The Ramblings and Rumblings of my Life......
Sunday, January 25, 2015
SUNDAY........
We got some interesting weather today. First it rained most of the night into morning, then this came......
Poor Billy went out to do his thing and got snowed on.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
BOOK REPORT.....
Dog Days - Jon Katz
Product Description(Amazon.com)
In Dog Days, Jon Katz, the squire of Bedlam Farm, allows us to live our dreams of leaving the city for the country, and shares the unpredictable adventure of farm life. The border collies, the sheep, the chickens, the cat, the ram, and one surprisingly sociable steer named Elvis all contribute to the hum (and occasional roar) of Bedlam. On timeless summer days and in punishing winter storms, Katz continues his meditation on what animals can selflessly teach us–and what we in turn owe to them. With good neighbors, a beautiful landscape, and tales of true love thrown in, Dog Days gives us not only marvelous animal stories but a rich portrait of the harmonious world that is Bedlam Farm.
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Villard; Reprint edition (June 26, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 140006404X
ISBN-13: 978-1400064045
My Thoughts: This book like all the others I've from Jon Katz is all about his farm, Bedlam Farm, and the animals that live there. Rose and Izzy, the Border Collies that take care of the sheep and most of the other animals. Pearl and Clementine, are Labs. While Jon takes you on a daily tour of his farm and animals, he also fills in all the gaps about his friends and family. Wonderful book! If you haven't read any of Jon Katz's books, you should, they great books for animal lovers.
This is also for my What an Animal Reading Challenge. Just click on the link if you want more info.
Product Description(Amazon.com)
In Dog Days, Jon Katz, the squire of Bedlam Farm, allows us to live our dreams of leaving the city for the country, and shares the unpredictable adventure of farm life. The border collies, the sheep, the chickens, the cat, the ram, and one surprisingly sociable steer named Elvis all contribute to the hum (and occasional roar) of Bedlam. On timeless summer days and in punishing winter storms, Katz continues his meditation on what animals can selflessly teach us–and what we in turn owe to them. With good neighbors, a beautiful landscape, and tales of true love thrown in, Dog Days gives us not only marvelous animal stories but a rich portrait of the harmonious world that is Bedlam Farm.
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Villard; Reprint edition (June 26, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 140006404X
ISBN-13: 978-1400064045
My Thoughts: This book like all the others I've from Jon Katz is all about his farm, Bedlam Farm, and the animals that live there. Rose and Izzy, the Border Collies that take care of the sheep and most of the other animals. Pearl and Clementine, are Labs. While Jon takes you on a daily tour of his farm and animals, he also fills in all the gaps about his friends and family. Wonderful book! If you haven't read any of Jon Katz's books, you should, they great books for animal lovers.
This is also for my What an Animal Reading Challenge. Just click on the link if you want more info.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
NEEDLEWORK TUESDAY....
I got my Easter Lap Quilt done. It turned out pretty good. I need to put some eyes on the hatching chicks. I am now working on a Valentine Lap Quilt. More on that one later.
I'm also hooking up with Heather over at Books and Quilts for Needlework Tuesday. Hop over and check out Heather's needlework.
Monday, January 19, 2015
BOOK REVIEW......
Mozart: A Life - Paul Johnson
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Mozart’s music has enthralled listeners for centuries. In this brilliant biography, acclaimed historian Paul Johnson draws upon his expert knowledge of the era and Mozart’s own private letters to conjure Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s life and times in rich detail. Johnson charts Mozart’s life from age three through to his later years—when he penned The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni. Along the way, Johnson challenges some of the popular myths that cloud Mozart’s image: his allegedly tempestuous personal relationships and supposedly bitter rivalry with Salieri, as well as the notion that he was desperately impoverished when he died. The result—a bold, invigorating portrait of one of the most popular and influential composers of all time—is a welcome addition to Johnson’s extraordinary body of work and makes a perfect gift for classical music lovers and fans of biographies.
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books; Reprint edition (November 25, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0143126067
ISBN-13: 978-0143126065
My Thoughts: Mozart is one of my favorite Classical Music I listen. I've also seen the move about Mozart, Amadeus. It's been years since I've seen the movie, so I can't remember if it's anything like this book. This book gave me insight into Mozart's life. Some would think he was a very serious person, but from reading this book, he wasn't. He was very happy and carefree, he enjoyed life to it's fullest. If you want to learn about him read this book. It will open your eyes about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
This book is also for my European Reading Challenge.
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Mozart’s music has enthralled listeners for centuries. In this brilliant biography, acclaimed historian Paul Johnson draws upon his expert knowledge of the era and Mozart’s own private letters to conjure Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s life and times in rich detail. Johnson charts Mozart’s life from age three through to his later years—when he penned The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni. Along the way, Johnson challenges some of the popular myths that cloud Mozart’s image: his allegedly tempestuous personal relationships and supposedly bitter rivalry with Salieri, as well as the notion that he was desperately impoverished when he died. The result—a bold, invigorating portrait of one of the most popular and influential composers of all time—is a welcome addition to Johnson’s extraordinary body of work and makes a perfect gift for classical music lovers and fans of biographies.
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books; Reprint edition (November 25, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0143126067
ISBN-13: 978-0143126065
My Thoughts: Mozart is one of my favorite Classical Music I listen. I've also seen the move about Mozart, Amadeus. It's been years since I've seen the movie, so I can't remember if it's anything like this book. This book gave me insight into Mozart's life. Some would think he was a very serious person, but from reading this book, he wasn't. He was very happy and carefree, he enjoyed life to it's fullest. If you want to learn about him read this book. It will open your eyes about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
This book is also for my European Reading Challenge.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
MESSING AROUND.....
with my camera. I just took this picture for fun. But look what the new camera sees.......
See all that dust? My old camera would never have seen this. This new camera is awesome!!
Friday, January 16, 2015
BOOK REPORT....
Soul of a Dog - Jon Katz
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Do animals have souls? Some of our greatest thinkers—Aristotle, Plato, Thomas Aquinas—and countless animal lovers have been obsessed with this question for thousands of years. Now New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz looks for an answer. With his signature wisdom, humor, and clarity, Katz relates the stories of the animals he lives with on Bedlam Farm and finds remarkable kinships at every turn. Whether it is beloved sheepdog Rose’s brilliant and methodical herding ability, Mother the cat’s keen mousing instincts, or Izzy’s canine compassion toward hospice patients, Katz is mesmerized to see in them individual personas and sparks of self-awareness. Soul of a Dog will resonate with anyone who loves dogs, cats, or other animals—and who wonders about the spirits that animate them and the deepening hold they have on our lives.
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks; 1 edition (May 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0812977734
ISBN-13: 978-0812977738
My Thoughts: This is the second book I've read from this author. The book is really good and after reading this book I truly believe that animals have a soul. They are integrated into our everyday lives and give so much without asking for anything in exchange, except to love and care of them. I've had dogs and cats over the years and each one of them had their own personality's . So the big question is do you believe dogs or have a soul? Read this book and it will give you a little insight into discovering this.
This book is also for 3 of my Reading Challenges......What an Animal, Outdo Yourself, and I Love Library Books. You can check them out by clicking on the link.
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Do animals have souls? Some of our greatest thinkers—Aristotle, Plato, Thomas Aquinas—and countless animal lovers have been obsessed with this question for thousands of years. Now New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz looks for an answer. With his signature wisdom, humor, and clarity, Katz relates the stories of the animals he lives with on Bedlam Farm and finds remarkable kinships at every turn. Whether it is beloved sheepdog Rose’s brilliant and methodical herding ability, Mother the cat’s keen mousing instincts, or Izzy’s canine compassion toward hospice patients, Katz is mesmerized to see in them individual personas and sparks of self-awareness. Soul of a Dog will resonate with anyone who loves dogs, cats, or other animals—and who wonders about the spirits that animate them and the deepening hold they have on our lives.
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks; 1 edition (May 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0812977734
ISBN-13: 978-0812977738
My Thoughts: This is the second book I've read from this author. The book is really good and after reading this book I truly believe that animals have a soul. They are integrated into our everyday lives and give so much without asking for anything in exchange, except to love and care of them. I've had dogs and cats over the years and each one of them had their own personality's . So the big question is do you believe dogs or have a soul? Read this book and it will give you a little insight into discovering this.
This book is also for 3 of my Reading Challenges......What an Animal, Outdo Yourself, and I Love Library Books. You can check them out by clicking on the link.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
READING CHALLENGE....
I was blog hopping and found lots of new reading challenges, but his one caught my eye. It's over at Rose City Reader and it's about reading books about Europe. It's European Reading Challenge.
I will be putting this in my Reading Challenge Tab at the top of the page.
Read all books between January 1, 2015 and January 31, 2016. I will be doing level....
Five Star (Deluxe Entourage): Read at least five books by different European authors or books set in different European countries.
My list of Books
1. Austria - Mozart: a life - Paul Johnson
2. Belgium - Whisper on the Wind - Maureen Lang
3. Bosnia - Field of Fire - James o. Born
4. Denmark - The Last Good Man - J. J. Kazinski
5. Finland - Helsinki Blood - James Thompson
I will be putting this in my Reading Challenge Tab at the top of the page.
Five Star (Deluxe Entourage): Read at least five books by different European authors or books set in different European countries.
My list of Books
1. Austria - Mozart: a life - Paul Johnson
2. Belgium - Whisper on the Wind - Maureen Lang
3. Bosnia - Field of Fire - James o. Born
4. Denmark - The Last Good Man - J. J. Kazinski
5. Finland - Helsinki Blood - James Thompson
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
BOOK REPORT
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry - Gabrielle Zevin
Product Description(Amazon.com)
A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. He lives alone, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over--and see everything anew.
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Algonquin Books (December 2, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616204516
ISBN-13: 978-1616204518
My Thoughts: This is my book clubs choice for January. It is also a new author for me. I loved this book, it's full of great characters. A. J. is very disgruntled about life. He thinks everything is lost when his Tamerline book is stolen. He has just about given up on everything. But, a very special package is left at his bookstore. It's a baby! A. J. isn't quite sure what to do with this baby. He has lots of help with raising Maya. The chef of police, which is a good friend of A. J.'s helps. His Sister-in-law helps and of course all the town folks help out too. The book is all about A. J. and Maya's life. All the wonderful things that life gives you and A. J. finds out for himself. Very touching book and I truly enjoyed it very much.
Product Description(Amazon.com)
A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. He lives alone, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over--and see everything anew.
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Algonquin Books (December 2, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616204516
ISBN-13: 978-1616204518
My Thoughts: This is my book clubs choice for January. It is also a new author for me. I loved this book, it's full of great characters. A. J. is very disgruntled about life. He thinks everything is lost when his Tamerline book is stolen. He has just about given up on everything. But, a very special package is left at his bookstore. It's a baby! A. J. isn't quite sure what to do with this baby. He has lots of help with raising Maya. The chef of police, which is a good friend of A. J.'s helps. His Sister-in-law helps and of course all the town folks help out too. The book is all about A. J. and Maya's life. All the wonderful things that life gives you and A. J. finds out for himself. Very touching book and I truly enjoyed it very much.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
QUILTS......
I have been pretty busy working on a few quilts. The cold weather we've been having has kept me inside, so I've used that time to put the borders on all the quilt tops I've gotten done.
This is the Strip Quilt I finished. I was a little concerned about what color to put on for the border. I've already posted about that, you can see that post here. My daughter in-law suggested pink so went with it. You will see a few feet in these pictures. I also took the pictures with my new camera. So much better pictures.
This is the Christmas Quilt Top all done with it's border.
This is the Thanksgiving Quilt Top with it's border. Not too sure I like this border or not. It seems a little busy for me, but it's the only brown fabric.
This is the Halloween Quilt Top with it's border.
They are all different sizes, but they are considered to be a lap quilt. Now all I need is a trip to Jo Ann's to get some backing fabric and some batting. Which will take a little while, as I don't have the money right now.
I'm linking this post to Needlework Tuesday over at Heather's place, Books and Quilts. Head over and check it out.
This is the Strip Quilt I finished. I was a little concerned about what color to put on for the border. I've already posted about that, you can see that post here. My daughter in-law suggested pink so went with it. You will see a few feet in these pictures. I also took the pictures with my new camera. So much better pictures.
Friday, January 9, 2015
BOOK REPORT.....
Zoo - James Patterson
Book Description(Amazon.com)
All over the world, brutal attacks are crippling entire cities. Jackson Oz, a young biologist, watches the escalating events with an increasing sense of dread. When he witnesses a coordinated lion ambush in Africa, the enormity of the violence to come becomes terrifyingly clear. With the help of ecologist Chloe Tousignant, Oz races to warn world leaders before it's too late. The attacks are growing in ferocity, cunning, and planning, and soon there will be no place left for humans to hide.
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Vision (December 17, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455525154
ISBN-13: 978-1455525157
This has got to the best James Patterson book I've read. The whole book is just so believable. I can see this happening and it's really scary thinking about it. All the animals, mammals mostly, have starting attacking humans and they are doing in an organized way, like an army attacking it's enemy's. Jackson Oz has to find out what is causing this and figure out a way to stop it. But first he has to convince the government that this is a problem. That doesn't happen until Washington, D.C. comes under attack, then they call Jackson and lots of other science people to figure it all out. Really and awesome book!!
This book is also for 2 of my reading challenges.
What an Animal Reading Challenge
I Love Library Books Reading Challenge
You can check out all the info with the links above.
Book Description(Amazon.com)
All over the world, brutal attacks are crippling entire cities. Jackson Oz, a young biologist, watches the escalating events with an increasing sense of dread. When he witnesses a coordinated lion ambush in Africa, the enormity of the violence to come becomes terrifyingly clear. With the help of ecologist Chloe Tousignant, Oz races to warn world leaders before it's too late. The attacks are growing in ferocity, cunning, and planning, and soon there will be no place left for humans to hide.
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Vision (December 17, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455525154
ISBN-13: 978-1455525157
This has got to the best James Patterson book I've read. The whole book is just so believable. I can see this happening and it's really scary thinking about it. All the animals, mammals mostly, have starting attacking humans and they are doing in an organized way, like an army attacking it's enemy's. Jackson Oz has to find out what is causing this and figure out a way to stop it. But first he has to convince the government that this is a problem. That doesn't happen until Washington, D.C. comes under attack, then they call Jackson and lots of other science people to figure it all out. Really and awesome book!!
This book is also for 2 of my reading challenges.
What an Animal Reading Challenge
I Love Library Books Reading Challenge
You can check out all the info with the links above.
Monday, January 5, 2015
BOOK REPORT.....
Bad Boy Brawly Brown - Walter Mosley
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Easy Rawlins is out of the investigation business and as far away from crime as a black man can be in 1960s Los Angeles. But living around desperate men means life gets complicated sometimes. When an old friend gets in enough trouble to ask for Easy's help, he finds he can't refuse.
Young Brawly Brown has traded in his family for The Clan of the First Men, a group rejecting white leadership, history, and laws--and they're dangerous. Brown's mom, Alva, needs to know her baby's okay, and Easy promises to find him. His first day on the case Easy gets harassed by the cops and comes face to face with a corpse. Before he knows it he is on a short list of murder suspects and in the middle of a frenzied police raid on a Clan of the First Men rally. The only thing he discovers about Brawly Brown is that he's the kind of trouble most folks try to avoid. It takes everything Easy has just to stay alive as he explores a world filled with promises, betrayals, and predators like he never imagined.
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; Reprint edition
(August 6, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446198226
ISBN-13: 978-0446198226
My Thoughts: This is new author for me and I truly enjoyed reading this book. I like the way the author had so many characters, yet they were all easily connected to the mystery. I also didn't know what the ending was until the very end. Very good book! Easy Rawlins is the main character and the book is set during the 1960's. The setting of the book is Los Angels, California and it so real and factual as to believe that this could really happen. Easy has to find Brawly Brown and get him out of trouble before he gets hurt or killed. All the people Easy goes to for information, including the police leads him even further into the lives of bad people and they are dragging Brawly down with them. All under the pretense of helping a revolutionary group called The First Man. And Easy has to sort out all the lies from the truth to finally figure out what it's all about.
This book is also for the reading challenge I'm doing. It's for the Birthday Month Reading Challenge going on over at Lois's place. Want some more info on this? Just click here for all the info.
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Easy Rawlins is out of the investigation business and as far away from crime as a black man can be in 1960s Los Angeles. But living around desperate men means life gets complicated sometimes. When an old friend gets in enough trouble to ask for Easy's help, he finds he can't refuse.
Young Brawly Brown has traded in his family for The Clan of the First Men, a group rejecting white leadership, history, and laws--and they're dangerous. Brown's mom, Alva, needs to know her baby's okay, and Easy promises to find him. His first day on the case Easy gets harassed by the cops and comes face to face with a corpse. Before he knows it he is on a short list of murder suspects and in the middle of a frenzied police raid on a Clan of the First Men rally. The only thing he discovers about Brawly Brown is that he's the kind of trouble most folks try to avoid. It takes everything Easy has just to stay alive as he explores a world filled with promises, betrayals, and predators like he never imagined.
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; Reprint edition
(August 6, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446198226
ISBN-13: 978-0446198226
My Thoughts: This is new author for me and I truly enjoyed reading this book. I like the way the author had so many characters, yet they were all easily connected to the mystery. I also didn't know what the ending was until the very end. Very good book! Easy Rawlins is the main character and the book is set during the 1960's. The setting of the book is Los Angels, California and it so real and factual as to believe that this could really happen. Easy has to find Brawly Brown and get him out of trouble before he gets hurt or killed. All the people Easy goes to for information, including the police leads him even further into the lives of bad people and they are dragging Brawly down with them. All under the pretense of helping a revolutionary group called The First Man. And Easy has to sort out all the lies from the truth to finally figure out what it's all about.
This book is also for the reading challenge I'm doing. It's for the Birthday Month Reading Challenge going on over at Lois's place. Want some more info on this? Just click here for all the info.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
CRAYONS.....
The kids got new crayons, scissors, glue and rulers for Christmas. Trying to get them ready for school this fall. That's one of the requirements for Kindergarten. They have to know how to cut and glue. So they got a little school bag with all of that stuff in it. Bella sat down and started coloring, but Bub went for the blocks. Pay attention to the second picture. You'll see what Bub was doing while we were all occupied with Christmas presents. Notice the purple bottle sitting by the blocks.
He's squirting hair conditioner on the blocks.
Bub's really inquisitive, he wants to know how everything works. He reminds me a lot of his father. He was the same way when he was little, always taking things apart to see how they work.
Friday, January 2, 2015
NEW CAMERA......
My son got me a new camera for Christmas. It's an Olympus SZ-15/DZ-100 and it has a 24x lenses.
The first picture I took with the new camera......
The pictures are so clear. Usually the room is black in the background. Plus I'm getting a tr-pod later for the camera.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
2014 IN REVIEW........
My choice of the best of 2014 in pictures....
JANUARY
Sunset
FEBRUARY
Snow
MARCH
Muddy Puddle
APRIL
Pretty in Pink
MAY
Red Tulips
JUNE
Resting
JULY
Happy Birthday
AUGUST
Ground Hog
SEPTEMBER
Tree Frog
OCTOBER
Sweeping Leaves
NOVEMBER
Making Dumplings
DECEMBER
Billy
JANUARY
Sunset
FEBRUARY
Snow
MARCH
Muddy Puddle
APRIL
Pretty in Pink
MAY
Red Tulips
JUNE
Resting
JULY
Happy Birthday
AUGUST
Ground Hog
SEPTEMBER
Tree Frog
OCTOBER
Sweeping Leaves
NOVEMBER
Making Dumplings
DECEMBER
Billy
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