tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17004542475399931742024-03-13T06:12:20.738-04:00joy in the morningJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.comBlogger1069125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-50789080305078514932024-02-29T16:09:00.000-05:002024-02-29T16:09:02.558-05:00Leap Day 2024<p> Greetings to anyone who may stumble upon this; realize I haven't blogged here in over a year and likely no one is still following. However as Leap Day was approaching I decided I wanted to jot down another four year update for myself and anyone reading.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Rp_vPwY66jDz5kKvaq2DhI-1bGlrJ-hfYhvupx3ax_QUZN0BQ1u2yVKimDACh1tc1qfqK6XfcUQN6VcFpUSOlbzIz9vbFgDlY50nZtg9UTSraQ7jEdBeZpdHAwxTCE_0epyA-KjMQUy41KzNOWyj1stTJuyVEtKRoR5JbDNdzbuHpQ7UQy0DLgSI0Ns/s2964/IMG_1984.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2964" data-original-width="2167" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Rp_vPwY66jDz5kKvaq2DhI-1bGlrJ-hfYhvupx3ax_QUZN0BQ1u2yVKimDACh1tc1qfqK6XfcUQN6VcFpUSOlbzIz9vbFgDlY50nZtg9UTSraQ7jEdBeZpdHAwxTCE_0epyA-KjMQUy41KzNOWyj1stTJuyVEtKRoR5JbDNdzbuHpQ7UQy0DLgSI0Ns/s320/IMG_1984.jpeg" width="234" /></a></div><br /><p>Elisabeth is days away from turning 16; a sophomore at a local Catholic girl's academy. She is thriving both academically and socially with a great group of friends. Math, art and music are her main interests and primary focus. Not in a great hurry to learn to drive, will likely put learning off to the summer. EPIC the musical, Percy Jackson, and Transformer fanfic are favorite modes of brain rest.</p><p><br /></p><p>Liam is a 7th grader at our parish school. History and reading (Rick Riordan mostly) are his strengths, with Math occasionally having him on the struggle bus. Scouts and track keep him busy otherwise. Currently my height, I'm resigned to await for when he will shot up past and begin his quest to top his dad.</p><p><br /></p><p>Caitlin is a 5th grade science buff! She also loves music which keeps her busy singing in the children's choir, and in the ensemble of the school musical. My social butterfly; she is quick to make friends and invent games. Bluey, and Good Luck, Charlie are favorite shows, along with watching D.is.ney Princess movies on the weekends while her older sibs sleep in.</p><p>Everyone has really gotten into cooking and baking in the last couple of years; and Saturday nights involve much cooking chaos in the kitchen.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyUEQDrIZ7GaPq0S_UsxUGvvoOVHNmOcGvJY9pECEJ-hkyPcAR4yRzIBndPxZ8q7CrvzeS-5wyHc3f9fBvwIG27ooatW4zpMY-nyhbeKSNhMzxPfyZdbwq17qpWzOwG13_-TalYyjzFPuOK8xqtPjSNplP6oHc2po5DrycNpwwZo6nAjjCs7nPttMWWs/s4032/IMG_1749.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyUEQDrIZ7GaPq0S_UsxUGvvoOVHNmOcGvJY9pECEJ-hkyPcAR4yRzIBndPxZ8q7CrvzeS-5wyHc3f9fBvwIG27ooatW4zpMY-nyhbeKSNhMzxPfyZdbwq17qpWzOwG13_-TalYyjzFPuOK8xqtPjSNplP6oHc2po5DrycNpwwZo6nAjjCs7nPttMWWs/s320/IMG_1749.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Leap Year 2024!</p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-82046656256278816232022-03-08T23:29:00.004-05:002022-03-08T23:29:49.252-05:00Twelve Photo Round-up for 2021<p> Continuing with my catch-up posts: I know I have also missed the official link-up for this traditions but I really appreciate how picking 12 or so photos helps put the year into focus for me.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd4VOeNOYBVCf5HKeorHzxhpW1Tp7P-I0Jtjr-ylO5Tff16UOHmwBs6YR3aDjS_cYIF26R3dMofmvPa43dUhHFyOamuDR_8wE89UtQuno2wthwD7OCiQXPtMFxibb5ucvAViwcorph5uttywssmb8DRcySzkGAiEblVQ8Dd_GGrDJIVjloLh4-haVg=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd4VOeNOYBVCf5HKeorHzxhpW1Tp7P-I0Jtjr-ylO5Tff16UOHmwBs6YR3aDjS_cYIF26R3dMofmvPa43dUhHFyOamuDR_8wE89UtQuno2wthwD7OCiQXPtMFxibb5ucvAViwcorph5uttywssmb8DRcySzkGAiEblVQ8Dd_GGrDJIVjloLh4-haVg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisbeth's submission for a scholarship</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN0TOl9DGGgzDS_sFSyPOjBE8Pl8Ok8XvbF1LLIgrDTKNwie1KJqs7kxANHWLSDsaYuCAKpCwEd2AQI4bukjMnIcLb4zz3vp8nKT1ILRTzHCNHIg5IcebhitkCNf4Ba6kNPxW-L3lvXGZ_0f6Q08_yVqshSloy5m-xdMYN1mM-CvhRSjZMY0RPO02J=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN0TOl9DGGgzDS_sFSyPOjBE8Pl8Ok8XvbF1LLIgrDTKNwie1KJqs7kxANHWLSDsaYuCAKpCwEd2AQI4bukjMnIcLb4zz3vp8nKT1ILRTzHCNHIg5IcebhitkCNf4Ba6kNPxW-L3lvXGZ_0f6Q08_yVqshSloy5m-xdMYN1mM-CvhRSjZMY0RPO02J=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvOgTchQ2ylWPIjTdBvjnlzejoYPMwKRAfYn3PYslHKL8_Hved246gLgBA2G5fG6XXF7TInH6dR-_vmwNnBr6f1QUixNrC_KXfsb9pKeG0vyuh-bhyyzGF5VQR6ufHUyMs5pZbkcaiTikL4y7EveDhwEW4jhEc5g09MeQqsPPQyw3CuwAHa_7O5Op7=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvOgTchQ2ylWPIjTdBvjnlzejoYPMwKRAfYn3PYslHKL8_Hved246gLgBA2G5fG6XXF7TInH6dR-_vmwNnBr6f1QUixNrC_KXfsb9pKeG0vyuh-bhyyzGF5VQR6ufHUyMs5pZbkcaiTikL4y7EveDhwEW4jhEc5g09MeQqsPPQyw3CuwAHa_7O5Op7=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh69BXWvfnXgDvSyoRq5qC7t-zh2Fu4EfY4b07Gs_Ms4vUO26i6IDy7qnjrUo74pvFGYqiG8dC_x0enSH7NazGHOjs7JJwcyyXafpIzhl13oYTavHx4K6EUr0SrVMn5JYAsO1O3fWxIhZCgN73lfW-XwZk_OHcCESuJkvgHRi7mWvN55aVDwmBZwEYB=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh69BXWvfnXgDvSyoRq5qC7t-zh2Fu4EfY4b07Gs_Ms4vUO26i6IDy7qnjrUo74pvFGYqiG8dC_x0enSH7NazGHOjs7JJwcyyXafpIzhl13oYTavHx4K6EUr0SrVMn5JYAsO1O3fWxIhZCgN73lfW-XwZk_OHcCESuJkvgHRi7mWvN55aVDwmBZwEYB=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifURpRq-V2eH1neUQOK0Dwhj1GTV45rWBO5SXtFF2ELr87EEB0-jQGBfEoCsOPdjdCXwbCL2t_J42SwlaMUsCfHR9Cm_gmXwmOXkJLqDzYNgG_O8V7WN4ix1qn0-50KQB9geKG5Bl_MoIFfu_6i1b0JB9r0DXW0VwhFKQIRrQ_Lnctqlpr5TJblpwB=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifURpRq-V2eH1neUQOK0Dwhj1GTV45rWBO5SXtFF2ELr87EEB0-jQGBfEoCsOPdjdCXwbCL2t_J42SwlaMUsCfHR9Cm_gmXwmOXkJLqDzYNgG_O8V7WN4ix1qn0-50KQB9geKG5Bl_MoIFfu_6i1b0JB9r0DXW0VwhFKQIRrQ_Lnctqlpr5TJblpwB=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2lZA6mt41lYYqIPcBeG3_8P7KoQm_Pn1MBNKC4Qin9O5Pc_n34cXLLgGslvX4d5wIygaoWVKLHiJgqGfSk7PzEcOdbvmf3gmi8Cu5JeLXp9vMV49guISbHFCFthGisyecbIzuky8Wd9GW2zcmniQwdv6xvFDA31Hf5gu9WS2XuoukRFTjA7ZqJJMM=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2lZA6mt41lYYqIPcBeG3_8P7KoQm_Pn1MBNKC4Qin9O5Pc_n34cXLLgGslvX4d5wIygaoWVKLHiJgqGfSk7PzEcOdbvmf3gmi8Cu5JeLXp9vMV49guISbHFCFthGisyecbIzuky8Wd9GW2zcmniQwdv6xvFDA31Hf5gu9WS2XuoukRFTjA7ZqJJMM=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtiQDBkiD3bMzW7N2kPlfvD9Opw2nyXKPQgEl_WNgJdKrEQW7WQ_E7ASVJYKMICuTRSMj3aLWnPUqVu3gnXYoav0nIcFsrBTnzmMQhfNOGnC7KqYv1nuiffoO4AngGxfD3y2p5LKGP18e2xwvLSRLaFNUyYPeBopKbCyGKOhMtcCoiS_cmdDTHMACE=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtiQDBkiD3bMzW7N2kPlfvD9Opw2nyXKPQgEl_WNgJdKrEQW7WQ_E7ASVJYKMICuTRSMj3aLWnPUqVu3gnXYoav0nIcFsrBTnzmMQhfNOGnC7KqYv1nuiffoO4AngGxfD3y2p5LKGP18e2xwvLSRLaFNUyYPeBopKbCyGKOhMtcCoiS_cmdDTHMACE=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQutvKW5UgkcR-5q8jHiimoPfSnb2xWikb5Cq2ThICnbPQE7uuvxSblaipuxSgxB8Iz2GdmQryooWs-jQcwJr9eGD0WNhrgB_X2jKJXvqku_Q_a94h_xPfnaqOBDe7mHAW8X4trbD2CPmtzIiRhOE-bINwppZUuM2WuD-VhX4oaAYf-PghYUYbmEBF=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQutvKW5UgkcR-5q8jHiimoPfSnb2xWikb5Cq2ThICnbPQE7uuvxSblaipuxSgxB8Iz2GdmQryooWs-jQcwJr9eGD0WNhrgB_X2jKJXvqku_Q_a94h_xPfnaqOBDe7mHAW8X4trbD2CPmtzIiRhOE-bINwppZUuM2WuD-VhX4oaAYf-PghYUYbmEBF=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last day of 2nd<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjE-kxLdtm4ddZ_le4C3hRcUkCHmF6HTWxHipZu_Z6nWJgb27pDhr40ssZw42rb30M7iBiYn6sD_A5QQJPEzJn2oewcB6wSjTrgxRgUDoVrkoe8xKmzx0VBIwmuTWxb943ieWkCO6tzxZUmiy5AqvqS9phvL98pSJcoZjPJGtgt1_8iiqsZa4oOOLg8=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjE-kxLdtm4ddZ_le4C3hRcUkCHmF6HTWxHipZu_Z6nWJgb27pDhr40ssZw42rb30M7iBiYn6sD_A5QQJPEzJn2oewcB6wSjTrgxRgUDoVrkoe8xKmzx0VBIwmuTWxb943ieWkCO6tzxZUmiy5AqvqS9phvL98pSJcoZjPJGtgt1_8iiqsZa4oOOLg8=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last day of 4th</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUXHv-_1MrUubPikot97YjY4jLP4bLxwcT098byStPxJG7xoKNvRiRZghh14BrNNuSZX6BKkI0V7di0zNoxk183TDPnB8cPExcdIPMri_Tbvn08aFQ8AaNJmr-LUOKb-exdlGirbfevgfhGx1tiEnV4TuQu20vkoZ16xSVR3q01GWqTEiMMkVs5hPO=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUXHv-_1MrUubPikot97YjY4jLP4bLxwcT098byStPxJG7xoKNvRiRZghh14BrNNuSZX6BKkI0V7di0zNoxk183TDPnB8cPExcdIPMri_Tbvn08aFQ8AaNJmr-LUOKb-exdlGirbfevgfhGx1tiEnV4TuQu20vkoZ16xSVR3q01GWqTEiMMkVs5hPO=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last day of 7th</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp-w0kPYWArMsJbdYtBjY_3DJnnshwy-xBx6gemhdGlzSJzdKkAQovRzbSiehbteIks9l1GM_NdawNAskLdn7MX0Z_WHHjxdg9Ff4LCE9zIEe0OP7OsJp7RjYpQZot9Btgoj9W6mIEo4YSm5P5QcZUTS7NNXYARdA__8KAijlv4p3iylTBYRB6zJ05=s3023" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2997" data-original-width="3023" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp-w0kPYWArMsJbdYtBjY_3DJnnshwy-xBx6gemhdGlzSJzdKkAQovRzbSiehbteIks9l1GM_NdawNAskLdn7MX0Z_WHHjxdg9Ff4LCE9zIEe0OP7OsJp7RjYpQZot9Btgoj9W6mIEo4YSm5P5QcZUTS7NNXYARdA__8KAijlv4p3iylTBYRB6zJ05=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkcf7hJ6AYVYzm77siFLQLMahRIraOKCsIdHH3m6JxSX4apwDnDtpnSl16Z8kzNuDmI2QWeJMa7Q5fIHRXfsuFbRPZnmj5rH4ELxlvXuGiHlGe0KCFok5IgV4RLUpp3UaMPEUzCtEy69fdv8NUiKIsS_68-UfBaSKmrJAazXyp6w7RkW5xzIKVI3AT=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkcf7hJ6AYVYzm77siFLQLMahRIraOKCsIdHH3m6JxSX4apwDnDtpnSl16Z8kzNuDmI2QWeJMa7Q5fIHRXfsuFbRPZnmj5rH4ELxlvXuGiHlGe0KCFok5IgV4RLUpp3UaMPEUzCtEy69fdv8NUiKIsS_68-UfBaSKmrJAazXyp6w7RkW5xzIKVI3AT=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-43141822037016357082022-01-28T10:50:00.000-05:002022-01-28T10:50:48.261-05:00Quick Takes #294: Life Recap<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbj5iccFqXc/V08JE3X-vuI/AAAAAAAAFlE/9AGKz61dZBsiaQYf03_ecyCwCtAIswd9ACPcBGAYYCw/s300/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbj5iccFqXc/V08JE3X-vuI/AAAAAAAAFlE/9AGKz61dZBsiaQYf03_ecyCwCtAIswd9ACPcBGAYYCw/w200-h200/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Hi! Long time no post! Didn't mean to drop off the blogging map; and while I'm discerning whether I'm done or not I thought I would post a few catch-up posts. I know I've missed the last official link-up for 7 Quick Takes, I do want to use this format at least once more.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>It was all things considered a good summer with good weather and enough of local activities open and available to have some fun. The most important being the local community pool. Caitlin took few weeks of swim lessons at the end of which passed her deep water test. </li><li>We opted for virtual summer camps, but everyone seemed to really enjoy them. Caitlin learned how to make emojis, Liam learned scratch & some spy cyphers, and Elisabeth gained some experience in different digital art programs. </li><li>The kids and I were able to make a trip down to VA to visit with my mom, my sisters, and their VA cousins. Getting to see my youngest sister and her family's new house, and getting to join in on Bonne Mamy's traditional end of school year lunch for her grandchildren were the highlights.</li><li>In August we headed up to Maine for our usual vacation with Dr Dad's side of the family. This year we were able to celebrate our nephew's high school graduation and other milestones missed while we were being good and keeping distant. The weather largely behaved allowing for several trips to our favorite ice cream place and good boogie boarding.</li><li>In September the kids headed back to in-person school still wearing masks but again using the cafeteria for lunch. Elisabeth excited for her last year at St.Dorothy. Liam excited to be on the top floor; and Caitlin excited to have her best friend in her class.</li><li>It was a busy, fun fall with both Liam and Caitlin playing soccer. Juggling practices and games on different fields was an adventure. Meanwhile Lisbeth was applying to high schools. She did amazing on her entrance exams and got offers from several local schools, ultimately deciding to attend a Catholic girl's school.</li><li>pictures</li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWc1Zugx6O8NV9kDAEW5nuqD7KvmKGazfHWRNGFavSuBobjhQSXROlc4nLmsJHHkGIDSNgFl4LQeYylD9Zik0cYJGwg44m1eqMW9174NBsLcRVgGJJAmtf9zcebj_Klvp2NVMrJZCQiAZqxzknVASOQA6MjA8H-EcAXYhzt7_zNuCf_BtBesgytyyQ=s3023" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2997" data-original-width="3023" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWc1Zugx6O8NV9kDAEW5nuqD7KvmKGazfHWRNGFavSuBobjhQSXROlc4nLmsJHHkGIDSNgFl4LQeYylD9Zik0cYJGwg44m1eqMW9174NBsLcRVgGJJAmtf9zcebj_Klvp2NVMrJZCQiAZqxzknVASOQA6MjA8H-EcAXYhzt7_zNuCf_BtBesgytyyQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhuyYUU5meD_zgJtY8FVw9hY6mwBUviKdKjPkdp2aG_Ufjk8TWKYcGvCy5f8NClaP5UMwYyLNb8pNXQ4cglabFi7-SyPx2hNVhCMekcqVdUC5V6E_bXotOObW-rbcux1wl930g00bBte2QgcGK4gHPX8el4lzrJ2PGfiMlwvIGLbPqIkbHPTtOq99d=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhuyYUU5meD_zgJtY8FVw9hY6mwBUviKdKjPkdp2aG_Ufjk8TWKYcGvCy5f8NClaP5UMwYyLNb8pNXQ4cglabFi7-SyPx2hNVhCMekcqVdUC5V6E_bXotOObW-rbcux1wl930g00bBte2QgcGK4gHPX8el4lzrJ2PGfiMlwvIGLbPqIkbHPTtOq99d=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9WDJuY0NiZGO-_Vpm4v7Ddx6oBOmGPvQUTBjDhTPyFpxcNDWVFqMDOSLLVNCkD672HytX1sHTk1ad91ZwSmrMxa8iwCDj-vhjzkVArSCz5LzMmQK2b8t0O1CH_kbeuDKvieFwQUJbSNnE930E9yZrIDSM8BdQoeABXYZZ4QXSqvI87z-d-4t7Krje=s710" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="710" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9WDJuY0NiZGO-_Vpm4v7Ddx6oBOmGPvQUTBjDhTPyFpxcNDWVFqMDOSLLVNCkD672HytX1sHTk1ad91ZwSmrMxa8iwCDj-vhjzkVArSCz5LzMmQK2b8t0O1CH_kbeuDKvieFwQUJbSNnE930E9yZrIDSM8BdQoeABXYZZ4QXSqvI87z-d-4t7Krje=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrdbplxod7pYEzw53bT_0xSBcqRwPyJA1ygQF-B91RX2Gr2Whx5mJi0TLA6oFB45BBBV9thCKQKUkQxcYtfIb7KaG2Kex8pP5u-1lGJcuW84z2ZuBE4_h4442Fc2fkx-Q9MDngcfcE3egR2f6AbzHLmsZ5fct5NAiKXS9xiPKo4UFsfNd-Iqa-rZwu=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrdbplxod7pYEzw53bT_0xSBcqRwPyJA1ygQF-B91RX2Gr2Whx5mJi0TLA6oFB45BBBV9thCKQKUkQxcYtfIb7KaG2Kex8pP5u-1lGJcuW84z2ZuBE4_h4442Fc2fkx-Q9MDngcfcE3egR2f6AbzHLmsZ5fct5NAiKXS9xiPKo4UFsfNd-Iqa-rZwu=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p></blockquote>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-10648070027628968642021-06-14T12:31:00.002-04:002021-06-14T12:31:44.101-04:00First Day ~ Last Day 2020-21<p> Today we are enjoying the first day of summer vacation.<span style="font-size: medium;"> It was overall a good year; they were in-building for all but 3 weeks with wonderful teachers and great friends to make the mask-wearing, and social distancing a bit more pleasurable.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LkI9cZJ7I9U/YMeCGKriVSI/AAAAAAAAHi4/wriiapPzJlQpLeiUGjWIOeLd9nzKwjuuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2808.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LkI9cZJ7I9U/YMeCGKriVSI/AAAAAAAAHi4/wriiapPzJlQpLeiUGjWIOeLd9nzKwjuuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2808.jpeg" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-906Z7RJzrCo/YMeCHOP0Z0I/AAAAAAAAHjE/Yzx58ZrFF-MAfjOyJsZb2Mg1fM5uRLIaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4834.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-906Z7RJzrCo/YMeCHOP0Z0I/AAAAAAAAHjE/Yzx58ZrFF-MAfjOyJsZb2Mg1fM5uRLIaACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4834.jpeg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">7th Completed ~ 1st honors earned<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eXwmKHe8Xc/YMeDJJfZ1vI/AAAAAAAAHjg/2H33-5-KZQU3HAwFGj6uvup71HcokL14ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2802.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eXwmKHe8Xc/YMeDJJfZ1vI/AAAAAAAAHjg/2H33-5-KZQU3HAwFGj6uvup71HcokL14ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2802.jpeg" /></a></div>4th Completed ~ Service Award <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5b5QMCSBo8/YMeCHGGfIPI/AAAAAAAAHjA/uh9B2_k_XcIfiVudMefdMeQGhuyqTR7egCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4832.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5b5QMCSBo8/YMeCHGGfIPI/AAAAAAAAHjA/uh9B2_k_XcIfiVudMefdMeQGhuyqTR7egCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4832.jpeg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmtfBLRvfqY/YMeCG5tUDtI/AAAAAAAAHi8/PqziwK6urwAYaGtyGZpSYJwGtjBDQ79ZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4829.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmtfBLRvfqY/YMeCG5tUDtI/AAAAAAAAHi8/PqziwK6urwAYaGtyGZpSYJwGtjBDQ79ZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4829.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7O8KT9RrU0/YMeCGLZtqZI/AAAAAAAAHi0/w0WYXIzc094Pab96eGv7H8jog49mFHCAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2798.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7O8KT9RrU0/YMeCGLZtqZI/AAAAAAAAHi0/w0WYXIzc094Pab96eGv7H8jog49mFHCAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2798.jpeg" /></a></div>2nd Completed ~ Most Inquisitive Award</span><p></p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-29434169753750991222021-05-21T08:19:00.000-04:002021-05-21T08:19:24.439-04:007 Quick Take #293: Seven things that happened while I was away<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbj5iccFqXc/V08JE3X-vuI/AAAAAAAAFlE/9AGKz61dZBsiaQYf03_ecyCwCtAIswd9ACPcBGAYYCw/s300/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbj5iccFqXc/V08JE3X-vuI/AAAAAAAAFlE/9AGKz61dZBsiaQYf03_ecyCwCtAIswd9ACPcBGAYYCw/w200-h200/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> Happy May! Long time no post ~ how about a bit of catch-up?</p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Slightly out of order thanks to an uncooperative computer:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kVF_H-O7ckY/YKehqQ8UEcI/AAAAAAAAHfM/FInXFukRwSUcfxfYtM3j4EozofBxM1xGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4578.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kVF_H-O7ckY/YKehqQ8UEcI/AAAAAAAAHfM/FInXFukRwSUcfxfYtM3j4EozofBxM1xGACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4578.jpeg" /></a></div>May 1st brought some Lily of the Valley and<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UX-GjS1b1Ys/YKehqFJoa2I/AAAAAAAAHfI/QqrXknZsJSsQ7V_7C-ybpgf4P6N64ATiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4567.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UX-GjS1b1Ys/YKehqFJoa2I/AAAAAAAAHfI/QqrXknZsJSsQ7V_7C-ybpgf4P6N64ATiACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4567.jpeg" /></a></div>Caitlin's First Communion!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dA4ffTD_Os/YKehpraDpyI/AAAAAAAAHfA/S8A80JIBEAIOhJAsSMUoLrzNkhARUf7zACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4508.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dA4ffTD_Os/YKehpraDpyI/AAAAAAAAHfA/S8A80JIBEAIOhJAsSMUoLrzNkhARUf7zACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4508.jpeg" /></a></div>Was able to return to my favorite Longwood Garden during tulip peak!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U13KRklFh_0/YKehppeuQ4I/AAAAAAAAHfE/9Q4AnmjSTGMbhaWjJJjdYryhMPUXoVzkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4452.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U13KRklFh_0/YKehppeuQ4I/AAAAAAAAHfE/9Q4AnmjSTGMbhaWjJJjdYryhMPUXoVzkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4452.jpeg" /></a></div>Caitlin got glasses<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag439eQf51Y/YKeiXm_zKLI/AAAAAAAAHfw/aiLVv_TVc4EmVQQejbQ9yG-ZRcceGNgnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4660.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag439eQf51Y/YKeiXm_zKLI/AAAAAAAAHfw/aiLVv_TVc4EmVQQejbQ9yG-ZRcceGNgnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4660.jpeg" /></a></div>Dr. Dad and I celebrated our birthdays<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TfBk08QiEg/YKeiXje906I/AAAAAAAAHfo/VlmR5GKSOCQ7LnygRAIWJZqrw4eDr6KSACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4649.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TfBk08QiEg/YKeiXje906I/AAAAAAAAHfo/VlmR5GKSOCQ7LnygRAIWJZqrw4eDr6KSACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4649.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Liam got glasses, making for a full set!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNqdLSnVFcc/YKeim3TcsKI/AAAAAAAAHf4/-4TssUUesLkmspYTavbqYKXnjOq65Fn1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4298.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNqdLSnVFcc/YKeim3TcsKI/AAAAAAAAHf4/-4TssUUesLkmspYTavbqYKXnjOq65Fn1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4298.jpeg" /></a></div>And back in April, we celebrate Easter!</li></ol><p></p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-65403356725356055232021-03-15T08:31:00.000-04:002021-03-15T08:31:09.020-04:00Quick Lit: March '21<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DPXPxyeF0o/YC0mzrdedzI/AAAAAAAAHYg/L9iE5zrFKDsSsuNpO2J5wW2ZG2vNAVGfwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_3954.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DPXPxyeF0o/YC0mzrdedzI/AAAAAAAAHYg/L9iE5zrFKDsSsuNpO2J5wW2ZG2vNAVGfwCPcBGAYYCw/w150-h200/IMG_3954.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> Linking up with <a href="https://modernmrsdarcy.com/quick-lit-march-2021/">Modern Mrs. Darcy</a> and updating how my Lenten reads are going so far.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Reckless-Way-Love-Following-Spiritual/dp/0874867924/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29D3KYJQ0MTMX&dchild=1&keywords=the+reckless+way+of+love+dorothy+day&qid=1615778069&sprefix=love+by+Dorothy+%2Caps%2C268&sr=8-1">The Reckless Way of Love </a>is a series of reflections on how we are called to love God and each other taken from the writings of Servant of God Dorothy Day, organized by Carolyn Kurtz, I really appreciated how the book was laid out; with each section focused on a different aspect of the lived experience of loving as we are called to by Christ. I again found myself marveling at Day's great commitment to live the Greatest Commandment and her honesty at how difficult the daily work of that can be.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzzXICT5nAw/YE9QzJxgjJI/AAAAAAAAHaY/3LQ7H0xH06EGvEBgpX7gbO_-oBuUg6TAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s499/51blN5xHGNL._SX356_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="358" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzzXICT5nAw/YE9QzJxgjJI/AAAAAAAAHaY/3LQ7H0xH06EGvEBgpX7gbO_-oBuUg6TAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w144-h200/51blN5xHGNL._SX356_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wotpc3uZnk/YE9QzHvqh0I/AAAAAAAAHac/pAFyGxsKeV8HLxE_YdDJL3Juz0WabrAFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s499/41V4fltgG6L._SX322_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="324" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wotpc3uZnk/YE9QzHvqh0I/AAAAAAAAHac/pAFyGxsKeV8HLxE_YdDJL3Juz0WabrAFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w130-h200/41V4fltgG6L._SX322_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Quiet-Companion-Life-Peter-Faber/dp/0829441018/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=quiet+companion+Mary+purcell&qid=1615777674&sr=8-1">The Quiet Companion</a> by Mary Purcell is the story of St Peter Faber, one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). I really enjoyed this biography where Purcell pulled from the letters to and from the saint, as well as his diary to tell the story of his life and the times when he lived. From his time at the University of Paris where he was roommates with St Francis Xavier, to when they met St Ignacio Loyola and traveled with him to Rome to form the order and have it approved. Later he was sent to Germany with the task of pushing back against the Reformation and finding common ground with Lutherns. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Make-My-Life-Simple-Bringing/dp/1681922398/ref=sr_1_2?crid=OQE9BCIFQ5BD&dchild=1&keywords=rachel+balducci&qid=1613571195&sprefix=Rachel+bal%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-2">Make My Life Simple</a> by Rachel Balducci is a fun fast read filled with great advice to reduce the chaos and find pockets of peace in your day. What I appreciated most about the book was the tone; Balducci offers a lot of suggestions from her experience as a mother of 6 but stresses the most important idea was for the reader to find what works for them since the comparison was the fastest way to lose your sense of peace.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zm8l02ZZEVY/YE9ReHqiIpI/AAAAAAAAHao/e96kX9O_17oCUCqNfQwytDXOntVpBzmAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s499/41ma06gcW%252BL._SX322_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="324" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zm8l02ZZEVY/YE9ReHqiIpI/AAAAAAAAHao/e96kX9O_17oCUCqNfQwytDXOntVpBzmAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w130-h200/41ma06gcW%252BL._SX322_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-25056025513789371322021-03-08T08:44:00.002-05:002021-03-08T12:39:10.734-05:00Elisabeth at 13<p> As I write this I'm not sure which is stranger to me; that Elisabeth is a teenager or that it has been almost a year of Covid living. A year ago when we celebrated her birthday we were in a state of watchful waiting; the pottery place where we had her party was still open and we were not yet wearing masks. All that changed a week later. So as I write this 'birthday update' the unknowable question is how much living through this pandemic has affected her growth and change over the past year. I will be fascinated in the future to someday ask my kids what this year (or possibly two) was like for them.</p><p> Elisabeth at 13 is:</p><ol><li>Very creative; she loves sketching and will sometimes spend her recess time drawing this for her fellow students or teachers. She also has a couple of drawing apps on her iPad she enjoys using. She is interested in animations and wondering if that might be a career future for her.</li><li>She is becoming more adventurous with food and while she definitely still has her favorites now eats a wide range of things. Current favorites include Chai in the morning, corndogs for dinner, and Mochi for dessert. Bonne Mamy introduced her to iced green tea much to great effect. </li><li>She still loves Wings of Fire but is reading other series ~ currently Percy Jackson. Mostly on the page or online, she loves dragons, Minecraft, and art.</li><li>Favorite shows include the new Netflix She-Ra, In the Deep, and Voltron. Still not much for live-action shows, she is happy to join a family watch of the Great British Bake-Off.</li><li>When her school shifted to Distance Learning last March the kids stayed home for the rest of that school year but did reopen in September with social distancing and mask-wearing. This was good news for Lisbeth who of my 3 most missed the structure of being in the classroom. She is also starting to look at local high schools, thinking about where she might want to go once she finishes 8th grade next year.</li><li>She has definitely missed being able to easily see her friends and was very disappointed that her gymnastic gym closed permanently; overall she has weathered this very strange and stressful year very well. </li></ol><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jtv1J4ZYZ8/YEYpygb0W5I/AAAAAAAAHZ8/nDT4EWZ3_Q4qW5kKKgj4GxL6pBpkoWldgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4059.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jtv1J4ZYZ8/YEYpygb0W5I/AAAAAAAAHZ8/nDT4EWZ3_Q4qW5kKKgj4GxL6pBpkoWldgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4059.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7t_2YZKLmx0/YEYpyBHsSOI/AAAAAAAAHZw/9G58jcrylEYrjvGZYzNwC7xbmQHAGPZCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s886/IMG_4058.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="710" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7t_2YZKLmx0/YEYpyBHsSOI/AAAAAAAAHZw/9G58jcrylEYrjvGZYzNwC7xbmQHAGPZCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4058.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLxAzl6e3iA/YEYpyOvLq9I/AAAAAAAAHZ4/KMfsciRgwwQkbVgV-siOmbjmUMcDlzntgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4057.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLxAzl6e3iA/YEYpyOvLq9I/AAAAAAAAHZ4/KMfsciRgwwQkbVgV-siOmbjmUMcDlzntgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4057.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-86936402576787044722021-02-17T09:25:00.012-05:002021-02-19T16:16:38.077-05:00Lenten Reading List<p> I have for the past several Lents 'given up' fiction and that is my plan again this year. I tend to make a book list and then let the mood take me, but here is some of what I hope to read this Lent.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DPXPxyeF0o/YC0mzrdedzI/AAAAAAAAHYc/BL_xZ14nPxYcsh7r6Hq3xgOANx35YlEvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3954.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DPXPxyeF0o/YC0mzrdedzI/AAAAAAAAHYc/BL_xZ14nPxYcsh7r6Hq3xgOANx35YlEvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3954.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Reckless-Way-Love-Following-Spiritual/dp/0874867924/ref=sr_1_8?crid=P1BOSOKL6B6B&dchild=1&keywords=reckless+love+devotional&qid=1613570772&sprefix=reckless+lov%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-8">The Reckless Way of Love: Notes on Following Jesus </a>by Dorothy Day; a buddy read hosted by Fountain of Carrots that I'm joining.</p><p><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Quiet-Companion-Life-Peter-Faber/dp/0829441018/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Peter+favre&qid=1613570668&sr=8-2">Quiet Companion</a> by Mary Purcell a biography of St. Peter Favre one of the founding members of Jesuits. </p><p><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/We-Are-Our-Mothers-Daughters/dp/0061715921/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25YJ7SMTD3S94&dchild=1&keywords=we+are+our+mothers+daughters+cokie+roberts&qid=1613570931&sprefix=we+are+our+mo%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1">We Are Our Mothers' Daughters </a>by Cookie Roberts</p><p><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Six-Sacred-Rules-Families-Spirituality/dp/1594713723/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HC4Z4NW2TFOA&dchild=1&keywords=six+sacred+rules+for+families&qid=1613571031&sprefix=six+sacred+rules%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1">Six Sacred Rules </a>by Tim & Sue Muldoon</p><p><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Benedict-Option-Strategy-Christians-Post-Christian-ebook/dp/B01KUCY7XI/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1613571121&sr=8-1">The Benedict Option</a> by Rod Dresher</p><p><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Make-My-Life-Simple-Bringing/dp/1681922398/ref=sr_1_2?crid=OQE9BCIFQ5BD&dchild=1&keywords=rachel+balducci&qid=1613571195&sprefix=Rachel+bal%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-2">Make My Life Simple </a>by Rachel Balducci</p><p> My devotional for this lent is <a href="https://brickhouseinthecity.com/product/no-unlikely-saints-a-lenten-pilgrimage-with-sacred-company/">No Unlikely Saints </a>offered by Brick House in the City.</p><p>And being released on March 12th <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Be-Bold-Broken-Courage-Unconditional/dp/1646800397/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29PK1OPU9JS8R&dchild=1&keywords=mary+lenaburg&qid=1613571338&sprefix=Mary+len%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1">Be Bold in the Broken</a> by Mary Lenaburg. </p><p><br /></p><p>What are you reading this Lent?</p><p><br /></p><p>Linking up with <a href="https://rosie-ablogformymom.blogspot.com/2021/02/just-because-volume-5.html#more">Rosie </a>of A Blog for my Mom<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x25R2XUYb6U/YDAqapj2dtI/AAAAAAAAHYs/RAIEsv_BV_c8e1ws2zDxQOLXINOnBBzdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210117_192603_0000.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x25R2XUYb6U/YDAqapj2dtI/AAAAAAAAHYs/RAIEsv_BV_c8e1ws2zDxQOLXINOnBBzdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/20210117_192603_0000.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-53121525570586151792021-02-03T09:08:00.000-05:002021-02-03T09:08:26.129-05:00Open book ~ Feb'21<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofMPvnZZCf8/Vyoglr-CV9I/AAAAAAAAFi8/HkuC8-lXdOAW605c4Duszv4dvfh0RO6BgCPcBGAYYCw/s560/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofMPvnZZCf8/Vyoglr-CV9I/AAAAAAAAFi8/HkuC8-lXdOAW605c4Duszv4dvfh0RO6BgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Towers-Mist-Elizabeth-Goudge/dp/1619706326/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HVAR5EEI4CV9&dchild=1&keywords=towers+in+the+mist+elizabeth+goudge&qid=1612360761&sprefix=Towers+in+the+%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1">Towers in the Mist </a>by Elizabeth Goudge is a wonderful book of Oxford early in the reign of Elizabeth 1; when student Walter Scott was dreaming of going to sea for her, and could still attend lectures taught by Edmund Campion. The story centers around a Canon of Christ College and his children. Through them over the course of a year, you see Oxford in all its seasons and all moods. Some romance, some adventure, and a lot of inspiration.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bx-RdUNkQV4/YBqsuOzWBUI/AAAAAAAAHXQ/qYgSaMxPSLc--NaddbrUe6cwMXveL5oMACLcBGAsYHQ/s499/51rbvEwZLcL._SX333_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="335" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bx-RdUNkQV4/YBqsuOzWBUI/AAAAAAAAHXQ/qYgSaMxPSLc--NaddbrUe6cwMXveL5oMACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/51rbvEwZLcL._SX333_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3T0v83Hfz94/YBqsuLe1e3I/AAAAAAAAHXM/Ev1T0G88-ssvRnqCpbkb2LXc3nmhsB_kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s499/515uFwHe9CL._SX330_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3T0v83Hfz94/YBqsuLe1e3I/AAAAAAAAHXM/Ev1T0G88-ssvRnqCpbkb2LXc3nmhsB_kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/515uFwHe9CL._SX330_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Bean-Trees-Novel-Barbara-Kingsolver/dp/0062277758/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1W4A0V8RZVCG3&keywords=the+bean+trees+barbara+kingsolver&qid=1612358607&sprefix=the+bean+Tre%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1">The Bean Trees </a>by Barbara Kingsolver; is the story of Missie, who had managed to graduate high school without getting pregnant, and saving up enough for a car decides to head west. Away from Kentucky and a life the feels not quite right. Along the way, she changes her name to Taylor and ends up in Arizona. </p><p>You need to suspend your disbelief a few times, but overall this a beautifully written story of a place and those key people and decisions that help determine what sort of adult you want to be.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Freckles-Gene-Stratton-Porter-ebook/dp/B0866G72RP/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1612360133&sr=8-1-spons">Freckles</a> by Gene Stratton-Porter: is the story of Freckles a young orphan who has aged out of a Chicago orphanage and applies for a job with a logging crew. He was tasked with guarding a forest of valuable trees until the crew can get there a year later. Porter a naturalist, in this lovely coming-of-age story makes the woods come alive as Freckles finds his way to manhood charged with this great task. The ending is a saccharine, but well worth the read.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQYntMAYLlI/YBqtDIObD6I/AAAAAAAAHXc/zFNYCXHIDsc3phh0Nl6zBDonhtRs-MFBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s499/51-kFS5QHrL._SX322_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQYntMAYLlI/YBqtDIObD6I/AAAAAAAAHXc/zFNYCXHIDsc3phh0Nl6zBDonhtRs-MFBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/51-kFS5QHrL._SX322_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Please head over to <a href="http://www.carolynastfalk.com/2021/02/03/an-open-book-60/">Carolyn's</a> for more Open Books.</p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-92047232338573082792021-02-01T09:43:00.007-05:002021-02-04T12:34:11.495-05:00What currently is saving my sanity ~ Winter 2021<p style="text-align: center;"> Happy February! The week and month are starting off for us with a true snow day with no distance learning assignments for the kids to complete ~ and with me linking-up again with <a href="https://modernmrsdarcy.com/domestic-tasks-saving-my-life/">Modern Mrs. Darcy</a> as we share tips to beat the winter blues.</p><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6878515043360067175" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 578px;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2458924299557470624" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 578px;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="border: none; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Reading</b> always and forever Amen! Joining challenges and stretching my reading muscles, revisiting old favorites and finding them welcoming. One of the blessings of all the 'sheltering in place' last year I discovered Bookstagram, a corner of Instagram with a ton of people posting book reviews. It has become where I find suggestions and companionship amongst the virtual bookshelves.</li><li style="border: none; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bVFwd8NDTY/TgK7Ot_xIuI/AAAAAAAACkU/M8FjMeIZLIgIQ3R9mgydzyBAVFUdFkgDgCPcB/s1600/6.jpg" style="color: #4c0077; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bVFwd8NDTY/TgK7Ot_xIuI/AAAAAAAACkU/M8FjMeIZLIgIQ3R9mgydzyBAVFUdFkgDgCPcB/s200/6.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="146" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"></div></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Journaling </i><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span>prayers & </span></span><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">gratitude, and daily </span><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span>occurrences </span></span><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">not to be lost in the craziness.</span></li><li style="border: none; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Seeking</b> out a good series to binge and watching a couple episodes with Dr. Daddy in the evenings once the kiddos are tucked. Currently All Creatures Great and Small, and Miss Scarlet & the Duke.</li><li style="border: none; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Lighting a <b><i>candle </i></b>or two in the evening.</li><li style="border: none; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><i>A weekly visit</i></b> to a local coffee shop and making a cup of tea as we start homework.</li><li style="border: none; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Daily Walks!!</b> Started last spring when I craved some quiet after a day of helping my kids with virtual learning, I have found my evening walk a great help in quieting the voices of anxiety.</li><li style="border: none; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">And <b>seeking</b> out 'what makes it better' for my people. For example, finding a warm Chai waiting makes the winter morning a bit easier to face for the resident tween: which in turn makes the getting out the door routine smoother for everyone.</li></ul><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">What is saving your life this winter?</div></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="color: #999999; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px;"><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-1"><br /><div class="post-share-buttons goog-inline-block" style="display: inline-block; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; position: relative; vertical-align: middle;"></div></div><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-2"><br /></div><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-3"><span class="post-location" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;"></span></div></div></div><div class="comments" id="comments" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 10px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><a name="comments" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5px;"></a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 13.5px;"></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-61241284921717100222021-01-28T10:37:00.004-05:002021-01-28T10:38:12.540-05:00What to read while waiting for your Bridgerton holds<p> If you like me have learned of the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn because of the Netflix series; and are now surprised and a bit disappointed to find the books back-ordered and/or checked out. Allow me to share some of my favorites of the genre while you wait for your holds to come in.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dwz0DKSbL0k/Vtb74RNNnwI/AAAAAAAAFeI/6NTIEaFGQ7wJJWjRyh0tpTzrk-RV7GqSQCPcBGAYYCw/s499/51nS2ZVEaHL._SX324_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dwz0DKSbL0k/Vtb74RNNnwI/AAAAAAAAFeI/6NTIEaFGQ7wJJWjRyh0tpTzrk-RV7GqSQCPcBGAYYCw/w210-h320/51nS2ZVEaHL._SX324_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="210" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDL2RhZIg_g/WTczuUIqKgI/AAAAAAAAF8Y/9Ao_7g71wecq7prQ3BP0o8jcXya5QU79gCPcBGAYYCw/s499/51G1R2QjqYL._SX326_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="328" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDL2RhZIg_g/WTczuUIqKgI/AAAAAAAAF8Y/9Ao_7g71wecq7prQ3BP0o8jcXya5QU79gCPcBGAYYCw/w131-h200/51G1R2QjqYL._SX326_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="131" /></a><b>Georgette Heyer:</b> Any of you longtime readers know of my great appreciation of this author. Sometimes described as Austen lite: her understanding of the Regency comedy of manners is excellent and her romances lovely. This <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/1700454247539993174/718429719384273084" target="_blank">post</a> describes some of my favorites of hers's to which I would add <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Frederica-Georgette-Heyer-Signature-Collection/dp/1492677647/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1611764197&sr=8-1">Frederica</a> and <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Sprig-Muslin-Regency-Romances-Book-ebook/dp/B005ZG47IK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=V1EPABG1X3A4&dchild=1&keywords=sprig+muslin+by+georgette+heyer&qid=1611764252&sprefix=Sprig+%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-1">Sprig Muslin</a> which I had yet to read.</p><p><b>Bree Wolf's</b> <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9UPTCL?notRedirectToSDP=1&ref_=dbs_mng_calw_0&storeType=ebooks">Love Second Chance </a>romances include wonderful conversations among a great cast of characters who continue to appear through the series. The intimate scenes are consistently between married people and almost entirely behind the closed door; kissing and early foreplay are on the page.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auo_H8VGHug/YBLVTRAvdOI/AAAAAAAAHWQ/4iepimlZhaozOc3s2CTkymkILaL5Gj8oACLcBGAsYHQ/s436/81uqgQIS-NL._AC_UY436_QL65_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="285" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auo_H8VGHug/YBLVTRAvdOI/AAAAAAAAHWQ/4iepimlZhaozOc3s2CTkymkILaL5Gj8oACLcBGAsYHQ/w131-h200/81uqgQIS-NL._AC_UY436_QL65_.jpg" width="131" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWt7q_mjpkA/YBLVTV0V_lI/AAAAAAAAHWM/l_7RngH_6zIkl1JDnvanrQWDi9TKCQIOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/51PpMsytpIL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="322" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWt7q_mjpkA/YBLVTV0V_lI/AAAAAAAAHWM/l_7RngH_6zIkl1JDnvanrQWDi9TKCQIOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w129-h200/51PpMsytpIL.jpg" width="129" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><b>Emma Leech's</b> <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B074CHF4SB?searchxofy=true&binding=kindle_edition&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tkin">Rogues and Gentlemen</a> series is another great series where you meet great people and enjoy watching over the course of the series they, their friends, and their family find love. These books focus more on the romance of the time as well as the effects of war on those who fought in the Napoleonic Wars. The intimate scenes are again mostly between married people but in a more open-door manner.</p><p><b>Erica Ridley's</b> <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Dukes-Books-Boxed-Sets-Book-ebook/dp/B00ZGT15XG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=37ZZEDQATZJA3&dchild=1&keywords=erica+ridley+dukes+of+war+series&qid=1611766331&s=digital-text&sprefix=erica+ri%2Cdigital-text%2C149&sr=1-4">Duke of War </a>series recounts a group of friends who have been to war and are now back. These stories also focus on the battle scars these soldiers carried, (both internal and external) while they meet their lady loves. The humor of the Regency comedy of manners is the focus while there are some open door scenes as our couples achieve their 'happily ever after'. </p><p> Stepping slightly away from the Regency setting I want to also highlight a couple other authors. <b>Janette Oke</b> writes wonderful clean romances of the Canadian West. She has two series Love Come Softly, and When Calls the Heart, as well as many stand-alone novels, two of my favorites being <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Bride-Donnigan-Women-West/dp/155661327X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1611767715&sr=1-3">A Bride for Donnigan</a> and <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/They-Called-Mrs-Women-West/dp/0764202480/ref=pd_bxgy_3/142-7352909-2883864?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0764202480&pd_rd_r=27ebaeef-5001-4324-acf7-4e61b6622cdf&pd_rd_w=eGQ8O&pd_rd_wg=jFNS8&pf_rd_p=f325d01c-4658-4593-be83-3e12ca663f0e&pf_rd_r=4WH7B0DNA5MYZVH43641&psc=1&refRID=4WH7B0DNA5MYZVH43641">They Called Her Mrs. Doc.</a></p><p><b>Eliza Knight's </b><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Highlanders-Gift-Sutherland-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B07938PL1M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2R5N31IXM4APW&dchild=1&keywords=sutherland+legacy&qid=1611847500&s=digital-text&sprefix=sutherland+le%2Cdigital-text%2C145&sr=1-1">Sutherland Legacy</a> is set in Scotland during the time of Edward II and Robert the Bruce. Lords, Ladies, and Clansman fight and fall in love along the border and in the Highlands of Scotland. These are also open door romances where the intimate scenes are somewhat described on the page. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgYPnHFxV6E/YBLZKpqHkJI/AAAAAAAAHWg/OIySgwr_nY4tEpc45W4jYWE6a0v1KkgTACLcBGAsYHQ/s436/A1tAonBW05L._AC_UY436_QL65_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="291" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgYPnHFxV6E/YBLZKpqHkJI/AAAAAAAAHWg/OIySgwr_nY4tEpc45W4jYWE6a0v1KkgTACLcBGAsYHQ/w134-h200/A1tAonBW05L._AC_UY436_QL65_.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Any favorites of yours I missed?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UOVamhGTQQk/YBLZpyLTJXI/AAAAAAAAHWw/90T_wr6VhrooVsL7GFy78_QJ8YLJ-EmMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/51nWeePddkL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="327" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UOVamhGTQQk/YBLZpyLTJXI/AAAAAAAAHWw/90T_wr6VhrooVsL7GFy78_QJ8YLJ-EmMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w131-h200/51nWeePddkL.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-64885821809066330082021-01-11T16:24:00.005-05:002021-01-11T16:24:45.261-05:00Cate is 8!! <p> </p><ol style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Caitlin at 8 is a unicorn loving, artist; who loves drawing & coloring, and playing with kinetic sand. Having learned to ride her bike without training wheels this fall, after school she is often out and about visiting neighborhood friends. However, Skye and her light-up seahorse Bubbles, are still essential at bedtime.</li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Favorite shows include Spirit Riding Free, Ryan's Mystery Playdate, Bluey, and when watching with Liam, Pokemon. Jake, & the Neverland Pirates, Elena of Avalor, and Sophia the First still make the cut. In our house at eight years old, you can begin playing Minecraft Creative Version. In preparation, Caitlin has also been watching Gamer Girl videos.</li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">She is enjoying school; doing well in all her subjects. Her reading skills are getting stronger and stronger. She has begun reading chapter books such as Billie Brown mysteries, and Princess in Black. Currently virtual for a couple of weeks, she is very much looking forward to being back in the classroom with her friends.</li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Favorite foods include lasagna, Shepherd's Pie, and pizza. Mostly she like cookies and milk. </li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">She was really enjoying her gymnastics class, unfortunately, that gym has recently closed. Due to the Covid virus, swimming lessons were not possible last summer. However, we are holding out hope for the coming summer.</li><li>Her chosen theme for balloon and banner is Descendants, with Frozen a close second. She chose cupcakes with blue &purple frosting and donut rings for her birthday dessert.</li><li>She is so very much the youngest; eager to rush ahead to catch up with her older siblings, and at the end of the day such the goofy cuddle bug. Enjoys attempting phone conversations in french with Bonne Mamy, yet still resorts to baby talk when in trouble. </li><li>pictures. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_S3Qsdae8ug/W8ndznbmSVI/AAAAAAAAGT0/oHhs-vtFT8MJrQ_Lq9l0X2vz1aCb_mSGACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_5673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_S3Qsdae8ug/W8ndznbmSVI/AAAAAAAAGT0/oHhs-vtFT8MJrQ_Lq9l0X2vz1aCb_mSGACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_5673.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kKt6UQCkgPM/V8BRKKc8G0I/AAAAAAAAFrU/kpbMsqMTQpsdviR8Mjlu56f_HAeJT7_hwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/JPEG%2Bimage-3ED28457F891-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kKt6UQCkgPM/V8BRKKc8G0I/AAAAAAAAFrU/kpbMsqMTQpsdviR8Mjlu56f_HAeJT7_hwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/JPEG%2Bimage-3ED28457F891-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YP2Fmiyko_A/VfwRbtWqbXI/AAAAAAAAFTw/MSCdJeAMqLE_EyMO9k1YJx2Cr6hf1uPYgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_2671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YP2Fmiyko_A/VfwRbtWqbXI/AAAAAAAAFTw/MSCdJeAMqLE_EyMO9k1YJx2Cr6hf1uPYgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_2671.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQmifae2Tww/U4K5d_XFOTI/AAAAAAAAEm4/D2yvRyz6DUUu0FB1ru35zTydlHP0e_D_ACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQmifae2Tww/U4K5d_XFOTI/AAAAAAAAEm4/D2yvRyz6DUUu0FB1ru35zTydlHP0e_D_ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_0560.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ftzf1ItcaY8/UfG5Oy9HVrI/AAAAAAAAD84/pagbzZ3_nGoeeQYMr_bc-vFNiVr96TFHgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_1360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ftzf1ItcaY8/UfG5Oy9HVrI/AAAAAAAAD84/pagbzZ3_nGoeeQYMr_bc-vFNiVr96TFHgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1360.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li></ol>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-17479345877848979592021-01-06T12:14:00.000-05:002021-01-06T12:14:09.336-05:002021 goals and commitment<p style="text-align: center;"> Happy New Year!</p><p> We are back from a lovely Christmas break in Maine. According to the rules of our school since the kids left the state they need to attend class virtually for 2 weeks. The first week is going okay with each day bringing its own hiccups. </p><p> I have again set several reading goals for myself for the year, but have decided lifestyle-wise monthly commitments may increase success and follow through.</p><p>Reading:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I plan to read 60 books over the year. 20 of which from my own bookshelves. To help with this goal I am joining the <a href="https://www.theunreadshelf.com/blog/project2021">Unread Shelf </a>challenge again hosted by Whitney. </li><li>I plan to read 10 from the 20th Century project hosted by Ashley of <a href="https://thebigwhitefarmhouse.com">The Big White Farmhouse</a></li><li><a href="https://modernmrsdarcy.com/reading-life-challenge/">Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge </a>this year a 'pick your own path' of many options of which I have picked some that overlap with the other two and some that have my stretching my reading muscles a bit.</li></ul><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKYBjRIsaEg/X_XvG9xILII/AAAAAAAAHTk/h31kOYNHpqQ4LbcDSlKac7-kTtgAxFxcACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/F94CD124-4107-4D2F-859B-AA8376CF59CD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKYBjRIsaEg/X_XvG9xILII/AAAAAAAAHTk/h31kOYNHpqQ4LbcDSlKac7-kTtgAxFxcACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/F94CD124-4107-4D2F-859B-AA8376CF59CD.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEtP6xVAZxw/X_XvGwA4V3I/AAAAAAAAHTo/cffocW_nRKY0B4lbFp8bfWI7qocnrk72gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DC47CEAB-C212-4265-9063-332E6750033A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1888" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEtP6xVAZxw/X_XvGwA4V3I/AAAAAAAAHTo/cffocW_nRKY0B4lbFp8bfWI7qocnrk72gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DC47CEAB-C212-4265-9063-332E6750033A.jpeg" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Lifestyle :</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In January after my morning coffee till dinner, I'm only going to drink water</li><li>I will aim for 8,000 steps a day</li><li>Strength train 3x a week</li></ul></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></blockquote><p></p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-46242389579899870062020-12-31T10:11:00.007-05:002020-12-31T10:11:42.678-05:002020: A Year in Pictures<p style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year's Eve! Wishing you all many blessings and all good things as the calendar turns and the new year starts. But first a quick look back at the year that was by way of photos. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8ClSHw7UN8/X-wRDGeiSkI/AAAAAAAAHSc/noE6hKmxvxop6kYiB4BuNfFGT8jjy05UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1262.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8ClSHw7UN8/X-wRDGeiSkI/AAAAAAAAHSc/noE6hKmxvxop6kYiB4BuNfFGT8jjy05UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1262.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This princess enjoyed her tent as she turned 7</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTkBZU6pvj0/XlmHWDdj4uI/AAAAAAAAG4Y/PPzJ4_IYPKMWZ3Rzvi1pLG5_l0NCKz3zwCPcBGAYYCw/s709/51C27391-01A9-4551-A51A-F7B2CA8B9EE9.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="709" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTkBZU6pvj0/XlmHWDdj4uI/AAAAAAAAG4Y/PPzJ4_IYPKMWZ3Rzvi1pLG5_l0NCKz3zwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/51C27391-01A9-4551-A51A-F7B2CA8B9EE9.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In February we went ice skating ~ Caitlin for the first time!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LwEece_kD7s/XnS1NLXS3MI/AAAAAAAAG50/C8Bq_nS8Oj4Q3MlN1H3VQC5_2vyTj5_EQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_1586.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LwEece_kD7s/XnS1NLXS3MI/AAAAAAAAG50/C8Bq_nS8Oj4Q3MlN1H3VQC5_2vyTj5_EQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1586.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In March we completed our new bathroom just in time to shelter in place!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2MbVQTWzp8/XpcspATWTII/AAAAAAAAG8A/ntsc-unXHsgpD71XB4d93xPdElohev70QCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_1725.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2MbVQTWzp8/XpcspATWTII/AAAAAAAAG8A/ntsc-unXHsgpD71XB4d93xPdElohev70QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1725.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April meant a different and lovely Easter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfSyO46FQYs/XqwqH-wr4YI/AAAAAAAAG90/YSQ2c8U1MOElzx8XQwWHURRPlrJj57xGwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_1800.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfSyO46FQYs/XqwqH-wr4YI/AAAAAAAAG90/YSQ2c8U1MOElzx8XQwWHURRPlrJj57xGwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1800.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In May the teachers drove by to congratulate the kids on a job well done!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sCMtkkzEiz8/XuzDkTkhJXI/AAAAAAAAHDw/IHciABPkJ2ASDPNjvZLxG3lmOpoqPNTbQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_2168.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sCMtkkzEiz8/XuzDkTkhJXI/AAAAAAAAHDw/IHciABPkJ2ASDPNjvZLxG3lmOpoqPNTbQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_2168.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool visits and trips to Rita marked some normalcy in June.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXXPYnwEXqU/XyQcup-i7CI/AAAAAAAAHHA/yJX7r2OmX2sbJ33sbYeTaJpdOmCzWszQwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_2421.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXXPYnwEXqU/XyQcup-i7CI/AAAAAAAAHHA/yJX7r2OmX2sbJ33sbYeTaJpdOmCzWszQwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_2421.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In July we carefully visited our VA family</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFDEAP7KDWU/X0kVjdQhmqI/AAAAAAAAHJg/2TR2OIuiYBQY8m1CyIDpt10YsPF1H8WfgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_2713.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFDEAP7KDWU/X0kVjdQhmqI/AAAAAAAAHJg/2TR2OIuiYBQY8m1CyIDpt10YsPF1H8WfgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_2713.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In August we hit the waves in Maine!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Pr6bnvafeU/X01KD7MWk0I/AAAAAAAAHKI/emnQiswK0zQSIkngJTzjwgIhqP8PxB5yQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_2801.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Pr6bnvafeU/X01KD7MWk0I/AAAAAAAAHKI/emnQiswK0zQSIkngJTzjwgIhqP8PxB5yQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_2801.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to School looked a little different this year.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FPB1zq-brQ/X6lhxgFIUaI/AAAAAAAAHOA/sTA0NclfKGYmgjexFlZAMy_EeF40yN8VgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/133AEF5C-6C2A-4185-9CFF-DAE72B72D1D8.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FPB1zq-brQ/X6lhxgFIUaI/AAAAAAAAHOA/sTA0NclfKGYmgjexFlZAMy_EeF40yN8VgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/133AEF5C-6C2A-4185-9CFF-DAE72B72D1D8.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had helpers building leaf piles this year!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk6SLD_35rM/X8TwD3BnrMI/AAAAAAAAHP0/syYYVIAeijg13-v4TTnVTnPMpO-iCVh8wCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_3304.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk6SLD_35rM/X8TwD3BnrMI/AAAAAAAAHP0/syYYVIAeijg13-v4TTnVTnPMpO-iCVh8wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_3304.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In November we gave thanks for many things, including Confirmation!<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koxWFOaNVns/X-yowvXyFCI/AAAAAAAAHSw/KBBdBjPc-5Qt_nun1ToAkiM2IQizeNP2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3542.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koxWFOaNVns/X-yowvXyFCI/AAAAAAAAHSw/KBBdBjPc-5Qt_nun1ToAkiM2IQizeNP2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3542.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ended the year in Maine looking for the Christmas star.</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk6SLD_35rM/X8TwD3BnrMI/AAAAAAAAHP0/syYYVIAeijg13-v4TTnVTnPMpO-iCVh8wCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_3304.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><p></p><br /><br /><br />Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-67687359309977078892020-12-22T11:03:00.002-05:002020-12-22T11:04:59.086-05:00A Year in Books<p> <span style="font-family: georgia;">Reading has always been a favorite hobby of mine and increasingly a key form of self-care, and this year was no different. Through worries about loved ones far away and the stress of virtual learning, reading has been my refuge and my pleasure. Last January I set my Goodreads reading goal as 40 books ( I read 42 in '18, and 43 in '19), I've currently read 87 books. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> I'm not at all expecting to maintain that pace this coming year. I am h0wever grateful for all the new book-focused Instagram accounts I have found in the corner known as Bookstagram and all of their reviews and recommendations. These accounts also provided the needed adult conversations during those moments during the spring and summer when needed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> It was amazingly a year of few misses and many 4* and 5* reads including;</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDDdeV5bS50/X-HoffU_S9I/AAAAAAAAHRc/nx_sveW-k3oL2WSUtSfJR37kWq9x8oY2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s499/41xOoAlJXGL._SX304_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="306" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDDdeV5bS50/X-HoffU_S9I/AAAAAAAAHRc/nx_sveW-k3oL2WSUtSfJR37kWq9x8oY2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w197-h320/41xOoAlJXGL._SX304_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="197" /></a></div></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ayesha at Last</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">Brown Girl Dreaming</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Jane Austen Society</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Warmth of Other Suns</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">A Lovely War</span></li></ul><p></p><p><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MPj1Sri9mw/X-HofcuInpI/AAAAAAAAHRg/WybF63UlH44AeyDakL-YpXiLQKOzwxjzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s499/51tleZBNskL._SX327_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="329" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MPj1Sri9mw/X-HofcuInpI/AAAAAAAAHRg/WybF63UlH44AeyDakL-YpXiLQKOzwxjzgCLcBGAsYHQ/w132-h200/51tleZBNskL._SX327_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="132" /></a></p><div style="color: #333333; text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZQ7wHy18nI/X-Hv6599iGI/AAAAAAAAHRw/CcPBmaUrayE5U9ofPj3WgEsWteNsPsg2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s499/61IBluU1ZiL._SX329_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZQ7wHy18nI/X-Hv6599iGI/AAAAAAAAHRw/CcPBmaUrayE5U9ofPj3WgEsWteNsPsg2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/61IBluU1ZiL._SX329_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></div><br />Summary for 2020<br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Books Read: 87</span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Fiction: 75 // Non-Fiction: 12</span><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Kindle Books: 31 // Paper Books: 56 // Rereads: 6</span></div>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-59377071438028439812020-11-30T08:25:00.005-05:002020-11-30T08:25:23.100-05:00Giving Thanks for November Sacraments<p> Ten years ago we hosted Thanksgiving at our house welcoming several members of our extended family because the following Sunday Liam received the Sacrament of Baptism. This year we were just the five of us around the table, but again we were celebrating the following Sunday as one of our children received another Sacrament of the Church. Elisabeth was sealed by the Spirit and completed the Sacraments of Initiation received Confirmation. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7v84QHaS4Zc/X8TwD0lELaI/AAAAAAAAHPo/68J8RUlobvI1UqZeF84-BITuHWoDv5qwACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3303.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7v84QHaS4Zc/X8TwD0lELaI/AAAAAAAAHPo/68J8RUlobvI1UqZeF84-BITuHWoDv5qwACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3303.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk6SLD_35rM/X8TwD3BnrMI/AAAAAAAAHPg/NbpdGI_oNfUmVwRR3ua5E80T36MoDWbFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3304.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk6SLD_35rM/X8TwD3BnrMI/AAAAAAAAHPg/NbpdGI_oNfUmVwRR3ua5E80T36MoDWbFACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3304.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Personalized masks from the faculty</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGT91Zpi_og/X8TwDzo_ePI/AAAAAAAAHPk/GNMXpji6O-Etg58d7lUPNrX8GRuZNAXpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3307.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGT91Zpi_og/X8TwDzo_ePI/AAAAAAAAHPk/GNMXpji6O-Etg58d7lUPNrX8GRuZNAXpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3307.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNusrKdOCuQ/X8TwEDDH2QI/AAAAAAAAHPs/E0FeJn8edWEQDpLSVew_akyD69wwTm2PACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3309.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNusrKdOCuQ/X8TwEDDH2QI/AAAAAAAAHPs/E0FeJn8edWEQDpLSVew_akyD69wwTm2PACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3309.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her sponsor; a long time family friend</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tg9X1xvxBYY/X8TwEYSngnI/AAAAAAAAHPw/EEtZWEeNO7Y17SVIZ44dEtFPqxcAuSZ_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3316.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tg9X1xvxBYY/X8TwEYSngnI/AAAAAAAAHPw/EEtZWEeNO7Y17SVIZ44dEtFPqxcAuSZ_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3316.jpeg" /></a></div> She selected Saint Elisabeth of Hungary as her Confirmation Saint, and we pray for her continued intercession for Lisbeth. While a different celebration with most of our family watching via Youtube and congratulating Lisbeth by phone; blessings abound!!<br /><p><br /></p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-63524353983263056072020-11-09T10:37:00.000-05:002020-11-09T10:37:05.830-05:00Daybook ~ Fall 2020<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHMstVxBWIk/UmK2X3aj8YI/AAAAAAAAEIo/hXc20l2k5yw6V_GDGhqB2Z1LWKkpdW9cQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_1800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHMstVxBWIk/UmK2X3aj8YI/AAAAAAAAEIo/hXc20l2k5yw6V_GDGhqB2Z1LWKkpdW9cQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Thinking about: </span></i></b></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b><span>Getting ready for</span> Thanksgiving and Advent. We will be staying home for Thanksgiving this year so planning for the menu is a key component. Have already bought my Advent devotional and considering getting a different one for us to work on as a family with my kids getting older.</span><br /><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"> </span><br /><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><b><i>Excited For:</i></b></span><br /><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>Elisabeth's Confirmation the weekend after Thanksgiving. Given Covid it will be a quieter occasion than expected but still excited to watch her grow in faith and wisdom. Have ordered our Christmas cards, and am beginning to think about gifts.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"> </span><br /><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><b><i>Wearing:</i></b></span><br /><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"> Mostly jeans and clogs or wedges; I know for most fall means breaking out the boots (and I have a new pair that will get so wear) but for me, fall means my favorite wedges and wearing clogs again. It has stayed warm this year well into fall so coats are still mainly windbreakers.</span><br /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>In the Yard:</i></b></span></span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"> The trees have dropped about half of their leaves so a lot of raking to go and then onto the pruning. Planted some mums, though could not find asters this year. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #333333;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FPB1zq-brQ/X6lhxgFIUaI/AAAAAAAAHN8/w-nGLNmeEFg8KGTsXxqB_O2P2obR8JwhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/133AEF5C-6C2A-4185-9CFF-DAE72B72D1D8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FPB1zq-brQ/X6lhxgFIUaI/AAAAAAAAHN8/w-nGLNmeEFg8KGTsXxqB_O2P2obR8JwhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/133AEF5C-6C2A-4185-9CFF-DAE72B72D1D8.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></span></span><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><b><i>Watching and Listening to:</i></b></span><br /><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"> Enjoying the return of This is Us and recently binge-watched Poldark (Loved It!). Together we are watching Hart of Dixie and The Good Place. Looking forward to the return of The Crown.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: georgia; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></span></span><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><i><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"></span><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;">The Kids: </span></span></i></b><br /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><b>Elisabeth </b></i>is thriving in 7th grade; enjoying changing classes, Advanced Math still her favorite. Continues to excel at her gymnastics class, currently working on her back and front handspring. The end of the day finds her in her loft bed reading, listening to music, and playing Minecraft.</span></span><br /><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Np5f26zzoMk/X6V8JRWwzBI/AAAAAAAAHNU/XM2bXFHNyfI8RaH6sQKL6eS_1PH6uuZ3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2436/IMG_2271.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Np5f26zzoMk/X6V8JRWwzBI/AAAAAAAAHNU/XM2bXFHNyfI8RaH6sQKL6eS_1PH6uuZ3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2271.jpeg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"></span><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"></span><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><i><b>Liam</b> </i>has settled well into 4th grade; and while he enjoyed virtual learning last spring is very happy to be back in the classroom. Choose not to play soccer this fall, but is currently a Webelo Scout. Pokemon is still a favorite and he continues to astonish us with his almost encyclopedic knowledge of their different strengths and fighting types. </span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nin5dN1gUIw/X6V91TTMPFI/AAAAAAAAHNg/v0nJ1Xr_pyg5jbJofXXrVSUMcWV64cpRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2617.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nin5dN1gUIw/X6V91TTMPFI/AAAAAAAAHNg/v0nJ1Xr_pyg5jbJofXXrVSUMcWV64cpRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2617.jpeg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /><br /><b><i>Caitlin</i> </b>is loving 2nd Grade and doing really well; becoming more independent with reading I'm now enjoying the times when she reads to me. She is again doing gymnastics and is at the same gym as Lisbeth. She was definitely the child that struggled the most with the lack of playing with friends during the spring and so is very happy to be back in the classroom this fall.</span><br /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPKSlhCE5gw/X6lezGdqIlI/AAAAAAAAHNw/Bpb36HcXlt8_eBAV_jFuWXGAi4eWxRyaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2963.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPKSlhCE5gw/X6lezGdqIlI/AAAAAAAAHNw/Bpb36HcXlt8_eBAV_jFuWXGAi4eWxRyaQCLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_2963.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-10138524799509024812020-09-15T08:21:00.000-04:002020-09-15T08:21:48.600-04:00Liam at 10<p> This weekend we celebrated Liam with Perkins take-out and a Black Forest Cake. The theme he chose for his birthday banner and balloon was Harry Potter. His teacher last year read the class the first book, and Liam is interested in reading the next book in the series.</p><ul style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">He is still very much into the Pokemon universe and the strengths and weakness of many Pokemon ~ and has great patience with his mom who is not quite as knowledgable and therefore falls quickly behind in discussions of creating elite teams.</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Funny ~ having learned much in the last year about punning and what makes a good pun. He enjoys laughing and making others laugh.<br /><div></div></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Has a great circle of friends from school, soccer, and Cub Scouts which he can be very zany with; and then disappears into his room for some intense quiet time like a true introvert.</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Favorite food includes Bangers & Mash (sausage and mash potatoes), Shepard's Pie, ice cream, and fried eggs. He continues to be my best eater; though he is also the child to most worry about any stomach upset.</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Favorite subject in school is History or Science; he likes learning about people and how to make things work. Much more confident in reading and happy to be asked to read aloud.</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Currently wants to be a Carpenter. Specifically a cabinet maker; opening a furniture shop with a friend. </li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Happy to be back in in-building school, he overall did well with all the upheaval with 'sheltering in place' and virtual learning. Already a bit of a germaphobe; he quickly adjusted to all the extra cleaning we started last spring.</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Affectionate, he checks in throughout the day and asks how my day is going; and recently requested a bedtime tradition with me because while Dad is still the tops ~ he wanted some Mom time at bedtime.</li></ul><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ypd-2XZFZZ0/X2Ak-pZFJaI/AAAAAAAAHLg/TZ3W-1grH-42tS7xFKUwQRUSrl9iyBkTACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2617.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ypd-2XZFZZ0/X2Ak-pZFJaI/AAAAAAAAHLg/TZ3W-1grH-42tS7xFKUwQRUSrl9iyBkTACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2617.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></span></span></div>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-75529722961317961832020-09-02T08:52:00.003-04:002020-09-02T08:53:43.392-04:00Open Book ~ September '20<div class="separator"><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></p></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofMPvnZZCf8/Vyoglr-CV9I/AAAAAAAAFi8/HkuC8-lXdOAW605c4Duszv4dvfh0RO6BgCPcBGAYYCw/s560/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="202" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofMPvnZZCf8/Vyoglr-CV9I/AAAAAAAAFi8/HkuC8-lXdOAW605c4Duszv4dvfh0RO6BgCPcBGAYYCw/w358-h202/2.png" width="358" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Where-Crawdads-Sing-Delia-Owens/dp/1984827618/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1599049480&sr=1-3"><br /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXGDqlriHf8/X0-TaMeoUFI/AAAAAAAAHK0/6VAlgw1gasEvys6yEJceKe_LT7vIomT1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s499/51Bp8EQcrnL._SX329_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXGDqlriHf8/X0-TaMeoUFI/AAAAAAAAHK0/6VAlgw1gasEvys6yEJceKe_LT7vIomT1QCLcBGAsYHQ/w212-h319/51Bp8EQcrnL._SX329_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is on its surface a murder mystery and below the surface a wonderful coming of age story and a beautiful look at the marshlands of the North Carolina. After being left by every member of her family Kya finds a way to survive and along the way become an expert on the local flora and fauna. She also finds love for both wonderful and devastating results. <p></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/End-Affair-Penguin-Classics-Deluxe/dp/0142437980/ref=pd_sbs_14_1/144-3498773-7280112?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0142437980&pd_rd_r=781a65e6-48f1-4ffa-9d08-844b2ce1eb8f&pd_rd_w=Pwnne&pd_rd_wg=xq4ZS&pf_rd_p=703f3758-d945-4136-8df6-a43d19d750d1&pf_rd_r=E5K3BWPNWYW4DJA3Q3RA&psc=1&refRID=E5K3BWPNWYW4DJA3Q3RA">The End of the Affair</a> by Graham Greene tells the story of Maurice Bendrix, a novel writer who fell in love with the wife of another man. Reflecting back on the affair a couple years after it had ended Maurice is still undecided whether he wants closure, revenge, or to reunite with Sarah. The story told from different viewpoints is an interesting look at how we care for others and find faith in the world.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iuyzSQncgPI/X0-UhXaUS8I/AAAAAAAAHLA/1MEuoMpe1sIGS_XoaggQUn7L1z9owHLtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s499/51ex%252BEm-p2L._SX328_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="330" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iuyzSQncgPI/X0-UhXaUS8I/AAAAAAAAHLA/1MEuoMpe1sIGS_XoaggQUn7L1z9owHLtgCLcBGAsYHQ/w211-h319/51ex%252BEm-p2L._SX328_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075WSNKL5?pf_rd_r=2C0ZQY9E8ANJ8TCF26T5&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee">American Duchess</a> by Karen Harper is a novel based on the life of Consuelo, nee Vanderbilt. Strongarmed by her mother into a marriage to the Duke of Malborough (cousin of Winston Churchill); the book tells the story of how she grew in maturity, took control of her life, found love, and ultimately made peace with her mom. Struggled with the last third of the book where I think the author tried to cover a lot of time quickly; I overall enjoyed the story and am glad to have learned more about this interesting woman and the times in which she lived.</p><p><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zk_m_kMQLos/X0-TaKRHjnI/AAAAAAAAHKs/ZCNvey-PIF0drYmD4BlDcFgCiooXZGCogCLcBGAsYHQ/w213-h320/51bxb-VgH8L.jpg" width="213" /></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Charity-Regency-Romances-Georgette-Heyer/dp/1402213506/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1599010023&sr=8-1">Charity Girl </a>by Georgette Heyer is the story of Viscount Desford and the adventures which ensue when he picks up Cherry Steane who has run away from her aunt and is on her way to London to ask for her grandfather's help. This one of Heyer's later books and a plot I think she explores better in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sprig-Muslin-Regency-Romances-Georgette/dp/1402255497/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1599010221&sr=8-1">Sprig Muslin</a>, but that being said the dialogues in this book are wonderful particularly those between Des and his father and brother.</p><p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Where-Crawdads-Sing-Delia-Owens/dp/1984827618/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1599049480&sr=1-3" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="328" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8UZIfRDtbk/X0-TToVGKQI/AAAAAAAAHKo/Cn51t3maIUctqQ6iUUsrfbx8GNYKxykkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w210-h319/51OAgRBUKaL._SX326_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-decoration: none;" width="210" /></a></p><p>Please head over to <a href="http://www.carolynastfalk.com/2020/09/02/an-open-book-55/">Carolyn's</a> for more Open Book!</p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-45006496678519993702020-08-31T15:11:00.003-04:002020-08-31T15:11:46.559-04:00First Day 2020-21<p> This first day had a mostly familiar feel with tinges of extra nerves and of course the addition of masks. The supply list a bit longer as art supplies will not be sharable. Cautious optimism and curiousity how long in build learning will last seemed the emotions of the day. </p><p style="text-align: center;"> 2nd ~ 4th ~ 7th; ready, set, learn!!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9baxKPDH2Wk/X01KDzr5VDI/AAAAAAAAHJ0/zXXYnUu1WawGhCH7LmWXgftNE5mLiwL9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2797.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9baxKPDH2Wk/X01KDzr5VDI/AAAAAAAAHJ0/zXXYnUu1WawGhCH7LmWXgftNE5mLiwL9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w307-h410/IMG_2797.jpeg" width="307" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkq-DUDOu68/X01KD7jC0BI/AAAAAAAAHJ4/mMTpHu6zYiotV60i8-jW45r5r8_wufe-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2799.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkq-DUDOu68/X01KD7jC0BI/AAAAAAAAHJ4/mMTpHu6zYiotV60i8-jW45r5r8_wufe-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w307-h410/IMG_2799.jpeg" width="307" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Pr6bnvafeU/X01KD7MWk0I/AAAAAAAAHJw/1ZUcMpD57nkJae1XzaMriodRMa3gtb21ACLcBGAsYHQ/w307-h410/IMG_2801.jpeg" style="text-align: left;" width="307" /><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meaO9Q03imk/X01KElcSrMI/AAAAAAAAHJ8/Wk8LHubSCysLOjK8df42NRiZQPVzcHXwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w307-h410/IMG_2803.jpeg" style="text-align: left;" width="307" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w83QsverEO4/X01KE6Pn-JI/AAAAAAAAHKE/5ml4owkFB7ANvnx5IxHvFrd-71JLe0ZtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2808.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w83QsverEO4/X01KE6Pn-JI/AAAAAAAAHKE/5ml4owkFB7ANvnx5IxHvFrd-71JLe0ZtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w307-h410/IMG_2808.jpeg" width="307" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BG4rlQREvhc/X01KE_34PXI/AAAAAAAAHKA/p2n5kj8R0wEcoG4vmbegLANoOyMp4zbhQCLcBGAsYHQ/w307-h410/IMG_2806.jpeg" style="text-align: left;" width="307" /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-63750308155954940312020-08-28T10:39:00.001-04:002020-08-28T10:39:36.948-04:00Quick Takes #292: Maine recap<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbj5iccFqXc/V08JE3X-vuI/AAAAAAAAFlE/9AGKz61dZBsiaQYf03_ecyCwCtAIswd9ACPcBGAYYCw/s300/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbj5iccFqXc/V08JE3X-vuI/AAAAAAAAFlE/9AGKz61dZBsiaQYf03_ecyCwCtAIswd9ACPcBGAYYCw/w192-h192/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><ol><li style="text-align: left;">We are deep in the final prep for returning to school on Monday over here, but I wanted to quickly record some reflections on our week in Maine. Starting with great gratitude that it was even possible to happen. After failing to find rapid testing here in PA, Dr. Dad was able to get us appointments for testing in Maine for the day after we arrived. We both tested negative; allowing us to comply with Maine's visitor rules and give an additional level of reassurances to his mom. </li><li style="text-align: left;">The trip up went so well. We left later than we planned (as usual) but then encountered minimal traffic and we managed to only make one rest stop along the way. We were 'on schedule' enough that we were able to stop in MA and pick-up our niece.</li><li style="text-align: left;">The weather cooperated wonderfully with rain mostly at night and brief if during the day. After nearly a month in the '90's here in PA ~ Maine's low '80's felt amazing. The ocean was brisk to start but did not hold back our intrepid boogie boarders. Going a low tide most days also allowed for exploring a tide pool where on a couple of occasions the kids found giant clams.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Cooking is a favorite activity of Dr. Dad's family of origin and this vacation was no different; yummy brunches, tasty dinners, and the tweens even got in on the action making delicious strawberry tarts and blondies. Our favorite <a href="http://www.scoopdeck.com">ice cream place</a> had done a great job of meeting the challenges of keeping everyone safe while maintaining their wonderful atmosphere and quality ice cream. No trip to the Maine seacoast is complete without some seafood; and that we indulged in a couple of occasions.</li><li style="text-align: left;">In addition to having ample time to read, my book-loving heart was happily blessed when my SIL passed on to me several ARCs (advanced reading copies) of books unclaimed at the bookstore she works at. I like to read seasonally, and am so grateful for the chance to read books at release time or just prior.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Back in a reality where it will be a busy weekend of organizing school supplies, and school uniforms. In another sign of the times the school is requesting that forms be filled out and signed prior to the first day adds to the general frazzle of these days. However there are many good memories to hold onto, and perhaps a couple of more pool visits before we officially put a close to this summer.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Photo Dump:</li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--iaCkUHR48E/X0kVhzPUlkI/AAAAAAAAHI8/QjLreSikaloltzCxorER77Cr0qb2JjfwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2601.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--iaCkUHR48E/X0kVhzPUlkI/AAAAAAAAHI8/QjLreSikaloltzCxorER77Cr0qb2JjfwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h512/IMG_2601.jpeg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LOzYEoygabM/X0kVh7k7QJI/AAAAAAAAHJA/Kf_oRwCxUp4nPw1vmF5wMoBHtpVkQlg4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2655.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LOzYEoygabM/X0kVh7k7QJI/AAAAAAAAHJA/Kf_oRwCxUp4nPw1vmF5wMoBHtpVkQlg4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h512/IMG_2655.jpeg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rmTUIOO5SgI/X0kViaxWz7I/AAAAAAAAHJE/DkcJ84LSE0sS0ZXthh1lZCL05sEsU3d0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2691.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rmTUIOO5SgI/X0kViaxWz7I/AAAAAAAAHJE/DkcJ84LSE0sS0ZXthh1lZCL05sEsU3d0gCLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h512/IMG_2691.jpeg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IgQkMAFRrIE/X0kVi1EEm4I/AAAAAAAAHJI/aYEg-WrBLqot3Le7M1iCYsKjhciY-5pugCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2695.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IgQkMAFRrIE/X0kVi1EEm4I/AAAAAAAAHJI/aYEg-WrBLqot3Le7M1iCYsKjhciY-5pugCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_2695.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFDEAP7KDWU/X0kVjdQhmqI/AAAAAAAAHJM/28bi6nn4WnMxqrHSWFhhqmyFLYx8-MTpACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2713.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFDEAP7KDWU/X0kVjdQhmqI/AAAAAAAAHJM/28bi6nn4WnMxqrHSWFhhqmyFLYx8-MTpACLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h512/IMG_2713.jpeg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZtfNlGYUhk/X0kVj57cb6I/AAAAAAAAHJQ/C1H3DdD92TYHVzZx8AtJL56_1h5YO2OvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2720.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZtfNlGYUhk/X0kVj57cb6I/AAAAAAAAHJQ/C1H3DdD92TYHVzZx8AtJL56_1h5YO2OvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h512/IMG_2720.jpeg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Please head over to <a href="https://thisaintthelyceum.org/balancing-full-time-work-while-homeschooling/">Kelly's </a>for more 7QT's!!</div></div><p></p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-28097284194742451682020-08-15T14:38:00.003-04:002020-08-15T14:47:41.960-04:00Quick Lit August'20<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="324" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bVFwd8NDTY/TgK7Ot_xIuI/AAAAAAAACkU/M8FjMeIZLIgnveQyUsM-oFKUQOGCESxsACPcBGAYYCw/w208-h283/6.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Linking up with <a href="https://modernmrsdarcy.com/quick-lit-august-2020/">Modern Mrs. Darcy</a> and sharing some Quick Lit!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://modernmrsdarcy.com/quick-lit-august-2020/"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://modernmrsdarcy.com/quick-lit-august-2020/"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byEJqDUQpUo/XzgqYNk2JjI/AAAAAAAAHH4/a8rvt8OOY8URYK3msil6dzz2oIOo4hXVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s346/41PXRlrP1rL._SY346_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byEJqDUQpUo/XzgqYNk2JjI/AAAAAAAAHH4/a8rvt8OOY8URYK3msil6dzz2oIOo4hXVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/41PXRlrP1rL._SY346_.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Meet-Me-Monaco-Hazel-Gaynor-ebook/dp/B07F1G44N7/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2O38Q4X1C9P4A&dchild=1&keywords=meet+me+in+monaco+by+hazel+gaynor&qid=1597351784&sprefix=meet+me+in+mo%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-2">Meet Me in Monaco</a> by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb, is a lovely story of time and place as an American actress, French perfumer maker, and British journalist meet and become friends in Canne. The process of designing and developing a perfume and the role that the flowers and herbs of Provence play adds interesting practicality to the fun of a Royal Wedding. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Well-Behaved-Woman-Novel-Vanderbilts/dp/1250095484/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4CO3BCVMU6UK&dchild=1&keywords=well+behaved+woman+book&qid=1597351979&sprefix=well+bet%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-1">A Well-Behaved Woman</a> is a historical fiction novel based on the life of Alva Vanderbilt tells a fascinating story of the late 19th century when old families and new families with money challenged for prominence. The author Therese Anne Fowler does a wonderful job of taking us into this world as Alva matures and decides for herself which rules to observe and which need rethinking in a changing world. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Another fun historical fiction novel based<img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHtJaUD4Kd0/XzgqYK1GKQI/AAAAAAAAHH8/FeOxEgh9tIUrr9sWQ0gDI4F2wvXhCqraQCLcBGAsYHQ/w170-h255/41ioET9dxKL._SX331_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="170" /> on the life of a real person; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Clementine-Novel-Marie-Benedict/dp/1492666939/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29N7BFWONJAXV&dchild=1&keywords=lady+clementine+by+marie+benedict&qid=1597516032&sprefix=Lady+cl%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1">Lady Clementine</a> by Marie Benedict begins on Clementine's wedding day as she reflects on her courtship with Winston Churchill and continues to follow their lives together up to and including the London Blitz. While very repetitive in places; overall an interesting read and has peaked my curiosity to learn more about Lady Clementine.</div><div>
<br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Far-Madding-Crowd-Thomas-Hardy/dp/B086B9R2XL/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=287H3OT4BACWC&dchild=1&keywords=far+from+the+madding+crowd&qid=1597515962&sprefix=far+from+%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUlhHVkFGRlFUNkxNJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTI1ODAzTzVKWVFTVkpBNjFIJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5NDI1NTUyT0EzV0xDTDVaMkRZJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==">Far from the Maddening Crowd</a> by Thomas Hardy is the story of Gabriel Oaks and Bathsheba, the small village they separately each come to live in. A lovely story of the successes and failures of the farmer class of England in the eighteenth century. A quiet classic with wonderful dialogue and interactions amongst the townspeople.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kS2UvUSxxaA/Xzgq90-DvEI/AAAAAAAAHIc/1TDgZGbv8JgQZBic_8l2vub7Bikdo1oXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s293/Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kS2UvUSxxaA/Xzgq90-DvEI/AAAAAAAAHIc/1TDgZGbv8JgQZBic_8l2vub7Bikdo1oXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-62328563221736488382020-07-31T09:36:00.001-04:002020-07-31T09:36:20.211-04:00Quick Takes #291: July Wrap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbj5iccFqXc/V08JE3X-vuI/AAAAAAAAFlE/9AGKz61dZBsiaQYf03_ecyCwCtAIswd9ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbj5iccFqXc/V08JE3X-vuI/AAAAAAAAFlE/9AGKz61dZBsiaQYf03_ecyCwCtAIswd9ACPcBGAYYCw/s200/Seven-Quick-Takes-300x300.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<li>Happy last day of July; a month that felt like it lasted about a month's worth. I'm not sure if that means things are improving or I'm getting better at this new normal. I do know that it was a month when I wanted the circle a bit smaller, but do now want to check-in and let readers know how we are doing.</li><li>The kids have been great about their assigned summer work; workbook wise we are about done and are making good progress with summer reading. I'm also continuing to make good progress with my reading challenges, and thanks to my local library opening for curbside pick-up have recently read some great summer reads.</li>
<li>Visiting our community pool has allowed a bit of summer fun in a year when most activities are canceled. I have been impressed with the distancing policies they have put in place; and really nice to see the kids playing with their friends ~ 6 feet apart while covered in chlorine.</li>
<li>The Garden is steady but good. We are growing summer squash for the first time and have harvested our first one. One tomato plant is not growing well but ripening fruit well; the other is growing beautifully and hopefully, the fruit will begin ripening soon. The mint as always is crazy!</li>
<li>July also saw us making a quick trip to Virginia which was wonderful on so many levels. We had our best trip down traffic-wise in several years. It was amazing to see my mom and sisters again. The cousins had a great time together and Lisbeth enjoyed a fun sleepover.</li>
<li>Other ordinary but fun family milestones to note this month; Liam is learning to mow the lawn, and Caitlin is learning to ride her bike without training wheels.</li><li><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yIsB2cZF-w/XyQcug0dOaI/AAAAAAAAHG8/HRuu2YYfFG4Uhz8z2cJfqER7_rQudXZEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2405.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yIsB2cZF-w/XyQcug0dOaI/AAAAAAAAHG8/HRuu2YYfFG4Uhz8z2cJfqER7_rQudXZEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2405.jpeg" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXXPYnwEXqU/XyQcup-i7CI/AAAAAAAAHG4/yohpm5rjwEc-94JRS_e2yzOsxX6OmGRkACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2421.jpeg" style="text-align: left;" /></div>Please head over to <a href="" id="https://thisaintthelyceum.org" name="https://thisaintthelyceum.org">Kelly's </a>for more 7QT's!</li>
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Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-38641540613561563872020-07-01T09:09:00.002-04:002020-07-01T09:09:39.764-04:00Open Book ~ July'20<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD1HHLiSy0U/W6zUWSK7gnI/AAAAAAAAGSM/5gMAW4OwkKgPm7IOAq_deT25GF_mz9q9QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/An-Open-Book-800W.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="676" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD1HHLiSy0U/W6zUWSK7gnI/AAAAAAAAGSM/5gMAW4OwkKgPm7IOAq_deT25GF_mz9q9QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/An-Open-Book-800W.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Man-Called-Ove-Novel/dp/1476738025/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1593573651&sr=8-1">A Man called Ove</a> by Fredrik Backman is a charming story of a curmudgeon's opinions and how he adjusts to changes in his neighborhood. Backman through flashbacks and current misadventures tells a wonderful story of the measure of a man and when you realize long held grudges no longer matter.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LnN_PgMXvk/XvyJXvx6OaI/AAAAAAAAHFQ/sROf-Ot09_MPmU8F_jgWVD14i8RENjK_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/51%252BBjfefNuL._SX320_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="322" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LnN_PgMXvk/XvyJXvx6OaI/AAAAAAAAHFQ/sROf-Ot09_MPmU8F_jgWVD14i8RENjK_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/51%252BBjfefNuL._SX320_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkidRqpbJI0/XvyJXjuu36I/AAAAAAAAHFM/gUmEFVmm3TgnOo93avFWNvJpO0wIfGVdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/51npwxIzGoL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkidRqpbJI0/XvyJXjuu36I/AAAAAAAAHFM/gUmEFVmm3TgnOo93avFWNvJpO0wIfGVdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/51npwxIzGoL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hundred-Summers-Beatriz-Williams-ebook/dp/B00AEBERQI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2K11SXP7KPM5R&dchild=1&keywords=a+hundred+summers+by+beatriz+williams&qid=1593520087&sprefix=hundred+sum%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1">A Hundred Summers</a> by Beatriz Williams tells the story of Lily Dane and her friend Budgie of New York, Smith and summers in Rhode Island. Alternating between 1931 and 38; you see these young women grow into adulthood and how the sin of omission can do as much harm as an actual lie. I found Lily to be a bit too gullible but the writing pulled me in and kept me interested. Explicit in places so would definitely pre-read if considering for a older teen.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Summer-at-Tiffany-Marjorie-Hart-ebook/dp/B000Q80S4O/ref=sr_1_1?crid=347RMJU30SCF7&dchild=1&keywords=summer+at+tiffany+by+marjorie+hart&qid=1593573832&sprefix=Summer+at+tif%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1">Summer at Tiffany</a> is a memoir by Majorie Hart of the summer of 1945 when she and a college friend became the first girls ever to work as pages at Tiffany's. Coming from Iowa to New York to work for the summer the author recounts their adventures at Tiffany's, throughout the city, and particularly in Time Square on VJ Day. A fun, fast read ~ just right for a summer afternoon.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqxSpmR10EI/XvyKB0Ez5DI/AAAAAAAAHFg/fPpddMN2YnACvfLPMfljiBD4rCk_WmOjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/41Hb7%252BjeA1L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="362" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqxSpmR10EI/XvyKB0Ez5DI/AAAAAAAAHFg/fPpddMN2YnACvfLPMfljiBD4rCk_WmOjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/41Hb7%252BjeA1L.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YORviLf31hc/XvyKB1AnhyI/AAAAAAAAHFc/i5ojAcF1OSYzZWcmSYhXsixhAVAIbRfsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/51sYAaE7fUL._SX324_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YORviLf31hc/XvyKB1AnhyI/AAAAAAAAHFc/i5ojAcF1OSYzZWcmSYhXsixhAVAIbRfsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/51sYAaE7fUL._SX324_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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T<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Personal-History-Rachel-DuPree-Novel/dp/0143119486/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1593574196&sr=8-1">he Personal History of Rachel DuPree</a> by Ann Weisgarber is a fictional but well researched look at the experience of the black homesteader. Rachel is a cook working in a boarding house in Chicago when the owner's son a Calvary soldier about to retire from the Negro troop comes home for a visit. By the end of the visit in exchange for her claim to 160 acres; Isaac DuPree agrees to marry her. The book is a wonderful glimpse of life at the turn of the 20th Century first in Chicago and then the Badlands<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldSk4yNc8ts/XvyKJZsT63I/AAAAAAAAHFk/E_bqEWWF_9ECLh9WHylc8TlT_y8kitZEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/51n3gGGcTPL._SX329_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldSk4yNc8ts/XvyKJZsT63I/AAAAAAAAHFk/E_bqEWWF_9ECLh9WHylc8TlT_y8kitZEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/51n3gGGcTPL._SX329_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Long-Walk-Water-Based-Story/dp/0547577311/ref=sr_1_2?crid=21F8TCV535BQS&dchild=1&keywords=long+walk+to+water+book+paperback&qid=1593607898&sprefix=long+walk+to+w%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-2">A Long Walk to Water</a> by Linda Sue Park tells in an alternating way the daily life of a young Sudanese boy in 1985 and a young Sudanese girl in 2008. As I read further in this very well written YA book I borrowed from my oldest; I learned that Salva's story of being one of the 'lost boys' of Sudan escaping the war and living first in refugee camps and later coming to the US is true told to the author. Nye's story is a composite of the many children of Sudan he is now trying to help. A lovely book which has proven to be the source of some good conversations with my 12 year old about the world and giving back.<br />
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For more <a href="http://www.carolynastfalk.com/2020/07/01/an-open-book-53/">Open Books </a>please head over to <a href="http://www.carolynastfalk.com/2020/07/01/an-open-book-53/">Carolyn's</a>!</div>
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<br />Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700454247539993174.post-19740112204305283132020-06-29T07:09:00.000-04:002020-06-29T07:09:19.606-04:00Midyear Reading Challenge Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCBbHIm6yDo/Xukw4f9FT3I/AAAAAAAAHC4/7cwzE4egYigeW__XfRD2AyKZrSpPwnnNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/41xOoAlJXGL._SX304_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="306" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCBbHIm6yDo/Xukw4f9FT3I/AAAAAAAAHC4/7cwzE4egYigeW__XfRD2AyKZrSpPwnnNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/41xOoAlJXGL._SX304_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="122" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: center;">As June wraps-up and we hit the halfway point of the year I thought I would do a quick update for how various different challenges are going. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://modernmrsdarcy.com/reading-challenge-2020/">Modern Mrs Darcy Challenge</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I have completed 6/12</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I read The Jane Austen Society for the debut novel category</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I read Circle the Sun for the book recommended by a source I trust</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I read Bossypants for a book by a local author</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I read A Man Call Ove for the book in translation category</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I read Wings of Fire: The Lost Heir for the not my genre book</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> And Anne of Avonlea was my reread</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For the <a href="https://www.theunreadshelf.com/project-2020">Unread Shelf Project 2020</a> hosted by Whitney of the <a href="https://www.theunreadshelf.com/">Unread Shelf</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I have read 5 of my top ten list, read and 'returned' 4 of my Prime Reading borrows and have met the monthly reading challenge every month but March, which I skipped to focus on Lenten reading.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For <a href="https://thebigwhitefarmhouse.blogspot.com/2019/06/no255-20th-century-in-books-100-book.html">The 20th Century in Books</a> hosted by Ashley of <a href="https://thebigwhitefarmhouse.blogspot.com/">The Big White Farmhouse</a> this year I've read </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Anne of Avonlea (1909), Rilla of Ingleside (1921), </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cotillion (1953), Across Five Aprils (1964), and Numbering the Stars (1989). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At this point I have read a book from 46 of the 100 years.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O7Cxij0ywc/Xukw48YNf2I/AAAAAAAAHDA/2yoOZTUMxB4tkv1V4Mp7TMpBl3VX9CzcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/51dioL8KdqL._SX337_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="339" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O7Cxij0ywc/Xukw48YNf2I/AAAAAAAAHDA/2yoOZTUMxB4tkv1V4Mp7TMpBl3VX9CzcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/51dioL8KdqL._SX337_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="135" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQp61gS55vU/Xukw5NHyVqI/AAAAAAAAHDE/i3MoNNg0K0gLxGRhU6TA7szfcIkmYx49gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/51igOegVNTL._SX335_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="337" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQp61gS55vU/Xukw5NHyVqI/AAAAAAAAHDE/i3MoNNg0K0gLxGRhU6TA7szfcIkmYx49gCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/51igOegVNTL._SX335_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="135" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Finally on Goodreads back in January I challenged myself to read 40 books this year. 'Sheltering at Home' and the fact that reading is one of my favorite stress relievers will likely combine to have me hitting that goal sometime next month (currently at 37) and am curious what my yearly total will be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How is your reading year going?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08553760391176072177noreply@blogger.com0