we have taken the time to train them to hold their excitement. Our puppy Ryan, used to jump up against me to try to get the food. We put an end to that. Now he quietly lays by my feet while I fill the dishes with their food.<br />
I then stack the dishes according to the order they will be served. I need to get the dishes from the kitchen into the mud room where they eat. I don't care if the floor in the mud room gets messy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you find the SIX dogs eating their dinner?</td></tr>
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And finally, I put the food bowls down in order. I'm sorry to say the most behaved dogs are fed last. That is because, they are so behaved, they will wait for their bowl to be placed down and not go to the other's bowls beforehand.<br />
Training is the key to a enjoying a dog.<br />
And why did I need an alarm clock? Because I had to get up very early for each of these puppies to go the their new homes. The first pup was adopted by a family in PA. They drove 7 hours and met me in KY, which was a 2.5 hour drive for me. The 2nd pup was going to another foster home (didn't I say I didn't want 6 dogs???) in upstate NY. We have a wonderful volunteer who coordinates a volunteer transport system where many, many volunteers tag team. I drove 2 hours to Nashville, and dropped the pup off to a driver who was then going to drive an hour or two and pass the pup on to the next driver and so on. It takes many volunteers to make dog rescue work.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>RV:</b><br />
Last year at this time we were in Deming, NM. We were trying to avoid the cold. Yea, right. <a href="https://secure.shoeboxapp.com/gallery/7d2317699269c616916cc7fdc189fbbd" target="_blank">Here's a link to photos of what we experienced.</a><b> </b>I believe this may have been the start of the end of RV'ing. We thought we had planned things out nicely. We were to stay in NM only about 30 miles from Mexico, for 2 months through the Holidays. Good company, decent weather....well at least the company was good.<br />
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<br />
I wonder if this would have been useful during our winter RV'ing. Yes, there ARE wood stoves made for RV's and boats. Oh, how cozy warm I would have been last Winter...<br />
Here are links to a couple of resources.<br />
<b><u><a href="https://www.kimberlyepawoodstoves.com/kimberly-wood-stove-review" target="_blank">Kimberly Wood Stove</a></u></b><br />
<b><u><a href="http://marinestove.com/installation_views.htm" target="_blank">Marine Stove</a></u></b><br />
And here is a <b><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uUvz-1pBDg" target="_blank">you tube link</a></u></b> of a DIY installation.<br />
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==================<br />
<b>BOOK REVIEW: </b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6644392-24-hours" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="24 Hours (Mississippi #2)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328335208m/6644392.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6644392-24-hours">24 Hours</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19696.Greg_Iles">Greg Iles</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1090578339">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
This book catches your attention from the start and just keeps going.<br />
A kidnapping that last "only" 24 hours, but so much happens in those 24 hours. A climax, then fails and leads to another climax. Suspense, likeable and annoying characters, all which meld together to make a great read.<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2948950-big-trouble" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Big Trouble" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1387177153m/2948950.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2948950-big-trouble">Big Trouble</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6245.Dave_Barry">Dave Barry</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1090584453">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Starts out very confusing. Multiple story lines going on at once. I had a difficult time keeping track of which character was with which storyline. By the middle of the book, I started getting the hang of it and by the end, the book was great. Very much like Carl Hiaasen, with the odd characters, and stupid actions. <br />
I believe this is Dave Barry's first adventure into novel writing. I will look into other books of his hoping that they get better. He's definitely got the knack, just needs some tweaking.<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17666209-born-to-be-wild" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Born to Be Wild" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1371095716m/17666209.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17666209-born-to-be-wild">Born to Be Wild</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/318496.Patti_Berg">Patti Berg</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1101982516">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Yes, I am red faced and have a silly smirk on my face as I give this free Kindle book FIVE stars. Very sweet Romance about a couple from two different walks of life. Can they make it work? Is she too snooty? Will he be accepted?<br />
Easy reading..."take me away, Calgon" book. <br />
The 5 stars given because it was such an easy read. I enjoyed a few hours cuddled under an afghan with some coffee and this book.<br />
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Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-58086364209221760772014-10-29T19:21:00.003-05:002014-10-29T19:30:40.571-05:00NO!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
CONTENTS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TENNESSEE LIFE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
RV</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PETS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PROJECTS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BOOK REVIEW</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<b>TENNESSEE LIFE </b>aka Sweet Asylum<b>:</b><br />
It's the end of October and I'm still able to sit outside even during happy hour with short sleeves and sandals. Is this normal for TN life? I don't know. It was in the 30's in NJ last night, but I doubt we went below 50° here last night. We enjoy the color changing of the leaves, yet still have warm enough temperatures to relax outside.<br />
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Scott is freaking out about all the different kinds of spiders in our yard. I'm fine as long as they stay in the yard and don't hurt our dogs.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>RV:</b><br />
Yes, as the cartoon above states, I need a hug. In lieu of a hug, I'll have a shot to make me feel better.<br />
<br />
I truly miss my connection with the RV community. I think I miss that a lot more than the actual RV'ing. I like the luxury of having the space and privacy of a house, but I do miss that possibly of meeting up with someone in our travels. When I walk into our RV, it smells like "home".<br />
I was just communicating with an RV friend we met in Washington. I blogged about them before. Mike was very generous with some crab legs that were given to him. He not only gave Scott a bunch, but he cooked them to perfection also. We had told them about Wintering in Deming, NM at <b><u><a href="http://www.hiddenvalleyranchrv.com/" target="_blank">Hidden Valley Ranch</a></u></b>. Lo and behold, they stayed there for 3 months last Winter with us crossing paths for a few weeks.<br />
Sadly, Mike passed away in June of this year. I recently asked Maryanne how she was doing.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Life after Mike is like going from Technicolor to black and white."</span></i></div>
I have spoken before about how nice the residents at Hidden Valley Ranch are. Well, Maryanne is now living there in her RV! If something ever happened to Scott, I would consider that also, although I really hate the desert, but oh the community is wonderful!<br />
I think living in an RV by myself would be much more liveable. I don't need as much as Scott did, well, it feels like that. He needs all his electronics and big screen computer monitor, etc. I'm happy just finding a cozy spot to read or craft or work on my laptop.<br />
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I would need a community to have some socialization. As long as I'm with Scott, I'm fine being a loner, but if I was without Scott, I would be lonely.<br />
I'm always trying to plan for the future, so when things happen, I won't be like a deer stuck in place in front of headlights.<br />
I've even thought that I'd move to Oregon if I got cancer. They allow prescribed suicide. I think it is ridiculous for humans to have to suffer when it's terminal.<br />
Oh boy, I guess I lost track of the RV subject.<br />
<br />
There's also the <b><u><a href="http://www.escapeescare.org/" target="_blank">Care Center in the Escapees RV park</a></u></b> in TX. Another area that I really would rather not live in.<br />
Any RV'rs know of other nice places to retire to?<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>PETS:</b><br />
I can't believe it's been a <b><u><a href="http://greatescapefromnj.blogspot.com/2013/10/hook-line-and-sinker.html" target="_blank">whole year since we picked up Dina</a></u></b>, the reservation dog. Last I heard, she was happy living with her adoptive family in NJ. We still miss her and we both agree, we shouldn't have given her up. She was a surprisingly great dog, especially being an outside dog.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIBMntYucuJzfzMee02kzPbNuL_j1e0xD7R5uQRi0_8xZLx4VT9OPsIRRZsVBuUmh2BphwmvS9zJdPOMXJx6l0A9MsQZJ3wNdbEM7DdLixOOQwTmyQInSXaer4FuxojOYiUW5T_uIHlNn/s1600/Ryan+&+Lou+on+couch02-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIBMntYucuJzfzMee02kzPbNuL_j1e0xD7R5uQRi0_8xZLx4VT9OPsIRRZsVBuUmh2BphwmvS9zJdPOMXJx6l0A9MsQZJ3wNdbEM7DdLixOOQwTmyQInSXaer4FuxojOYiUW5T_uIHlNn/s1600/Ryan+&+Lou+on+couch02-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan & Lou</td></tr>
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Our puppy, Ryan has fit into our pack. He is both a pain in the arse and a sweetheart. We must say "no" over 100 times per days. I love the saggy jowls of the Setter breed and his jowls are already pinchable. With long droopy jowls, comes drooling also. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm sure as he matures the drooling will begin.<br />
He still has pee accidents once in awhile. It's almost like he is too preoccupied to bother going outside. He pees while he's running in the house. Ugh! But then other times, he'll push his way through our new doggie door. Thank you hubby.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFRqLLpb_zB5-ZVrjspkoYt1iXzJUNTb21-LggXIBq2nQfka4LcW0Qri4R_mii_rHPcfSeLUGk3TO-vjknwMVO19qTxYKpa8jsQejyP_PHB-LPbdO0a-phsZn8_bJI0lvmtWCX_HKRqXG/s1600/Dog+Door+after+01-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFRqLLpb_zB5-ZVrjspkoYt1iXzJUNTb21-LggXIBq2nQfka4LcW0Qri4R_mii_rHPcfSeLUGk3TO-vjknwMVO19qTxYKpa8jsQejyP_PHB-LPbdO0a-phsZn8_bJI0lvmtWCX_HKRqXG/s1600/Dog+Door+after+01-small.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
It only takes one dog to ruin a good thing though. Lou is the only one that does not use the doggie door. He will bark and bark and bark to come in. Coaxing with treats doesn't work either. But 4 out of 5 dogs isn't too bad. Even our little one pushes with all he's got until he makes it through the door.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>PROJECTS: </b>Recycle<br />
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Because we have basically started all over again, acquiring "stuff" for the house, we have accumulated many, many cardboard boxes. I've looked at Pinterest and it's amazing <b><u><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/deafsetter/cardboard-obsession/" target="_blank">what you can do with cardboard</a></u></b>. If you layer and construct property, you can actually make furniture!<br />
Since I have 3 garages, I have plenty of space to save all this cardboard. Unfortunately, brown recluse spiders love to make their home in cardboard.<br />
<br />
I decided to experiment. Our dogs are having a difficult time getting up on our bed. We placed a plastic drawer by the bed, which works ok, but looks ugly. I thought I try my hand at cardboard construction.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPREx_4GMF35V5u0GmPhFWnU3lkoMCxkPXwM9IXq9GYOOpbKIHfWkx2wXNL0e-Zw9HVFj5Sdg4MAUy_kPmGS-W_UTRYXH4WBAtVVvlZ2IDYw4ievF83Y2Sb3nWdOtdQmMRUr3_SvGdqoBs/s1600/IMG_7563-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPREx_4GMF35V5u0GmPhFWnU3lkoMCxkPXwM9IXq9GYOOpbKIHfWkx2wXNL0e-Zw9HVFj5Sdg4MAUy_kPmGS-W_UTRYXH4WBAtVVvlZ2IDYw4ievF83Y2Sb3nWdOtdQmMRUr3_SvGdqoBs/s1600/IMG_7563-small.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Two boxes filled with corner styrofoam pieces to cardboard placed upright for stability.<br />
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I have lots of this paper filling. I tore it up and covered the boxes with this and watered down white glue.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTMY2T3p0GQeFQwHVbjGCSZfQAHYQ43rpoA1eYXWRcIIrg4QLAEGjuofWY658hdHRtFJ6eIkaJEPRwzQbs4rBjjUB1Kac9lhM1OT8DzEJA5XlGmb58m3GekZl3dazjcGrRg96O1vCPIVi/s1600/IMG_7576-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTMY2T3p0GQeFQwHVbjGCSZfQAHYQ43rpoA1eYXWRcIIrg4QLAEGjuofWY658hdHRtFJ6eIkaJEPRwzQbs4rBjjUB1Kac9lhM1OT8DzEJA5XlGmb58m3GekZl3dazjcGrRg96O1vCPIVi/s1600/IMG_7576-small.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Enough completed to try it out. it slipped around when the dogs would step on it, so had to had some rubber stuff to the bottom. Once I'm sure the dogs will use this, I'll cover it up much nicer and you'll never know it's cardboard.<br />
<br />
We have 7 acres and 4 acres is probably wooded. I'm determined to make use of any downed trees and branches. I'm starting small, but I'm very happy with my first little project.<br />
Just take a small branch, sand, more sanding until you reach the beautifully bare wood.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4cQdcvaOy7M0a5QPaK01KC5rw_DzQnUsaKOMWXhj1fhcX61lZuVKULTCrhEbAiPyRlwR7hUvcZyrokrJipg207m8UYxdAFlFU_9h_YxFHVV2Awzqiso-_QLgx7oSzP8waXeYRTPHG4H6/s1600/IMG_7573-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4cQdcvaOy7M0a5QPaK01KC5rw_DzQnUsaKOMWXhj1fhcX61lZuVKULTCrhEbAiPyRlwR7hUvcZyrokrJipg207m8UYxdAFlFU_9h_YxFHVV2Awzqiso-_QLgx7oSzP8waXeYRTPHG4H6/s1600/IMG_7573-small.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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The above photo was an afterthought, so this of course is not the same branch, but you can still see the steps. Left is raw wood, middle is taking off the first layer, left is down to bare wood. I did not realize that there is another layer under the bark until I began sanding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLouDYPV4nuARbvDf8ca2sv3Q1ZFv98gM6DegVIGhztb_ojIOeyUkGshweiA5N6A_W3emgt6wYijmOkuGYZ9u3X0Em-_kaEADynMwlrj1K4KMLCHYxdFP5-ehURGZKmkRK1Aa3uES2m-YG/s1600/IMG_7575-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLouDYPV4nuARbvDf8ca2sv3Q1ZFv98gM6DegVIGhztb_ojIOeyUkGshweiA5N6A_W3emgt6wYijmOkuGYZ9u3X0Em-_kaEADynMwlrj1K4KMLCHYxdFP5-ehURGZKmkRK1Aa3uES2m-YG/s1600/IMG_7575-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finished drying towel rack. I'll also use this to dry ziplock bags when I reuse them. I get a great sense of satisfaction from making something from "nothing".</div>
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I think this is where the blog will be heading toward...my projects.</div>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>BOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11967402-314-crescent-manor" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="314 Crescent Manor" border="0" src="https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/111x148-c93ac9cca649f584bf7c2539d88327a8.png" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11967402-314-crescent-manor">314 Crescent Manor</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4401522.M_Jones">M. Jones</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1061467681">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
This took a long time for me to read. I did not look forward to reading it. It did not take me away...<br />
But it held my interest because it was so odd! So I plodded through.<br />
One event changes the ways things are for a building with a life of it's own. Evil escalates, and causes bizarre things to happen to the buildings tenants. Can things be made right again? Well, maybe not right, but just different.<br />
What am I talking about? Exactly. That's how I feel about the book. I ended with "Huh?".<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-45424665948190040722014-10-21T19:36:00.001-05:002014-10-21T19:36:11.687-05:00Insanity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmEEG8OMcPSjoHTfk6YaWrq12oJ-4RzLFr-9iMi_Cz9m9zxdu9KPpyn64V-4QzMGSEk68SoNP9EI38x85XOxdwiMrusvPySiLT_0r_oS1FavToDQWjoLJuxy9qkyB_8EmY-RTZ-1nxwcj/s1600/Insanity01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmEEG8OMcPSjoHTfk6YaWrq12oJ-4RzLFr-9iMi_Cz9m9zxdu9KPpyn64V-4QzMGSEk68SoNP9EI38x85XOxdwiMrusvPySiLT_0r_oS1FavToDQWjoLJuxy9qkyB_8EmY-RTZ-1nxwcj/s1600/Insanity01.jpg" height="400" width="365" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CONTENTS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PETS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
RV PRODUCT REVIEW</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TENNESSEE LIFE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BOOK REVIEW</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`~~~~~~</div>
<b><u>PETS:</u></b><br />
What did I expect? Something different this time around?<br />
Through some rescue contacts, I found out about an "oops" litter from a reputable Gordon Setter breeder. The oops was simply the coupling too early. Ahhh, when nature calls, a dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do! That is why anyone with "just a pet" should spay and neuter their animals.<br />
So we are the proud parents of an 8 week old (as of this writing, 3 month old) Gordon Setter puppy.<br />
What the hell was I thinking?????? Are we insane???Puppies are a lot a work. I must have been temporarily insane to agree to get a puppy again!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRR89XjuTW8MlG0JFpLcwOg5uGDNZAWu7OeVjGVZZUO5dTGsKY6mwbPSYOePVU0Rn9bvgMhvj_ofxCVlCoU0HEQmlymEDWKKnHN9Bkh9FPkYhIebur-fuVuTWHP5pI6vJHGBuAWsMI1hy/s1600/IMG_7521-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRR89XjuTW8MlG0JFpLcwOg5uGDNZAWu7OeVjGVZZUO5dTGsKY6mwbPSYOePVU0Rn9bvgMhvj_ofxCVlCoU0HEQmlymEDWKKnHN9Bkh9FPkYhIebur-fuVuTWHP5pI6vJHGBuAWsMI1hy/s1600/IMG_7521-small.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
It was sort of a thank you gift to Scott for putting up with my rescue work and taking in homeless dogs. Scott loves puppies, I prefer older dogs.<br />
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So that makes for the pitter patter of 10 feet besides Scott & myself. In case you can't calculate, that is FIVE dogs. Yep, RVing is over for a while. Sigh.<br />
Since we've had the puppy about a month now, much progress has been made. I was hoping for a puppy like our Flat Coated Retriever, Chance. He was house trained in 3 days. Nope, not this one. I am so glad we do not have carpeting!!!! He is 90% house trained. At least he makes it to the mudroom, which is on the way out.<br />
We named him Ryan. Sort of a tribute to Scott's "heart dog", Ryley. Ryley had eye problems since age 3. He went blind at 9 yrs old. His opthamologist, Petra called him "Ry, Ry". I have started calling Ryan, Ry Ry. I also call him Ryan Rue Roo! I sometimes rue the day I agreed to bring him home and he roos, as is a Setter trait.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2mLU82Cx2JeeQDnHzH54mEkbn4ngaYfpBzg7X5wtKfo6OhROBml1OmljzEAkAwjc57xVbAzhD_PsZYMmQyf4RKEE8M-v_HoWt7TK5KReS6hxKIaShEZAjrZwpeU9mGKx1Dj6NJYOPY98/s1600/Ryley+pup+on+grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2mLU82Cx2JeeQDnHzH54mEkbn4ngaYfpBzg7X5wtKfo6OhROBml1OmljzEAkAwjc57xVbAzhD_PsZYMmQyf4RKEE8M-v_HoWt7TK5KReS6hxKIaShEZAjrZwpeU9mGKx1Dj6NJYOPY98/s1600/Ryley+pup+on+grass.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryley as a pup</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRdMrpFkOnxCLCcjxu81liN7PyzLGWg0vsTDlkoSBunr4-AKjjSRSuQtsX1kifI1O9HxJdPMqD6iVNO1-sUDtFGGLCMTbMRVHFTAt_PP0wuRofG-kMW_gOWZHAQDlteJjflV05Fbmz6vj/s1600/Irish+Ryley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRdMrpFkOnxCLCcjxu81liN7PyzLGWg0vsTDlkoSBunr4-AKjjSRSuQtsX1kifI1O9HxJdPMqD6iVNO1-sUDtFGGLCMTbMRVHFTAt_PP0wuRofG-kMW_gOWZHAQDlteJjflV05Fbmz6vj/s1600/Irish+Ryley.jpg" height="640" width="387" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryley as an Irish Setter breed ambassador</td></tr>
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Well, we may have been insane to get a puppy again and expect it to be easier this time, but we know once he matures a little in a couple of years, we'll have a wonderful dog.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b><u>RV'ing Product Review:</u></b><br />
When planning our route we would use many resources...Good Sam trip planner, Google Earth, &<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.rvtripwizard.com/about.html" target="_blank">RV Trip Wizard</a>,</u> <u style="font-weight: bold;"> </u>$39.00 per year<br />
<b>My rating 4 out of 5</b><br />
I tend to be the frugal half of this relationship. I would not have paid the membership fee for this service. But Scott has. Yes, we still have "our own money", plus "joint money". Since he paid for it, I have enjoyed the benefits. You enter your start and destination. RV Trip Wizard maps the route, but also includes the RV parks/Campgrounds along the way. They include Good Sam, Escapees, KOA, etc. as well as private parks. It does save time to have the parks already listed in the area instead of having to search the net for nearby campgrounds. Although I've had great luck with mapping our route on Google Earth and just picking towns we want to stop near and use <b><u><a href="http://www.rvparkreviews.com/" target="_blank">RV Park Reviews</a></u></b>.<br />
RV Trip Wizard will be <b><u><a href="http://www.rvtripwizard.com/trending-today.html" target="_blank">featured on the Discovery channel </a></u></b>on Nov. 18, 2014 on the show "Trending Today".<br />
I must admit, that I would not pay close to $40. for a trip planning program. I would just do the research myself, but having the use of it has been very very convenient.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>TENNESSEE LIFE, missing F/T RV lifestyle:</b><br />
Did anyone notice, the new title under our blog title? "Sweet Asylum living in TN". I'm calling our homestead "Sweet Asylum". We escaped NJ and have found sweet Asylum in TN.<br />
Adjusting to TN life has been easy, but in a way, surreal. I keep thinking we are going to hop back in our RV and take off. That this is just a "snowbird" stop.<br />
I've been feeling quite melancholy. I want it all and right now I can't. Mainly because Scott is not one to leave the house unoccupied. Sure, it would be very difficult with 5 dogs, but people do it! We'd have to research RV parks that would allow 5 dogs on one site.<br />
I see commercials of beautiful scenery out West. When in the RV, I would say, "we've been there". Now that we are settled in a house, I wonder if we'll ever be that way again.<br />
I do believe we stopped full time RV'ing too early. Three years flew by. I feel we failed because we did not see the Upper Peninsula. We should have gone along with our plan to not look for a house until the fall. Oh well. I am happy, just somewhat melancholy. I'm not part of that special group of F/T RV'rs. I'm just a "normal" person.<br />
Our 5th wheel has been neglected. We've only been in there to take things out. Well today, I gave a pep talk to our traveling home. Every time I go in the RV, it has a unique smell. No it does not smell of dog, or dust etc. It does have a special RV odor and it brings back so many good memories and feelings of contentment and HOME. I still feel that the RV is our home and the house is just temporary. In time, it will reverse, but the adjustment is taking a while. I gave our Rv a good sweep. I took my time and enjoyed thinking of the happy times we spent in this small traveling home. I never named "her", but she has been very good to us. Thank you Missy Silverback.<br />
I've already started putting it in Scott's head that in 10-15 years, we may do this all over again...our "last hoorah!" before moving into a retirement community. We'll be about 70 yrs old. Maybe travel for a year or two in an RV and then settle down into our final senior living place.<br />
<br />
It's sad that I take websites off my toolbar like RV Park Reviews. I used to use that regularly. My stomach gets all knotted up and I almost go into panic mode realizing we are not going to be traveling for a long while. That part of our life is over. Planning to F/T for 6+ years, and actually doing it and now it's over. Yep, melancholy.<br />
<br />
Our neighbors invited us over to take a walk through their property to see the 80 acre lake.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKti8l9trfPtHD8Nr48wyj54hHSYHAvaWA4Zs_cTvAyVxEElyW-Zpy_UPPZWUnj_lyyOdOPAw_JKMg_oBJxrXU95VWmMWdU4QaidH_hGOQJY0Qs5SG5eos1B6FvrvLmpH-5Eoz8p3l5U7/s1600/IMG_7537-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKti8l9trfPtHD8Nr48wyj54hHSYHAvaWA4Zs_cTvAyVxEElyW-Zpy_UPPZWUnj_lyyOdOPAw_JKMg_oBJxrXU95VWmMWdU4QaidH_hGOQJY0Qs5SG5eos1B6FvrvLmpH-5Eoz8p3l5U7/s1600/IMG_7537-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from neighbor's property</td></tr>
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I still have not seen the lake from our property. We're still waiting for the foliage to drop to make way for easier trail blazing. The forest area has thinned and we are able to see a glimmer of the lake from our back porch. We hope to clear enough for a view of the lake year round.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b><u>AUDIO BOOK REVIEW:</u></b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22603713-mean-streak" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Mean Streak" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1408612743m/22603713.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22603713-mean-streak">Mean Streak</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6218.Sandra_Brown">Sandra Brown</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1061457954">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Can't say this was an exciting book, until near the end. But, the mystery man/kidnapper really intrigues! Is he good or bad? What is his background? Should we like him or hate him? Is he a sexy hero? Is he a sexy criminal? Well, bottom line, he's sexy, which of course held my interest.The questions gripped me and kept me listening. I wanted to know his story! <br />
A well to do woman, from her dead parent's inheritance is quite the philanthropist. She is a practicing Dr. even though she does not need to work. She donates money and organizes fundraisers for causes close to her heart. How did she end up with this mystery man? Should she be afraid of him? She isn't. Why won't he let her go home?<br />
Yep, lots of questions to keep you interested until the end.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-42580322392800434952014-09-28T12:02:00.000-05:002014-09-28T12:02:28.081-05:00Failures<div style="text-align: center;">
CONTENTS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PETS & Dog Rescue</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BOOK REVIEWS</div>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyF_chYViRp2HBdKzH4Y8jcdrjbnuCbkhCwXoRH-m54cM7ClPgJ8gFsB7M9z5PHywM3wHZx7lGi5IqDBX7L4kCwGQ3VQ5tfI2X8I9RcJ0dDddp7b5uuNTD8yxNmCxZXIPTvqsDxmg8TRAo/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyF_chYViRp2HBdKzH4Y8jcdrjbnuCbkhCwXoRH-m54cM7ClPgJ8gFsB7M9z5PHywM3wHZx7lGi5IqDBX7L4kCwGQ3VQ5tfI2X8I9RcJ0dDddp7b5uuNTD8yxNmCxZXIPTvqsDxmg8TRAo/s1600/images.jpg" height="268" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh what did we do?</td></tr>
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<b><u>PETS:</u></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott, Lou in lap, Ella by his side</td></tr>
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Well, we decided to adopt Lou & Ella. This is what rescue calls "foster failure", which should not be used in a negative sense. It simply means we opened up not only our home, but our heart to a dog (or two) in need, in hopes of finding an adopter for them. But sometimes, they work deep into your heart and you can't let them go. Therefore, you failed at fostering, because you didn't find a new home for them. But of course, they have found our home and that is a positive. So, we've doubled our pack within about only 2 months of settling down.<br />
Other past foster failures...Sophie, Pillsbury (both now deceased).<br />
My heart is with the older dogs. I think this is where my maternal instincts lie/lay?. I never wanted human children and thankfully never had a "accident" (in my opinion). I love the stoic demeanor of the senior dogs. They somehow seem to appreciate the care I give them.<br />
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If you're not interested in dog rescue, you can skip over this of course. But this is just ONE dog's story. This is what Above & Beyond English Setter Rescue does. We get so many heartworm positive dogs also. Our adoption fees do not cover the cost of health care for the dogs that come in to our rescue, so we depend on generous donations. <b><u><a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=7q5VIaDUvDz--q1idDJXbw98hxCIpZqB1y5EIRYClclyOK05evf0ymMa228&dispatch=50a222a57771920b6a3d7b606239e4d529b525e0b7e69bf0224adecfb0124e9b61f737ba21b08198cf7658296ddbf66bbd0b039a3775ce6f" target="_blank">Donations can be made through our PayPal account</a></u></b> or by check sent to our Treasurer (email me for address).<br />
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<i>The County Judge would not authorize the shelter to spend any additional money on the dog after they found out she is diabetic; in fact, he ordered her to be put down. Thank goodness they did not listen. </i><br />
<i>I picked Sophia up today and she looked worse than I expected. When I got her to the vet clinic 2 Dr.'s immediately rushed to her side along with 2 tech.'s. They stated that she was the 2nd worst they had seen since the practice began. She should be around 45 to 50 pounds but she is currently only 27 pounds.</i> (When I began fostering her, she was about 30 pounds. She was up to 52 pounds when I finally adopted her) <i>Her blood sugar is high, over 400, but they are most concerned about her liver. Her liver is not functioning properly. They said that it could be due to being extremely malnourished. Sophia is every bit the sweetheart they said she was. </i><br />
<i>Her spine seems to stick out 2 inches above her back and her skin is draped over her ribs. It was all I could do to hold it together. Thanks to you all, we really saved her life. She could not hold out much longer without serious medical attention. To be honest, she looked like a dead, dog that has been killed on the side of the road--she is just still moving</i><br />
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Below is a video of Sophie after she regained her health.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/M029sy2XiE4" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Pillsbury was my "heart" dog. We had him 1 day and couldn't let him go. We adopted him at 7 years old. We called him the Gentle Giant. He was a large Irish Setter. He came to us at 105 pounds. We got him down to 95 pounds which was an appropriate weight for his size. He was very TALL. And so so sweet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the squirrels</td></tr>
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Pillsbury was our <b><u><a href="http://www.irishrescue.org/" target="_blank">Irish Setter Rescue </a></u></b>ambassador. He would go up to people and lean in for pets. Because he was so large, hairy and such long ears, he drew a lot of attention.<br />
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In 2011, we lost both the Irish Setter pictured above. The one in the background was our Ryley, who died of bone cancer and Pillsbury in the foreground, died of a burst stomach tumor or something like that.<br />
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During Pillsbury's last year of life, he lost all feeling in his hind legs from <b><u><a href="http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/basicDM.htm" target="_blank">Degenerative Myelopathy</a></u></b>. Many German Shepherds suffer from this disease. The good news is that it is not painful to the dog. Pillsbury needed to be lifted into the doggie cart, he also had to wear diapers. I used a human type of incontinence pad which worked great. Purchasing those adult diapers I guess was preparing me for my possible future?<br />
In January of 2011, we had our 5th wheel and truck purchased for our plan to Full Time in July of that same year. We planned to bring our blind Irish Setter, Ryley, our lame Irish Setter, Pillsbury and our deaf English Setter, Lyla. We would somehow make this work. But they both died unexpectedly prior to our full time adventure. Ryley did make it on our maiden weekend voyage though and Lyla is still with us.<br />
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<b><u>BOOK REVIEW:</u></b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8250854-21-tales" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="21 Tales" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328021288m/8250854.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8250854-21-tales">21 Tales</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/803402.Dave_Zeltserman">Dave Zeltserman</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1046891213">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Never heard the term "noir genre" until reading this book's reviews. Oh please, be down to earth and call it "dark". On to review.<br />
I must admit I did not finish this book. Not because it wasn't good, simply that I have come to realize, I don't like short stories. I will search out a full length book of Zeltersman to try.<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5293536-melki">Melki's</a> review was spot on, so I have just pasted it. <br />
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Here's a fun collection of crime/noir/suspense and paranormal tales.<br />
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- A stolen fortune cookie messes up one man's fate.<br />
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- A writer takes care of his pest problem for good. <br />
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- One man deliberately gives bad advice to his fellow bar patrons.<br />
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- The desire to keep a Beacon Hill apartment becomes a treacherous struggle.<br />
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- A man attempts to scam the Nigerian Prince internet scammers.<br />
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Zeltserman is quite skilled at writing stories about people trying to screw other people. He concocts great dialogue, inserts plenty of laughs and frequently pulls it all together with a delightful twist at the end. Watch a master at work as he manages to pull off a double, triple and even a quadruple cross. The stories keep you on your toes as you're never sure who will end up with the money and who will end up dead. Good stuff!<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12299435-the-art-of-seducing-a-naked-werewolf" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf (Naked Werewolf, #2)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312611502m/12299435.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12299435-the-art-of-seducing-a-naked-werewolf">The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2503028.Molly_Harper">Molly Harper</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1053225378">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Molly Harper's series are ALWAYS good for an easy light hearted paranormal romantic comedy. I've read a number of her books and have NEVER been disappointed.<br />
These stories are nothing deep and dark, but a lot of sarcasm about werewolves living among and even having very close happy relationships with humans.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21938878-desert-mornings---tales-of-coffee-cactus-chaos" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Desert Mornings - Tales of Coffee, Cactus & Chaos" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1397677790m/21938878.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21938878-desert-mornings---tales-of-coffee-cactus-chaos">Desert Mornings - Tales of Coffee, Cactus & Chaos</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/799477.Kathleen_Walker">Kathleen Walker</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1066294353">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Nice light reading with your morning cup of coffee. While visiting the Southwestern part of the US, we met the author at a book signing and decided to purchase who book. <br />
An easy read about life in the Southwest and some funny things that have happened along the way. She can be somewhat sarcastic, which I enjoy.<br />
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Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-89622598129967776752014-09-12T11:42:00.000-05:002014-09-12T11:42:57.978-05:00All kinds of Critters<br />
<b><u>RV'ing:</u></b><br />
Can't really call this section "RV LIFE" anymore. Who know when we'll take our RV on a road trip again. By the end of September, we'll have FIVE dogs! I TOLD you that would happen! Shouldn't be any surprise to Great Escape blog followers.<br />
But, I'd still like to keep some kind of section about RV'ing.<br />
It is a very melancholy feeling to unsubscribe from some RV newsletters or delete the emails without bothering to look at them. There was a time when I sucked in all the info I could. Fulltime RV'ing was a constant learning process and modifying the RV to make it more livable and comfortable. I was also trying to learn about odd places to visit or great farm markets or restaurants. All that is unimportant now because the chances of actually going there are low. Here are some of the items I used to subscribe to.<br />
<a href="http://www.campingworld.com/" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Camping World</a> This is the go to store for newbies. After a while, you can find RV supplies from other resources, but Camping World has sales, a wide selection, etc.<br />
<a href="http://www.goodsamclub.com/" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Good Sam</a> Good Sam club is now linked with Camping World. As a Good Sam Member, I believe you get discounts at Camping World, 10% discounts at participating RV parks, Emergency Road Service available, which we had. Used it once and was satisfied with the service.<br />
<a href="https://www.rvpluscard.com/" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">RV plus card</a> To get an RV Plus credit card, you need to be a Good Sam member. This is a GREAT credit card. It is a gas/diesel credit card only for Flying J and Pilot. You not only get a discount for using the card, but by using the card, you also get the cash price at the pump. Our latest bill was ZERO. While fulltiming, our diesel charges were as much as our current mortgage payment!<br />
<b><u><a href="http://www.escapees.com/" target="_blank">Escapees</a></u></b> Escapees is great for full timer's. I'm not sure of the benefit for recreational RV'rs. 15% discount at participating RV parks. Only about $15. per night at Escapees/Rainbow RV parks. We also used their wonderful mail service as our address and mail forwarding.<br />
KOA I won't bother with the link. This is an ok membership. You get a discount at KOA's, but KOA's have become super expensive, so we usually avoided them.<br />
<b><u><a href="http://www.rvillage.com/" target="_blank">RVillage</a></u></b> I was thrilled when this site opened on the web this past year. My main interest was to find out where fellow RV'rs were. You can list where you are currently staying and others in the park can see that and message you via RVillage. Unfortunately, since it was only in the beginning stages, I did not have much use of it. I'm sure as it grows, it will be a wonderful resource, to find fellow RV'ers with similar interests, park reviews, etc.<br />
<b><u><a href="http://www.gopetfriendly.com/" target="_blank">GoPetFriendly</a></u></b> Traveling with two permanent dogs and a couple of times picking up a stray dog, Go Pet Friendly is an informative site letting you know where dog parks are, what sight seeing places allow dogs, whether a place is safe or fun for dogs, etc.<br />
<b><u><a href="http://www.rvlife.com/" target="_blank">RV Life Magazine</a></u></b> You may have seen this large sized magazine free at many RV parks. It's an interesting read with info on places to see.<br />
<b><u><a href="http://roadtreking.com/" target="_blank">Roadtreking RV Newsletter</a></u></b> I've really enjoyed Mike's newsletter. He is a journalist and does quite a bit of long term RV'ing in his Roadtrek with his wife and dog. Even though they RV differently in a small glorified van, he does visit interesting places and also has news items about RV interests, whether it be crime, RV accidents, safety, etc. A very informative newsletter that I used to enjoy.<br />
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<b><u>COUNTRY LIFE:</u></b><br />
Scott is still "enjoying" mowing the lawn. He just pops his headphones on and saddles up on his John Deere riding mower. Two hours later, he's done. Oh how he used to complain about mowing our 80' x 40' lawn with a self propelled push mower. It took all of 1/2 hour! That used to drive me crazy! He'd come in after mowing and blow out his breath,like he was so tired from a long day's work. I guess it was all about pushing/walking as to riding that makes the difference.<br />
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We are finding all kinds of critters around here. Deer sometimes in the front yard, although the dogs have pretty much frightened them away. Sigh.<br />
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Lots of big black crows picking dinner from the front lawn. There seems to always be about a dozen and only come around about 5-6pm & sometimes in the morning.<br />
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My first encounter with the Blue tailed skink or five-lined skink was while working camping at <b><u><a href="http://www.4pawskingdom.com/" target="_blank">Four Paws Kingdom RV Park</a></u></b> in Rutherfordton, NC. I thought these little guys were beautiful! Well, we have them scurrying around our deck, cement walkway, and garage. They don't seem to cause any trouble, so I enjoy the flashes of bright blue as I walk around.<br />
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We also have some kind of dragon fly that flit around while we are on our walkway. I thought they needed to be near the water. Again, these guys don't seem to cause any trouble and they are beautiful with their large multicolored wings.<br />
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Scott has put up 3 hummingbird feeders and all are being used. I sit on the couch and look out our window and the hummingbird feeder and thistle feeder are within view.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Currently there is a praying mantis keeping the hummingbirds away from the feeder.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are these Goldfinches?</td></tr>
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As I was performing my nightly routine in the bathroom, I noticed something out of sorts in the bathtub. I look, I look again, and "Sccccotttttt?"<br />
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What the...? How the...? Where the...? Very cool, but how DID it get in the house? There must be a gap somewhere!<br />
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Poor thing was so scared when Scott was trying to capture it, he pooped all over the tub! Damn! We don't even use this tub. Now I have to clean it!<br />
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Now for the more creepy crawlies. Of course there are ticks around. As I'm clearing the backwoods, I do bring home a couple. So far they've been the larger dog ticks...still yucky, but easier to find. Luckily, they prefer the overgrown areas outside our fence, so the dogs have not had a problem with ticks.<br />
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As we do our "poop patrol" in the yard, we've come across...YUCK! EW! I'll never walk barefoot again!!!! Yes, you could say that about the piles of poop we clean up, but that can be washed off. But oh no...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJnmWVAZMTA4gEC-dDdcvNNYMYB1r2BRuTM9FAqZYYnreI8CKP7kcq6XQcCEqsWz-D9qdzoFE93NJcua9m0pT50lg8SDrs4wlzJWLwJp-MVFgRj1HzZIz4gGapiJnA0RQID1XRMCIVFmZ/s1600/IMG_7414-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJnmWVAZMTA4gEC-dDdcvNNYMYB1r2BRuTM9FAqZYYnreI8CKP7kcq6XQcCEqsWz-D9qdzoFE93NJcua9m0pT50lg8SDrs4wlzJWLwJp-MVFgRj1HzZIz4gGapiJnA0RQID1XRMCIVFmZ/s1600/IMG_7414-small.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a><br />
These guys are beautiful in their own way, but still kind of creepy since they are so large, about 3" long!<br />
and...<br />
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Eeeeek! Now that is creeeeeepy! We have no idea what kind of spider. He was only about 1/2' long, but still, I wouldn't want to step on him!<br />
Different strokes for different folks...or dogs. Devin loves all the critters around.<br />
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<b><u>BROWSING THE WWW:</u></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.meetup.com/" target="_blank">MEETUP</a></b><br />
This is a good place to start if you are looking for like minded people to get together with. I found a Social meet up in Jackson, which is the closest larger city in the area. I was hoping to meet local people who would be a wealth of info about the area. Unfortunately, in this case, the group is much younger than me and are looking for people to socialize/date with. I went bowling with one 20 something girl. Very sweet girl, but she was only here for the summer, so no local info from her. Last night I went to dinner with 5 other people. The oldest being 33 years old. All single.<br />
In NJ, where it is more populated, you find meetups for all kinds of things, from specific crafts, to dog breeds, to wine makers, etc.<br />
I'm glad I signed up, but it hasn't been very helpful. At least it got me to try a new restaurant.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b><u>RESTAURANT REVIEW:</u></b><br />
<b><u><a href="http://www.sakurajackson.com/" target="_blank">Sakura Japanese</a></u> </b>- Jackson, TN<br />
I can't rate since I don't like sushi. But according to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/sakura-japanese-restaurant-jackson" target="_blank">Yelp</a>, their sushi is very good.<br />
I went here with a group from <a href="http://www.meetup.com/" target="_blank">Meetup</a>. I was the "old lady" of the group, but we all got along fine and enjoyed trying new items.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybTfiBu90XoIuRHBK5NFX1b6US2nRO8VCujvMucjjyQIYEakoxFSZzk4NjsPoqfaTTVw7LEuMfKVuD3xnhJaD_tWKJ25irDy_jLs6aQdl6poL04iKh8R2Ge7xg6nzNDyIBooqxuefAu5z/s1600/600_408436762.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybTfiBu90XoIuRHBK5NFX1b6US2nRO8VCujvMucjjyQIYEakoxFSZzk4NjsPoqfaTTVw7LEuMfKVuD3xnhJaD_tWKJ25irDy_jLs6aQdl6poL04iKh8R2Ge7xg6nzNDyIBooqxuefAu5z/s1600/600_408436762.jpeg" height="640" width="475" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SAKE to you!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset roll</td></tr>
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Sakura is well know for the excellent sushi. I will say the presentation is impressive. But you will have to rely on other's reviews, since all I had was the scallop fried rice. Very good fried rice, but nothing that I would make a special trip to order again. Very stingy on the scallops. Basically one or maybe 2 scallops sliced on top of the rice.<br />
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<b><u>BOOK REVIEW:</u></b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1139529.She_Went_to_War" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="She Went to War: The Rhonda Cornum Story" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1387734179m/1139529.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1139529.She_Went_to_War">She Went to War: The Rhonda Cornum Story</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/559353.Rhonda_Cornum">Rhonda Cornum</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1034095644">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
This is not an action packed book. Nor is it a book about being tortured as a POW. It is simply a dedicated army doctor that loves her job and her country. We read about how she went from private research to join the army and follower her career through different areas of army life. Ms. Cornum does not want special treatment being a woman in the army. She takes pride in her work in what ever area she is assigned and will fulfill her responsibility.<br />
She was highly respected among both male and female fellow military. <br />
It was very interesting to read of her strong mind set and how she compartmentalizes to deal with what is at hand and not waste time worrying over what she cannot change. <br />
To read of the bonds formed by having the common thread of their freedom taken away and how it was dealt with.<br />
Interesting read.<br />
On a personal note: I found out about this book because Ms. Cornum is a breeder of Gordon Setters, of which I am getting one of hers.<br />
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<b><u>AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:</u></b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11710373-written-in-my-own-heart-s-blood" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Written in My Own Heart's Blood (Outlander, #8)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1365173799m/11710373.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11710373-written-in-my-own-heart-s-blood">Written in My Own Heart's Blood</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3617.Diana_Gabaldon">Diana Gabaldon</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/963727352">1 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
How sad that I've grown to dislike this series. Books #1-5 were probably in my top 10 list of best books I've read. I was obsessed with the series. All 5 star ratings. By book #6, still a great book, but rating dropped to 4 stars. Books #7 & 8...only 1 star. This last book, I couldn't even finish. I returned it to audible for a credit. <br />Maybe it's my simple mind. I just could not keep up with the concurrent past and present time lines. Then to add to that, the family has grown, so we have the original character Claire and Jamie, but complicated by a 2nd husband. Claire's daughter Brianna is grown with her own hubby and children. Brianna is in the present, but her husband is in the past. Claire is in the past, but her 1st husband is dead, or is he? I couldn't keep all the characters straight and the past and present going on at the same time. Yep, I must be simple minded. I'm sure others would thoroughly enjoy this. Good exercise for the brain!<br />
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<b><u>CRAFTS:</u></b><br />
September is a month of much knitting. I've joined FOUR knit a longs, three of which are mysteries. And out of the four projects, I only bought yarn for one. The other 3 I'm using from my stash.<br />
Updates to follow.</div>
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Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-89779041407116335002014-09-03T14:24:00.001-05:002014-09-03T14:24:44.841-05:00Eight feet<div style="text-align: center;">
CONTENTS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
COUNTRY LIFE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PETS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
RV to HOUSE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CAMPGROUND REVIEW</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
DESTINATION REVIEW</div>
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For your viewing pleasure...<br />
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<b><u>COUNTRY LIFE:</u></b><br />
I'm still trying to get used to country life. We are having a difficult time finding someone to put up 6' fencing. Luckily our present 4 dogs don't challenge our 4' fence.<br />
There is a definite divide between West Tennessee and East Tennessee. I was at the local veterinary office and oh my, my, the vet tech was such a pleasure to watch. In NJ, most vet techs I've come across are women. But here in Huntingdon the vet tech I had was a 20 something country boy. Call me a dirty old lady, but I was definitely enjoying his rear view while he was working on the computer. Tsk, tsk. You know that country cowboys like to wear their jeans a little snug and "my" vet tech was no exception. Like men say, "I may be old, but I'm not dead!" If he caught me looking, I could always just say...<br />
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Think he'd believe me? Did you know, Pinterest actually has a board called<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/Msrikrod/cowboy-butts/" target="_blank"> <b>"Cowboy Butts</b>"</a>? You know I'm following that one!<br />
Well, this country boy vet tech asked me a question and I just looked at him blankly. No, not because I was thinking of his butt! Just simply because I had no clue what he said. Excuse me? He says it's again. Still nothing registered. My brain is trying to very hard to unscramble his words. It's not working.<br />
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I finally had to confess to him that this Yankee doesn't understand his heavy southern accent. Woo hoo! That made him smile. The vet starts laughing and says "he's not from around here". He's from the other side of The River. Hmm, the Mississippi? Nope. I'm still not sure what river he was talking about, but vet tech was from Eastern TN, which supposedly is a whole other culture and accent.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b><u>PETS:</u></b><br />
Did you catch what I said about our dogs and fencing? Our FOUR dogs? Yep, we have grown by 8 feet, at least temporarily. We are fostering a sweet pair of 8 year old English Setters. They had been in another foster home for quite a while. They are wonderful dogs and I have no idea why they haven't been adopted! Lou & Ella arrived 10 days ago and settled right in like they've always been here. They are house trained, very loving and well behaved. Feisty Ella likes to claim her own space on the couch or bed, but she's all talk/growl and no action. We make sure to let her know that is not ladylike behavior. These are the first fosters that Scott has invited into our bed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTGt08uronqNqhSt0eAWX8m2-6mQOzV0FFc6w0aXto0NDpmXzjXQrTYCmE8YblPN0RX83LoRP-zHEIz2DJ9p62F5wS7LsLNfDUHQ196MFS4HiiWJJnYkIYvgfCYluXS9qR21DKZj1_T2V/s1600/menage-a-quatre-blk-blk-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTGt08uronqNqhSt0eAWX8m2-6mQOzV0FFc6w0aXto0NDpmXzjXQrTYCmE8YblPN0RX83LoRP-zHEIz2DJ9p62F5wS7LsLNfDUHQ196MFS4HiiWJJnYkIYvgfCYluXS9qR21DKZj1_T2V/s1600/menage-a-quatre-blk-blk-01.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dogmt.com/Menage-A-Quatre-Giclee.html" target="_blank">Steven Huneck</a></td></tr>
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Ella always like to have body contact, while Lou wants to be near also. They are fine with a 4' fence, but are happy to stay inside all day as long as they are with their people. No food aggression, although they would love to finish off our other dog's food before they've had a chance to finish.<br />
They are spayed and neutered, fully vetted, HW negative.<br />
They are very easy care dogs and seem to adjust to a new home easily. Any of my blogger friends interested in adopting this pair or even one? Since they've always lived with other dogs, I think if you don't adopt both then you should already have another dog in the home for company. If at all interested, email me or go to Above & Beyond English Setter Rescue website to<a href="http://www.esrescue.org/Application.html" target="_blank"> <b>fill out an application</b></a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella under Scott's knee, Lou in foreground</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPZ93gw1Y0oU3dqs2J_PpPieF40D8rWxTZVIDB_YojK2hPfsY5PTccMq4fY3TyXRP5ldZ30uFb6wKKK2hG1adyIcws6A-Gc4EnUIGFde8wfpSJUvQZnQWY2vsUvYdKTCljS20s9BZGaWz/s1600/IMG_7479-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPZ93gw1Y0oU3dqs2J_PpPieF40D8rWxTZVIDB_YojK2hPfsY5PTccMq4fY3TyXRP5ldZ30uFb6wKKK2hG1adyIcws6A-Gc4EnUIGFde8wfpSJUvQZnQWY2vsUvYdKTCljS20s9BZGaWz/s1600/IMG_7479-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou (left), Ella (right)</td></tr>
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I'm really enjoying having a larger amount of dogs in the house again. Our own dogs are a little standoffish, so it's nice to have dogs that want to cuddle.<br />
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<b><u>RV to HOUSE TRANSITIONING:</u></b><br />
I'm very happy to be living in a house again. I do regret not waiting until the fall to purchase. Just a short two months and we could have seen the Upper Peninsula. But we got all caught up in househunting. I was feeling very lazy, we didn't want to move as often, we lost interest in sightseeing. I think if we hadn't had such a miserable Winter between the cold in New Mexico and being stranded for 3 weeks in Fort Stockton, TX, then we may have traveled as we had planned and Wintered in FL. That may have extended our full time RV'ing for a while. But, if the truck's engine didn't blow, we would have arrived in TN 3 weeks earlier and gotten the house we were originally looking at. What's the point of "if's". Let's talk "NOW".<br />
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We still have a fairly empty house, although as you can see in the photo above, we did buy a sectional couch. This was mail order from<b><u> <a href="http://www.homereserve.com/" target="_blank">Home Reserve</a></u></b>. We could configure it any way we like.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our layout</td></tr>
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Notice our furniture before, a couple of lawn chairs and the easy chair from the RV.<br />
We can also add to it if we want to go larger/longer. What sold us on this particular brand is that the cushion covers are all washable. They zip off, throw in washer, zip back on. This also means, that I can make my own covers if the dogs really wear and dirty them, or purchase more covers separately. The seat cushion sections lift up for storage. That's a great place to throw clutter when we get unexpected guests, or a place for my yarn stash!<br />
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The couch came in multiple boxes and we had to put it together. We spent about 4 hours completely setting it up. Home Reserve does an excellent job of packing, shipping, quality control, instructions, etc. With each section, there is an instruction booklet, a pair of work gloves and a foam sandpaper block. I would highly recommend this company.<br />
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I called the 4 hour assembly, "quality time" with my husband. A couple of differences of opinions, but overall a memory made.<br />
I like knowing what's behind the fabric and how it is built.<br />
The dogs certainly are enjoying all the off the hardwood floor area. There's enough room for EVERYONE on the couch!<br />
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<b><u>CAMPGROUND REVIEW:</u></b><br />
<a href="http://lostriver.com/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Lost River Campground</a> - N. Woodstock, NH<br />
<b>Our rating for tent camping, 5 out of 5</b><br />
We can't rate RV sites since we were not RV'rs at the time of visit.<br />
RV's up to 32 feet.<br />
Some full hook up sites.<br />
Very wooded.<br />
A lot of things to do in the area.<br />
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I was speaking of the artist Stephen Huneck earlier. He is only with us in spirit now. About 10 years ago, when we were still tent camping, we stayed at <b><a href="http://lostriver.com/" target="_blank">Lost River Campground</a> </b>in NH. It is not big rig friendly, but if you have a smaller RV, this is a lovely, very wooded campground. Many sites are along the flowing brook. We <b>loved </b>camping here, but it was an 8 hour drive from NJ, so our vacation days were wasted in travel time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyla was about 6 months old. Her first camping trip.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryley & Lyla</td></tr>
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There was a beautiful pine forest area right next to our site. We would let our Flat Coated Retriever, and our Irish Setter Ryley, have a blast running through there in the morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk33hy6IsE0vJYe_3Uyy6gHAXNhGXs7fhdfScNGifPEUv1rf6LkJEWcoWJFYglO4igSby3N-dABfNROgdgpuqdBCgRyL-eva-n9qWHR9qzCADQbHNGuJBbf-X8q07ce_wM0e7lZykhPsv/s1600/Lyla's%2Bfavorite%2Bchair%2B03-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk33hy6IsE0vJYe_3Uyy6gHAXNhGXs7fhdfScNGifPEUv1rf6LkJEWcoWJFYglO4igSby3N-dABfNROgdgpuqdBCgRyL-eva-n9qWHR9qzCADQbHNGuJBbf-X8q07ce_wM0e7lZykhPsv/s1600/Lyla's%2Bfavorite%2Bchair%2B03-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the comforts of home?</td></tr>
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<b><u>DESTINATION </u></b><b><u>REVIEW </u></b><b><u>:</u></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.dogmt.com/Dog-Mountain.html" target="_blank">Dog Mountain</a></b> - Saint Johnsbury, VT<br />
<b>Our rating 5 out of 5</b><br />
Stephen Huneck's "Dog Mountain" was about 45 minutes away in Vermont. If you are a dog lover, this is a great place to visit. Mr. Huneck was in an accident that left him seriously ill with a long recovery time. His black lab at the time was his savior and gave him the will to survive. He turned his 150 acres into Dog Mountain and built a dog chapel, an art gallery, a gazebo and hiking paths.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memory wall where you write your pet's name you've lost and sentiment</td></tr>
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When we went, it was free (donations accepted). I did not know if it still existed since the artist's death but looking at the sight, they still have <a href="http://www.dogmt.com/Events.html" target="_blank">activities up there</a>.<br />
There are no leash laws on Dog Mountain. Owners are encouraged to let their dogs run free and enjoy the land and water.<br />
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The art gallery can be pricey, but it is fun to look at all the whimsical doggie items. Check out the bathroom. The faucet is a dog's mouth if I remember.<br />
I ended up buying a t-shirt for $15. and framing it instead of buying a print for $35.00.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chance, our Flat Coated Retriever loved the water! Best dog I ever had!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKW9o-diK-IOukpi1EHSvhJ_ltCQ6ZFyqvyHqQ6WcxxJlipA8fsYV41Y_hUBo8CQHXs3HZ7Jrvbd4j8FjY3iAG8To_JZkin5rhNiuNETrVlq2De-84TYS16_Xpj9FKWzDqJ17EJ4IDgNK/s1600/Dog+mtn+05-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKW9o-diK-IOukpi1EHSvhJ_ltCQ6ZFyqvyHqQ6WcxxJlipA8fsYV41Y_hUBo8CQHXs3HZ7Jrvbd4j8FjY3iAG8To_JZkin5rhNiuNETrVlq2De-84TYS16_Xpj9FKWzDqJ17EJ4IDgNK/s1600/Dog+mtn+05-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chance was in doggie heaven on earth!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW9zP2StXzaqLZeP6KflZU-tXnliPnhpOUU-0GxZJm_gFAACX1Lddbf-UrnulBrhw3aOjk4QXuJDIWHc9YXUXrxwLd-P0P6UujWaAkgOzGTbFQ7DlMhVY77dTGja1IwW6dggyiOCpR1Ok/s1600/Dog+mtn+11-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW9zP2StXzaqLZeP6KflZU-tXnliPnhpOUU-0GxZJm_gFAACX1Lddbf-UrnulBrhw3aOjk4QXuJDIWHc9YXUXrxwLd-P0P6UujWaAkgOzGTbFQ7DlMhVY77dTGja1IwW6dggyiOCpR1Ok/s1600/Dog+mtn+11-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyla's first swim. She was not happy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm sure there are places to RV, but that was before "our time". New England is a lovely area to explore, vacation, relax.<br />
<br />
So it seems, I can still find things to blog about...Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-68014674398103218612014-08-26T12:30:00.001-05:002014-08-27T10:57:48.825-05:00Country Life<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>CONTENTS</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
COUNTRY LIVING</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
LIFE HACK</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BAKERY REVIEW</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
RV PARK Revisited</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BOOK REVIEW</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><u>COUNTRY LIVING:</u></b><br />
Yes, I've come to realize that even though Walmart is only about 12 miles away, we are still in the country.<br />
<br />
We can't get high speed cable internet or phone. Luckily, there is at least DSL and cell service.<br />
<br />
There is no recycling garbage...sigh...I drove 30 miles to the county recycling center to check it out. Since there was no recycling pick up, I figured, I go once a month and deposit them at the county center. Maybe I'd even ask the neighbors if they could recycle just one type of item and I'd take with me. But, alas, I was very disappointed. I arrived way out in the back country, to see large garbage containers with no labeling on them, so no way of knowing what should be deposited where. A sign by the building stated to not drop off anything before seeing an attendant. Hmm, where's the attendant? In Neptune, NJ, if you drive up to the recycling center, an attendant comes out immediately, all full of himself, asking what we were dropping off and proof of residence. Not here in Carroll County, TN.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPQkqFGr8VE-7QUMoiZ3EIy8FNTsRgUjKbyBcCDBFl8pcJhUhXCwOqtP33zrG7NdkyawKeu1ZJ6aG3p2iy-B_urDihoPyMtqu9jtQwBstE8Q44v-f8t1M3SByPdK0NfPvXw38BL-Mh4Sn/s1600/zombies-at-work-300x247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPQkqFGr8VE-7QUMoiZ3EIy8FNTsRgUjKbyBcCDBFl8pcJhUhXCwOqtP33zrG7NdkyawKeu1ZJ6aG3p2iy-B_urDihoPyMtqu9jtQwBstE8Q44v-f8t1M3SByPdK0NfPvXw38BL-Mh4Sn/s1600/zombies-at-work-300x247.jpg" height="329" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
No grouchy attendant giving me the 5th degree. I REALLY want to recycle my garbage. What a waste of resources and space to throw plastic, paper, glass, aluminium in with the regular garbage. So, I go inside the building. I see a lot of shredded paper, a large factory fan blowing and making a lot of noise, but no humans. I peek in the big work areas...no one. I go into the office...no one! Am I in a horror film? Have they all turned to Zombies and are going to attack me? I was actually a little nervous. Out here in the middle of no where. No witnesses. Help!!!!<br />
No one came out to attack me, nor did anyone come out to help me. So much for the recycling center. I may have to write to "someone" in the County and ask what's up with this?<br />
<br />
Some bills have no option for on line payment or even credit card payment. I actually have to write a check & mail or drop off the payment!! But the bills are fewer than NJ living. No water bill, no sewer bill, no gas bill.<br />
<br />
Local folk don't understand fences, except to keep cattle, horses, goats in, but not dogs. Dogs come by to greet the neighbors.<br />
<br />
For any "big box" stores other than Walmart, we have to drive 27 miles.<br />
<br />
The only grocery store is Walmart, unless we drive 27 miles to Jackson.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxQJykNy793w_V36Jl50zVjj01n57xcekLwOAJ5oKPfLLL9UAeYkL3ffCxK-Wze8K84u0XmOWW4AsTtT3EMZEWh58zD1LYMavxcG47BIKmbAlJ3BKRhWYl3rxaqLGgMWcWG4Sw3aeAHb6/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxQJykNy793w_V36Jl50zVjj01n57xcekLwOAJ5oKPfLLL9UAeYkL3ffCxK-Wze8K84u0XmOWW4AsTtT3EMZEWh58zD1LYMavxcG47BIKmbAlJ3BKRhWYl3rxaqLGgMWcWG4Sw3aeAHb6/s1600/images.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NJ Turnpike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's quiet<br />
<br />
We can't see our neighbors.<br />
<br />
There is no dog licensing required.<br />
<br />
The major highways are not crowded<br />
No toll booths.<br />
<br />
Population of Cedar Grove is only approximately 2400. That is a population density of only about <u>26 people per square mile</u>. Compare that to our old location, Shark River Hills, NJ had a population density of <u>4200 people per square mile</u>.<br />
<b>42 HUNDRED!!!!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Ooh, ooh, just saw a deer trot across the front lawn! Ahh, the country life.<br />
I'll accept the negatives of country living because the positives oh so very much outweigh the negatives!<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>LIFE HACK:</b><br />
How to eat a gourmet cupcake. You know the "in" cupcakes, the cupcake stores that was all the fad and now fading. The cupcakes are large and the icing is even larger, higher, than the actual cupcake! I enjoy trying out new cupcake places. Most times I am disappointed but it's still fun trying all the unique flavors.<br />
But how do you eat those darn cupcakes with all that icing?? They are too big to really take a bite with both cake and icing included in the bite. I usually end up using a fork and knife and eating it like a meal. But the icing top heavy cupcake usually topples over. The mystery is over.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFbdcAIpQsxxGBlnUtm24Do9dt5dnQdur6QKjcndtYSh1oZfp83tfgEH58lwRn0qU-MZnEna7ahNqpldTLbbEo-GMsRL0i7c0GECJ_x50OUr1RK1sGuGP11YIkK0kAMG7j2dz9A74zubl/s1600/38-366x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFbdcAIpQsxxGBlnUtm24Do9dt5dnQdur6QKjcndtYSh1oZfp83tfgEH58lwRn0qU-MZnEna7ahNqpldTLbbEo-GMsRL0i7c0GECJ_x50OUr1RK1sGuGP11YIkK0kAMG7j2dz9A74zubl/s1600/38-366x1024.jpg" height="640" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
Cut the cake part in half horizontally. Then take the bottom half and put it on top of the icing. Genius! You now have what is basically and piece of layer cake! I have tried this and it works wonderfully.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>STORE/BAKERY REVIEW:</b><br />
Speaking of cupcakes, I have tried two "local" (if you can call anything local to itty bitty Cedar Grove) cupcake bakeries.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://woodstockbakeshop.com/Menu.html" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Woodstock Bakery</a> - Jackson, TN<br />
<b>My rating 3 out of 5</b><br />
Prices were better than most "gourmet" cupcake shops at $2.25 per cupcake. The cake part was moist, dense and tasted home made. They had the correct, in my opinion, amount of icing. Although icing swirled high on top of the cupcake looks impressive, it can be too high and too much icing to really enjoy the cupcake. You need a more balanced ratio of cake to icing, which Woofstock understands.<br />
Their flavors are unique and named after many Beatles tunes.<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/L-T-Cakery-Inc/255352541170673" target="_blank">L & T CAKERY, INC</a></u> - Milan, TN<br />
<b>My rating 2 out of 5</b><br />
First off, be forewarned. You will be heartily laughed at if you mispronounce local town names. The town where this bakery is located is called Milan. Now us "Yankees" would pronounce it mee-LAN, like in France. But no, this town in TN is pronounces MY-lin. I snicker every time I have to say it that way.<br />
Back to the review...<br />
Very expensive. $3.00 per cupcake. $2.50 if you buy 4. But, if you buy the 5th, that is $3.00. I would think they'd continue the discount after 4 purchased.<br />
Cake tasted like a box mix. Very airy. The icing was double the height of the cake. So with an airy cake and a very top heavy icing, this was even difficult to eat using my split the cake method.<br />
And to top if off, not very good icing.<br />
But I'll end with a good note. Their refrigerated Coconut Creme cupcake was excellent.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>RV PARK Revisited:</b><br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">COLUMBUS-BELMONT STATE PARK</u> - Louisville, KY<br />
I have reviewed this prior in my <b><u><a href="http://greatescapefromnj.blogspot.com/2014/06/columbus-belmont-st-pk-louisville-ky-rv.html" target="_blank">June 17, 2014 post</a></u></b>. We returned to this park for the first 2 weeks of July, our final days before settling down in a house again. We had a different site this time. Although the first site #34 was nice in that it was an end site, it was in full sun. Our last 2 weeks, we were located on the other side of the park. What a fabulous site #26! Huge, lots of shade, but open enough for clear sky for satellite set up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESuBOXNtOpU_DePceSOlP0wT_fqRsH7nmR2iXbQQ5Tur1ZMdhPkxB51-biF2BJSIqYN42B7pVLuAXckoDHYMNKIoNvs71OtO2uThUSBPCisNRGPbPois_HB7AnW9KCPGOEZEDLxHzfwFO/s1600/IMG_7383-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESuBOXNtOpU_DePceSOlP0wT_fqRsH7nmR2iXbQQ5Tur1ZMdhPkxB51-biF2BJSIqYN42B7pVLuAXckoDHYMNKIoNvs71OtO2uThUSBPCisNRGPbPois_HB7AnW9KCPGOEZEDLxHzfwFO/s1600/IMG_7383-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our front door</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsA7inChQ_-2cvO_2J4TBR8S70ZW44ppq9xyQ3OTVtPywyPzgi5aNNYLdDgagcVUI7aenmvcZonuYSuhQ8QpMj1i6HKMJr5cJZW4CtJHv8BikMLuwMrajARWT9rncU5wp99qcPKIK0Igx/s1600/IMG_7366-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsA7inChQ_-2cvO_2J4TBR8S70ZW44ppq9xyQ3OTVtPywyPzgi5aNNYLdDgagcVUI7aenmvcZonuYSuhQ8QpMj1i6HKMJr5cJZW4CtJHv8BikMLuwMrajARWT9rncU5wp99qcPKIK0Igx/s1600/IMG_7366-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from behind the RV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>BOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11309111-the-monkey-s-raincoat" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328335134m/11309111.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11309111-the-monkey-s-raincoat">The Monkey's Raincoat</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8944.Robert_Crais">Robert Crais</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1014699101">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Could have been a bit better if the responses "unh-hunh" were not repeated over and over and over.<br />
Exciting, action packed,suspense. I'm surprised how much the PI gets away with. Elvis and his side kick Pike are a couple of macho types, with Elvis having a soft side and Pike has a not so much soft side, but if you get to know his character a little, he can be likeable in a scary way.<br />
I look forward to reading more, but hope the conversations have a little more depth. My husband has enjoyed the series a lot.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10623485-fish-farm" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Fish Farm" border="0" src="https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/111x148-6204a98ba2aba2d1aa07b9bea87124f8.png" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10623485-fish-farm">Fish Farm</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4681443.Walt_Sautter">Walt Sautter</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1029671937">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
I loved this book. It reminded me of Carl Hiaasen books, but minus the quirky characters, but the characters certainly get themselves into difficult circumstances. How do they deal with the problems? Ahhh, that's the sick charm of this book.<br />
People end up down and out for a number of reasons. These guys all have a different story, but they are all brought together and become friends in this bad area of town. Gangs are harassing and demanding what little money these low income guys have. What to do? What can they do? How long can they take this extortion? If you stand up to the gang, you may just get yourself killed.<br />
There is a hero in a morbid sort of way.<br />
There were many, MANY editing mistakes, misspellings, words left out which interrupted the flow of the book because I had to take a second or two to fill in the missing, sometimes essential word.<br />
<br />
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Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-64367315586957201012014-08-14T22:08:00.000-05:002014-08-14T22:08:21.794-05:00What have your done with the Buskirks?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; text-align: left;">"a smile from a politician served the same function as the noisy tail of a rattlesnake."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; text-align: left;">Excerpt from Changing Woman</span></div>
<br />
Yea, it's been a while. I just think of ourselves as "normal" people now. Why would anyone except our parents want to read a blog about a retired couple living in Tennessee? I have been pleasantly surprised at the many friends that have said they look forward to my continued blogging.<br />
<br />
How weird to not have a section called "RV Life". Our RV is a mess! We have been emptying it as we need things. Our solar panels are finally being used! The RV is not hooked up to electric. We keep the fans going so the RV isn't so horribly stuffy and we use the lights to look in the nooks and crannies of the RV to find things to bring into the house. I'm making an "RV pack list" for items that need to be replaced since bringing them into the house.<br />
We've been in our 1500 square foot house for a month and I'm so glad we didn't go large. I am so overly concerned about bringing too much "stuff" into the house. Scott & I have had two arguments since moving in. We RARELY argue, so 2 in a week's time in very unusual.<br />
I'm so afraid of having too much in too little of a space.<br />
<br />
We've spent a lot of money. There are certain things we won't compromise on. Our two large expenditures being $1000.00 on a mattress, $1000.00 on a sectional, pet friendly couch. Reviews will follow once we've used them for a while.<br />
What a great feeling to be able to order items on line and not worry about where we'll be and if the RV park accepts mail delivery.<br />
<br />
I'm quite disappointed in the lack of yard sales and the disappointing flea markets and thrift stores. I was hoping to purchase most of our furniture second hand. The Goodwill was mostly clothes. The household items were just piled up and no furniture. The Habitat for Humanity "ReStore" was very disappointing, although I did see a couple of lamps, but Scott nixed them. The flea markets are either dirty junk yards or more organized and way too high priced. So after a month of hoping for yard sale bargains, it looks like we'll have to purchase or make pieces ourselves.<br />
<br />
I am loving our property and very happy we made the transition to a house again.<br />
This wasn't much of a post, but it's a start. Things are going well.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WgOHOHKBEqE" width="560"></iframe><br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11694327-the-woodcutter" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Woodcutter" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1307878013m/11694327.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11694327-the-woodcutter">The Woodcutter</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8069.Reginald_Hill">Reginald Hill</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/992966315">1 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
There is probably some great ending to all this talk, talk and more talk.<br />
The plot was really interesting, but then the years rolled on without much progress. Is he guilty? Is he falsely convicted? Does he have an alter ego? What is the real story. I'm curious, but not enough to keep listening. Couldn't finish.<br />
<br />
<b>BOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6446008-changing-woman" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Changing Woman (Ella Clah, #7)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1242620881m/6446008.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6446008-changing-woman">Changing Woman</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4712006.Aimee_Thurlo">Aimee Thurlo</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/996933610">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Having visited the Navajo nation and learned about Hogans and the Dineh, I really enjoyed that aspect of this book. I enjoyed the main character who is a female Navajo police officer. It's interesting to see here deal with both the traditionalist trying to keep things as they have always been and not wanting to lose their uniqueness, and also living a more modern or "anglo" life.<br />
The drama itself kept my interest and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
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Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-52683327464936645022014-07-26T21:41:00.002-05:002014-07-26T21:41:19.629-05:00We live here????<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYZSFwlqZPZcdEQZPekXtaF8tLwrlbCfy597bj9JquNNwdISY6eVqqC9Z0eKgqHBGpkF2PRRo9Lj-JQnpnGashwVlWW2ON-Qworj2a-WMPdmGRKlliu0xBOjswXYzGbRnbdl2s5LQBtZF/s1600/10556348_10201212754240280_463087648137484868_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYZSFwlqZPZcdEQZPekXtaF8tLwrlbCfy597bj9JquNNwdISY6eVqqC9Z0eKgqHBGpkF2PRRo9Lj-JQnpnGashwVlWW2ON-Qworj2a-WMPdmGRKlliu0xBOjswXYzGbRnbdl2s5LQBtZF/s1600/10556348_10201212754240280_463087648137484868_n.jpg" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This post will be "all over the place". If I try to organize my thoughts too much, I'll never get a post out. So bear with me until things slow down and living in a house becomes normal.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>RV LIFE:</b><br />
Oh the disgusting mess our RV is in!!!! We've just been transferring items a little at a time from the RV to the house as we need them. The RV is stuffy. Scott has the solar panels charging the batteries, so we are able to keep the fans running in the RV. But what a mess. The cabinets are open, the bed is unmade, the plastic storage boxes are in the middle of the floor waiting to be sifted through. What should stay in the RV and what should go into the house. And when it goes into the house, will we need that in the RV when we go on a trip? Lists for things we need for the house, lists for what we need for the RV, a list of what we'll have to pack when we decide to travel.<br />
<br />
At least our now neglected RV has a safe place to rest. There is a short steep incline up our driveway. Scott assured me our truck could pull the RV up that. So the day we do pull the RV to the house, Scott is a nervous wreck. He tells me he's so nervous about getting the RV up the driveway, he feels like throwing up. Now I'm just furious!!! He assured me prior to purchasing the house, it would be no problem. I would not have bought the house if there was a problem storing the RV on our property.<br />
<br />
We all made it up the driveway. Just a tiny scrape and our Ford F-350 didn't even break a sweat, unlike Scott. He knew "the wrath of Debbie" would be upon him if things didn't work out.<br />
The RV fits beautifully between two of our garages and there's even room to let the slides out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv59cbAgUdfvw0bopy_YEwOFaZRRX6D9Dp4b6HZdOhH58HW_G9NU2ZjFFOhmex0u8jSLAcvRug369uSaIqF4-18Cp7aiAZp4EY5i5hFPb95RGVS4F-Vz6DJAC4NxEnQotrJdDClwCjUJ9q/s1600/IMG_7387-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv59cbAgUdfvw0bopy_YEwOFaZRRX6D9Dp4b6HZdOhH58HW_G9NU2ZjFFOhmex0u8jSLAcvRug369uSaIqF4-18Cp7aiAZp4EY5i5hFPb95RGVS4F-Vz6DJAC4NxEnQotrJdDClwCjUJ9q/s1600/IMG_7387-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>BROWSING THE WWW:</b><b><br /></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXNrsM-nEWhQef4GtSard333Z9_qVBBtPhHtzx-lfeuBM3DQyQ9TEqQZyxrd89rwJArXuio3-wU5JfC6sHXNO4vSW6klp0LyBKESZGx6N3z8-M3kgq4pgzFAbVYuQ15_Uh1nyhy8nq89T/s1600/Flag+waving.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXNrsM-nEWhQef4GtSard333Z9_qVBBtPhHtzx-lfeuBM3DQyQ9TEqQZyxrd89rwJArXuio3-wU5JfC6sHXNO4vSW6klp0LyBKESZGx6N3z8-M3kgq4pgzFAbVYuQ15_Uh1nyhy8nq89T/s1600/Flag+waving.gif" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
Actually, my Father sent me <b><u><a href="http://mortenson.wistia.com/medias/tejnwpitig" target="_blank">this link to the tallest flag pole displaying our American Flag</a></u></b>. It is amazing that this red, white and blue cloth can stir so much emotion. Of course, it's because of what it stands for. Our freedom and that freedom is because of the sacrifices made by families whose loved ones have fought for our freedom. I cannot imagine what it is like to be dropped off in a strange country and then have to fight for your life and kill people that are fighting for what they think is right also. And on top of all that...many are not even of legal age to drink, yet they can carry a gun, kill and defend our country. It is a necessary evil. My heart goes out to all those that have been sent away from their country to fight to keep our country free. Thank you.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<b>TENNESSEE LIFE</b>, our little piece of heaven:<br />
We really live here??? Every morning I can sit out on our covered porch and look out over the lawn and into the woods. Our property is full of birds and bugs and lizards. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyT6twwCOOFY6CUWGXxcXXVDrBevBsydT28cKRGpamOusKLhyphenhyphenRMPkMAzzHOE4fY4hwzAP4bNVWXqrq_dlPFXwlG5e21-b2sJVVrowJLdgQe6H6KGoeRPjehzngVk2JHNyv6QoNPcvMZRr0/s1600/IMG_7385-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyT6twwCOOFY6CUWGXxcXXVDrBevBsydT28cKRGpamOusKLhyphenhyphenRMPkMAzzHOE4fY4hwzAP4bNVWXqrq_dlPFXwlG5e21-b2sJVVrowJLdgQe6H6KGoeRPjehzngVk2JHNyv6QoNPcvMZRr0/s1600/IMG_7385-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the new "digs". And no, Devin did not "mark" anything.</td></tr>
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I'm panicking about bringing "stuff" into the house. Scott is all gung ho. He bought a dish drainer. I had a hissy fit. I don't want that ugly plastic thing on the counter. Scott also bought a small plastic garbage can for the bathroom. I probably could have gotten one at Goodwill for $1.00. Wait!!!! Scott wants to go to home depot and start buying gardening things, and household things.<br />
W-A-I-T!!!!!!! Geeze, give me a chance to get to Goodwill. Some things do not have to be new!!!! Nor does it have to be now!!!! We rarely argue, but we've already had two arguments about signing up for a landline and internet. He was going to sign up for land line without long distance. Why bother? We RARELY use the phone and when we do, it is to call out of area. I actually yelled at him NO! Relax! Wait! We've been living in an RV for 3 years and have done just fine! Just wait and let us settle in a little and we'll realize what we really need and don't.<br />
As I write, Scott is already out shopping. I can see his purchases over $100. in my email. I get notifications from the credit card company. I really am quite stressed about bringing in things that are not needed.<br />
You can all keep Scott in your thoughts and send him calming vibes to deal with me. I don't think I'm all that pleasant to live with right now.<br />
<br />
Scott is not good with money. I was surprised to hear him tell our realtor that if it wasn't for me, he would never have considered retiring at 55. He didn't think about saving or investing. I am quite conservative in my spending on most things. I think before I buy. Many times I see something I want and I'll give it a few days. If I keep thinking about it, then I must really want it, but many times I don't bother purchasing that item. I do have a weakness for Silk & Alpaca hand dyed yarns though. Scott's weakness is electronics.<br />
<br />
Scott went out two days ago to buy temporary fencing and a lawn mower. Surprising he did a great job! He originally was going to buy a new riding mower, but happened to pass buy a lawnmower service and stopped in. Jeff (owner) was a real nice southern gent. He happened to have a John Deere on consignment. It's 10 years old, but only 300 engine hours. It was sitting in a garage for many years and he got it back in good working condition. This mower cost $4000. in 2004. We got it for $1500. I was a little nervous about this "deal". He couldn't take a charge, because it was consignment. He did take a check, but no receipt given. He said he would deliver it, free of charge, the next day. Hmmmm. Let's hope so.<br />
All's good. His word was good and we now have a new toy for Scott.<br />
<br />
We put up 400 feet of temporary fencing. Our dogs don't challenge a fence, so 4 foot high and not real sturdy is ok, until the foster dogs start to arrive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC3EA-3zFOlOH3TDko4TY1UlZTBK-x9hV1aBf3pL0DCX52jKLuQwzwnqQPU_lNc8V5PTETo2W5VG7U_1AMPtNY43eeyKDkzBm7CgqRyw-1GkT8gtMkmZWQZn9ZOYS30J8PCvz8AUy89_I/s1600/IMG_7399-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC3EA-3zFOlOH3TDko4TY1UlZTBK-x9hV1aBf3pL0DCX52jKLuQwzwnqQPU_lNc8V5PTETo2W5VG7U_1AMPtNY43eeyKDkzBm7CgqRyw-1GkT8gtMkmZWQZn9ZOYS30J8PCvz8AUy89_I/s1600/IMG_7399-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwL0sI-YwHgDzqr6ICmlpa7F4bB0eVtFXBOr7rfbh37HDcJTEVrrQtzqI5XoPM9fY2qFZ1ykXly4cNRlaXayqkCicKcChDpp6SkTDFuFvzEnqtSg8REYetJkkLtiN7VkzNMGDYXCJIszLY/s1600/IMG_7410-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwL0sI-YwHgDzqr6ICmlpa7F4bB0eVtFXBOr7rfbh37HDcJTEVrrQtzqI5XoPM9fY2qFZ1ykXly4cNRlaXayqkCicKcChDpp6SkTDFuFvzEnqtSg8REYetJkkLtiN7VkzNMGDYXCJIszLY/s1600/IMG_7410-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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The woods in the back is ours also. We plan to thin it out a little so we can walk easily through the woods down to the lake (which I haven't seen yet!). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrVYSPT8H8wFnNUzYdIlQgfYDRwUq5LrMkuMrHsLCfiEkOq1cPNwHXBDmgr3YUzdgwEYI8m9T7_9L0ry5qV3WX4eij5ASSCSZSM9ujzEcG89ubpnMkS3GuAvSgCErdCG6akAYdvJTjoGd/s1600/IMG_7406-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrVYSPT8H8wFnNUzYdIlQgfYDRwUq5LrMkuMrHsLCfiEkOq1cPNwHXBDmgr3YUzdgwEYI8m9T7_9L0ry5qV3WX4eij5ASSCSZSM9ujzEcG89ubpnMkS3GuAvSgCErdCG6akAYdvJTjoGd/s1600/IMG_7406-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
And what do our dogs do now that they have freedom to run around???? Typical Lyla, just lazes around and watches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnM3twyb_NVnnWANM7l7Sx2WEgMOBaKYgt0800TqgHPHNE8RjnjisbxsJMfs2QaVbMDp9M01W_olX6RJpS5RiZDjsybXNlDxJPTR5aBHLepSKD45YEz1zEw0fTAtVNZx7jwVVga0NS0Px/s1600/IMG_7389-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnM3twyb_NVnnWANM7l7Sx2WEgMOBaKYgt0800TqgHPHNE8RjnjisbxsJMfs2QaVbMDp9M01W_olX6RJpS5RiZDjsybXNlDxJPTR5aBHLepSKD45YEz1zEw0fTAtVNZx7jwVVga0NS0Px/s1600/IMG_7389-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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Go play!!! You have a huge yard now!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaey72EmSz1ezAnhQCPzL-leLPwlVN4rHJYrMml6shpoDe7kUobZLG-Eq_64-D-RdeFQe81nqkW8j_VAhyuXt-4WMBbQNXwNhPcFzEcnp-5XXuC832jg93tjxAWSLUx0YYQOSImSzvKn_/s1600/IMG_7423-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaey72EmSz1ezAnhQCPzL-leLPwlVN4rHJYrMml6shpoDe7kUobZLG-Eq_64-D-RdeFQe81nqkW8j_VAhyuXt-4WMBbQNXwNhPcFzEcnp-5XXuC832jg93tjxAWSLUx0YYQOSImSzvKn_/s1600/IMG_7423-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
Some things never change. Devin watches over the yard in the blue chair and watches what we are doing inside on his green chair.<br />
<br />
We are starting to feel so "country". A Green and yellow, John Deere riding mower, installed wire fencing, getting to know the locals, etc.<br />
I can't believe we live here! Come for a visit. We have room for your RV.<br />
Enjoy the view of our place below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruCUcK8qkAUlE7IDdTIXyAjVP6pGZkPEA8fffMpnA2Fnn0-aE-lu9zZtJgIHcPDN4kEub-29uu3RszYCiw4QMgvY2_vRi9aQeVzIjBwmnNQA0H5OvvLJqr2FLJZH7zMgvAL0-M_F6VX9c/s1600/IMG_7392-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruCUcK8qkAUlE7IDdTIXyAjVP6pGZkPEA8fffMpnA2Fnn0-aE-lu9zZtJgIHcPDN4kEub-29uu3RszYCiw4QMgvY2_vRi9aQeVzIjBwmnNQA0H5OvvLJqr2FLJZH7zMgvAL0-M_F6VX9c/s1600/IMG_7392-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqO-ler_ba3epNv15mGpWZReE2crvrZuqyI1g4l7kXYjG5MCZXwLjV53-_W5iDt60HeFOcvaojdCoq4hA-pOLGoWntHEWn3H3llX9fC7sLz8j2pQC39c-Gt4blRZn_eeYcvr9qLSG7oqY/s1600/IMG_7393-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqO-ler_ba3epNv15mGpWZReE2crvrZuqyI1g4l7kXYjG5MCZXwLjV53-_W5iDt60HeFOcvaojdCoq4hA-pOLGoWntHEWn3H3llX9fC7sLz8j2pQC39c-Gt4blRZn_eeYcvr9qLSG7oqY/s1600/IMG_7393-small.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side front yard</td></tr>
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<b>CRAFTS: </b><br />
I have not had much time to do any crafts. I knit in the truck when we travel 30 minutes to Jackson for shopping. We actually sat together, each in our own lawn chair in the living room and watched a movie and of course I knit during the movie.<br />
This area is quilting country. Maybe I'll start quilting? There is a nice quilting/fabric store in town that invites you in to sit and chat and meet local ladies and find out what everyone is making and groups to join and lessons offered. I sure do miss my NJ Knitting groups though.<br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
Thank you all for your congrats on the house and encouraging me to still blog. Hopefully, I'll find enough things in Tennessee to blog about and you'll want to come visit and experience a little bit of Tennessee life with me.Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-18860211276872262942014-07-18T20:50:00.000-05:002014-07-26T20:53:41.650-05:00Too tired to blog...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkogR49pCWCWgKTu67rVUc9Hl_UcHixoOvcgxPOkSZYwvjamndPEyULb7aenll36vZG-NKsY-JEOD-vctRP6Zlo6sTh7QTHsph8v2hBedSjhMXTpIuypud0PW5cADYwN4cQCnJ-fpNCpjn/s1600/Tired.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkogR49pCWCWgKTu67rVUc9Hl_UcHixoOvcgxPOkSZYwvjamndPEyULb7aenll36vZG-NKsY-JEOD-vctRP6Zlo6sTh7QTHsph8v2hBedSjhMXTpIuypud0PW5cADYwN4cQCnJ-fpNCpjn/s1600/Tired.jpg" height="446" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Just a quickie to let friends know, all is good. Just too tired to blog.<br />
Things are going very well with the new house. I'm more happy everyday with our decision.<br />
Just so sore and tired from moving and fencing.<br />
I have gone from a sedentary RV life to working around our property.<br />
Just walking up and down the hallway all day is at least 20x's more activity than living in the RV.Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324056683334131392.post-61440207731110021352014-07-15T16:00:00.001-05:002014-07-15T16:00:31.508-05:00Last day :(<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><a href="http://www.parkerscrossroadsrvpark.com/index.html" target="_blank">Parkers Crossroads RV</a></u></b> - Yuma, TN</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
July 14 - 15, 2014</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>RV LIFE:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We are once again home owners. The big difference this time is that we are NOT house poor, we are not working, we do NOT have high taxes, we cannot see our neighbors and we are NOT IN NEW JERSEY!<br />
We had a bit of a stressful time yesterday.<br />
While RV'ing we have had a Capital One 360 internet only checking account (formerly ING). This has served us well. We pull money out via an "All Points" ATM. If we need to make a deposit, we took a photo of the check or mailed it in. We also still have an account in a regular bank in NJ. With on line banking, this has not been an issue. We have transferred money to and from these accounts from all over the USA. No problems, until this past Friday.<br />
I made sure to plan ahead for the settlement money for the closing of the house. Taking into account the weekend, it should be delivered Monday morning. Our closing is Tuesday. All's good. Since the only way to do this was through a cashier's check overnighted, I made sure we had sufficient time to have the money by closing. In fact, the money would be received the day before closing.<br />
I receive an email from Capital One stating the cashier's check has been sent out overnight delivery on Friday 7/11 & UPS tracking # included. I am to receive an email when the package is delivered.<br />
Monday was our last travel day from KY to TN. After arriving and setting up, I settle down to check email and make sure the check was delivered. Hmmm, no notification. I go to the UPS site and check the tracking #. 9:30am tracking registered. 1pm tracking voided!!!!!What???? I go to my on line account to see if the money was withdrawn and I'm locked out & my account is frozen! it is 3:30 in the afternoon. I call the bank, and explain the situation and then sort of yell that this is not my fault and I need the money by tomorrow. Someone messed up. I was never sent an email stating the cashier's check was cancelled, nor did I receive a phone call. And yes, I checked my spam folder.<br />
The bank decided that this was too large amount to transfer when my transfer address was not from my home address computer. Well, duh! I've been transferring money from around the country for three years without issue.<br />
OK, I'll make a long story short. An exception had to be made and they agreed to wire the money to the closing bank in the morning (too late today). They could not guarantee receipt until 5pm. It could get there sooner, but no guarantee. I call Amy at the closing office for the info for transfer. She was so sweet and said no worries, the bank is next door and the money will be there. Amy was just wonderful.<br />
And yes, the money was there bright and early in the morning! All is good. We now have a house again with a dream piece of property.<br />
<br />
I'm about to cry! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I really do want to have a house with a real kitchen. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm looking forward to our covered porch.</div>
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I'm happy our dogs will now have space to run.</div>
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I'm happy I won't have to pack up my laundry and save quarters for the laundromat.</div>
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But do I REALLY want to settle down??? I've got to do some soul searching and go through the stages of grief. We will no longer have the freedom of the road. Even if we travel, we still have the responsibility of the house. Is it ok? Is the lawn being mowed? Is the house being broken into?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope I will learn to enjoy the most of both worlds. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We researched for 6 years about eventually living the RV Full time lifestyle. We waited for retirement,we purged, we sold our house in NJ (yeah!!!!). Our 3 years of RV/FT has flown by!!!! We "could" continue, but then I could see myself thinking of staying put more often and wanting a larger kitchen.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
RV'ing has made me very lazy. I would only go hiking during the most optimal weather conditions, which is low humidity, not over 80°, not too steep, and so on. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I very rarely cook. Only 1 person at a time in the kitchen. Scott is the main cook. I spent many hours in the RV and the only change of scenery was from the living room to the bedroom and if "perfect" weather, I'd sit outside. A lot of sitting doing computer work, a lot of sitting while crafting. We lost our enthusiasm for sightseeing. We spent too much time in the SouthWest. We had a terrible Winter stuck in the RV trying to stay cozy and not stir crazy. Constant moving causes constant repairs needed. </div>
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It's time to settle down for a while. As I've said before, we are young enough that in 5 - 10 years, we may do this all over again with renewed enthusiasm!</div>
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With all the reasons we're settling down, I still feel a let down. All the years of dreaming, all the years of planning, all the years of waiting and finally living the RV Full time dream come true, and now it's over. </div>
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We hope, if I can keep my foster dog numbers under control to see the Upper Peninsula in the Summer of 2015. By then, we'll be comfortable in the house, know our home town area and may feel comfortable enough to leave our home in the care of neighbors. Time will tell. </div>
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Tonight is our last night as RV Full timers. We are no longer part of that special group. Sigh. What will I blog about? </div>
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Thank you fellow RV'rs for following us in our travels.<br />
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<b>BOOK REVIEW:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18933293-murder-at-pride-lodge" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Murder at Pride Lodge: A Kyle Callahan Mystery" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1385319435m/18933293.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18933293-murder-at-pride-lodge">Murder at Pride Lodge: A Kyle Callahan Mystery</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2720338.Mark_McNease">Mark McNease</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/987958456">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Once I got passed the surprise and acceptance that this is a gay based book, I really enjoyed this murder mystery.<br />
Don't be put off by the gay pride reference in the title. This book is not about gay rights, or flamboyant gay exhibitionist. This is a murder mystery. The references to gay couples are just matter of fact, no hot sex scenes. I easily accepted the characters and liked the character development. Now that we are past that, let's talk about the murder mystery. I enjoyed the twists and the who done it possibilities. Only a couple of items that were unrealistic. A body is found at the bottom of an empty pool. The person was a recovering alcoholic. For a good part of the book, everyone is questioning whether the person had a relapse and killed himself. On and on, the question was brought up. In any unusual death, an autopsy would be performed with bloodwork. That drinking or not drinking question should have been resolved quickly by a test for blood alcohol level. <br />
Being brought up in NJ and visiting New Hope, PA often, I could imagine this lovely B&B as a wonderful, romantic weekend away. I will most likely read the next book in this series. It solved the murder, but definitely had a open ending for curiosity of what is to come.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11709220-whiskey-rebellion" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Whiskey Rebellion (An Addison Holmes Mystery #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328344344m/11709220.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11709220-whiskey-rebellion">Whiskey Rebellion</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4905702.Liliana_Hart">Liliana Hart</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/996888189">1 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Thank goodness this was free. I just couldn't finish. This story caught my interest from the first page...drama and humor combined. The story line was really good and I really wanted to find out what happened, but I CAN'T STAND THE MAIN CHARACTER, ADDISON!!!!! <br />
Oh my gosh, what a DITZ, an airhead, so irritating!!! I have no patience for a person that causes their own trouble. And Addison is a high school teacher????<br />
She breaks the rules and wonders why she gets into trouble?<br />
She takes a 2nd job as a stripper and wonders how word gets out in this small town.<br />
She eats a banana split while driving through morning traffic. Not a cone you can eat with one hand, a banana split, that takes a utensil. She cuts people off, almost gets into an accident.<br />
She can't keep promises or secrets. Ugh! Steer clear of this immature 30 yr old. She sounds like a high school student herself and even then an immature high school student.<br />
If the author had just toned down Addison's antics, I would have really enjoyed the book. A little bit of a klutz or airhead is fine, but one right after the other and her inability to understand why things happen to her was just too much.<br />
As I was reading, I said to myself, oh no, here it comes. I can see another mini disaster about to happen because Addison will make the wrong aka STUPID decision. If she does, I'm done with this book. She did. It was very anti-climatic to only be able to delete this book off my Kindle. If this was a paperback, I would have enjoyed tearing it apart in the same childish manner of Addison.<br />
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Debbie B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13622821887666663888noreply@blogger.com6