"A to Z" Book Survey

As you know, I follow quite a few blogs. The Nerd Nest is a fun one! This morning Megan has a really interesting post. So I decided to hook on to her "A to Z" book survey with 26 questions and answers about books.

Author you’ve read the most books from.

That's a tough one as I've read many authors over the years. In age order: The Bobbsey Twins, Carolyn Keene, Agatha Christie, Stephen King, Jeffrey Archer, Nelson Demille, Jodi Picoult.

Best sequel ever.

World Without End by Ken Follett or Children of God by Mary Dorian Russell.

Currently reading.

For the King's Favor by Elizabeth Chadwick

Drink of choice while reading.

Water with lemon.

E-reader or physical book?

Considering I have a library and an awesome collection of books, I have to say, I'm addicted to my Kindle---and it's just the cheapy little basic!!

Fictional character you probably would have actually dated in high school.

Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. I think every girl wants to be loved like that.

Glad you gave this book a chance.

Hands down, it would have to be The Sparrow by Mary Dorian Russell. It's a science fiction mystery that my book club picked years ago. It didn't sound like my type of book at all. It was fabulous. Exactly why I love book clubs. I'm exposed to books I would not pick on my own.

Hidden gem book.

Pope Joan by Donna Wolfolk Cross---not many people have heard of it, but it's a good one.

Important moment in your reading life.

That would have to be when I was sobbing so hard while reading My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult that Butch came around to the patio and asked what was wrong. Or when I was crying while reading The Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah and Butch asked me if my allergies were acting up. We'd been married 40 years and I've NEVER had allergies!!

Just finished.

Beauty Rising by Mark W. Sasse---good, but a light read, not much depth.

Kinds of books you won’t read.

Probably westerns as I've never read one yet.

Longest book you’ve ever read.

Most likely something by Stephen King (always good to the last page)---or Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (really liked it, but at least 100 pages or more were redundant).

Major book hangover because of…

I'm not sure what this means---unless it's a "bad" book. Then I would pick some of those "classics" from high school. I think teachers need to pick books that are interesting and engaging if they want kids to love reading. 

Number of bookcases you own.

Besides the library, there are books on shelves all over the house.

One book you have read multiple times.

I read To Kill a Mockingbird several times when I was a kid. The Gift of the Magi isn't exactly a novel, but I've read that at least a dozen times.

Preferred place to read.

On the couch, on the front porch swing, in bed, in the car, in the living room, in the library---just anywhere when I have the time.

Quote from a book you’ve read that inspires you.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"---from A Tale of Two Cities--- mostly because it was the first that came to mind. Loved that book.

Reading regret.

Sometimes I waste time reading a book I'm not enjoying with the hopes it will get better---plus I'm sort of obsessive about finishing a book. I can't quit in the middle.

Series you started and need to finish.

I need to finish The Wild Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. I read the first two---The Tea Rose and The Winter Rose, but just wasn't ready for the third one.

Three of your all-time favourite books.

It's hard to pick just 3. Ubroken by Laura Hildebrand, Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

Unapologetic fangirl for…

The Twilight series.

Very excited for this release more than all the others.

Killing Jesus by Charles O'Reilly. I've downloaded it to my Kindle, so it's next up on my list.

Worst bookish habit.

Wanting to "own" all of my favorites.

X marks the spot: the 27th book on my shelf.

Which shelf? Too many to choose.

Your latest book purchase.

Killing Jesus.

Zzz-snatcher book (latest book that kept you up way late).

Books don't keep me up. I use them to wind down from the day. I read every night before bed. It relaxes me. When I get drowsy, I turn off my little book light. If I wake in the middle of the night, I'll read again until I get drowsy and can go back to sleep.

What about you? I’d love to hear about your A-Z books. 

Mitchell Turns 17

The way they were:

 And today.

Two.

Looks like he grew way taller, but has the same little grin! Happy Birthday Mitchell!! I love you!

St. Louis Trip---Continued

I spent most of Saturday with my sisters. We went to a flea market and just hung out together. Jeanne had her house all decked out for Halloween:

This is just one vignette. She has stuff all over.

We went to dinner with Walt and Chris. We were amazed at how much stuff Walter has in his wallet compared to Butch. He really gave him a hard time. It does make his butt look big!

On Sunday, we started the day with Mass at St. Cecilia. I've decided that I want to visit old churches when we're in St. Louis. They must have a hundred! We have exactly 2 in Nashville.

Chris planned for us to go here. This is the same church that Jackie got married in a few years ago.

We had brunch at Bristols---really good---great variety.

Finally, the reason we came to St. Louis---My Uncle Jules:

 Uncle Jules was honored for dedicating 58 years to the fire department. They have named the administration building after him. He is the younger brother of my dad. Ironically, my dad also has a building named after him---1976, the named the Sheet Metal Workers training center after him---The Eugene Zimmermann Sheet Metal Training Center. He died young and was too, well-loved. I guess that runs in the family!

Here he is with all of his boys.

 There were so many people there. I wasn't surprised. He's the type of guy that everyone loves.

I did not know that fire engines came in other colors. Probably, I have just not paid attention.

 It was good to see Aunt Marlene. She's the youngest of the family.

6 out of 7 of us were in attendance. Jeanne wasn't there yet when we took this picture. We were happy to celebrate this day with him.

Butch and I left right after the party for home. It's always good to get home!!

More Grandchildren Updates

Here's the latest on Sandy's family:
Mitchell's junior class decided to go to the football game dressed in Hawaiian attire.

The shirt was so comfortable that he ended up wearing it all weekend.

Victoria went to her first dance---she's in 7th grade. Seems she had to talk her friends in to it, but then they all had a great time. Sandy sent me some pictures, but they all had "devil" eyes, so I didn't keep them. Dances already---she's growing up!

Elizabeth had her birthday party. She had several friends over to spend the night. Sandy said that everything went fine, but as those things go---they wanted breakfast at 5 a.m.

Remember when I taught Elizabeth how to do "the cups?" And then later, she taught me the song? In case you've forgotten, here it is (you have to scroll down to the end of the post):
http://www.barbaraeads.blogspot.com/2013/05/off-to-charlotte.html

Well, this is my next assignment for Elizabeth. She needs to coordinate this effort at her school. Simply amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFtfk0bZVRM#t=159

Tomorrow, I'll continue with my weekend news.

For Your Entertainment

Remember my post last week about the fact that I'm a list maker. Well, Morgan came across this and texted it to Jordan and I. This is so totally me---I've always told my girls to make "pro" and "con" lists whenever they have an important decision to make. In this instance, it's a "good" and "bad" list---in their own words. But first, let me set the stage.

Stephanie moved back home when Jordan and Morgan were 3 and 2 respectively. To say they were horrible children is putting it mildly. I won't go in to all of the mischief they made, but this list will give you a hint.

Although I do not recall making the list, I do remember the things on it. For example, #3---threw eggs down---that's right. While I was putting groceries away, they opened the eggs and just started throwing them on the floor! They used to throw things over the rail from upstairs to down. They made "soup" in the bathroom sink with liquid soap, toothpaste, shampoo---you name it. You could not turn your back on them for 2 seconds.

On the "good" side, they noted that they were a "little nice to mom" and they "stayed in bed." I can't even begin to tell you what bedtime was like. If there were ever children that needed a spanking, it was those two. But you don't do that these days, so we just persevered. Luckily for us, they have grown in to a couple of sweethearts (well, most of the time). I never would have believed it.

From this:

 Jordan

Morgan

To this:

Notice their devilish grins?

And finally to this in a blink of an eye:

It's all been worth it!

I've Been Neglecting My Blog....

...you say? Well, it's the truth. What can I say? I've been busy, tired, lazy, worn out, had nothing much to say, traveling too much---take your pick---they're all the truth. We just returned from St. Louis yesterday and I leave tomorrow for our golf weekend that has turned in to a week. I'm not complaining---there's nothing I love better than 4 full days of scrapbooking with my "buds." And then next week, I leave for the beach with more of my "buds." Soooo, all that to say, things will continue to be pretty sporadic around here. Sometimes I have internet access and sometimes I don't. This week, I won't. That's why I'm planning ahead. I'm getting a few posts in the queue for you.

Post #1:

We got to St. Louis on Thursday night. We stayed with Walter and Chris. Chris had her house all decked out for fall---it was beautiful. I was amazed at all the trouble she goes to---easily as much as Christmas. It made me tired looking at it---just realizing all the work. But, she has a really good point. She puts up her fall decorations in September and gets 2 full months with them while you only get a month of Christmas. That really makes sense.

 The dining room buffet.

 Chris always has a candy dish here---of which we take advantage!

The pumpkins are beaded and so cute. I don't know if this is a fall arrangement, or is here all the time, but it's perfect for this time of year.

This is my favorite---the mantle is just gorgeous. It's just full of all kinds of great pumpkins, berries and leaves.

She also has decorations to greet us in the guest room and bath. It's such a nice surprise to see fall things here and there all through the house. 

On Friday, we went to Three French Hens---a nice gift shop full of home decor. I love this idea:

 Mount a birdcage on the wall and fill it with stuff---notice the painting hanging in the back?

And this one with the lamp---love it. Books, greens---so darn cute. If I had even one inch of available wall space in my house, I'd do it!

 I managed to pick up a few things for myself and gifts too.

Just a random assortment of things---what in the world could that cowboy hat be for? I'm not telling---just yet. Considering I didn't put up my Halloween decorations this year, I still had to have that raven with the orange hat.

The little Thanksgiving turkey salt and pepper shakers sit on the cutest little tray. $7.95 for the set! You can guess who will be getting the little frog.

After a little shopping, we went to Imogene's Tea Room and had a delicious lunch.

If there's a tablecloth on the table, you can bet I'll like the food! I'm so easily pleased.

When we got home, Chris and I watched a couple of movies and stitched. A perfect way to spend the afternoon.

Rather than have a formal dinner, Chris made several appetizers. We munched while we played Rummikub. All around a fun evening.

That was just the first day. Tomorrow, I'll give you day 2!

A Few Things

This is the blow dryer Butch carries when he travels. I've learned not to rely on it!

 Now I've seen it all. No explanation needed. But I will say, it's pretty convenient, right next to the car wash. I like one stop and accomplish two things.

Unfortunately, you cannot get the size of this worm. At first, I thought it was a baby snake---it is so long!

 This is a sideways view of Nashville. I just love all of the colors at near sunset.

 I don't get this. Michaels has never carried Quickutz (now Lifestyle Crafts). They had this one little display and nothing else. Now that Archiver's is closing, we don't have many choices.

Proof that Butch does catch fish once in awhile!

We're off to St. Louis this weekend for a dedication for my Uncle Jules. More on that later.

For now, the layouts have been posted on the AYM blog.