It's Monday!

It's Monday and What Are You Reading?

I finished two books that really went well together.

One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit that the older I get the more interested I seem to be in history. ONE SUMMER, AMERICA 1927 was interesting and entertaining. Easy to read until the last several chapters that seemed to drag a bit. 1927 was very busy -- Lindberg's flight probably the most exciting event. There were massive floods along the Mississippi and Hoover was put in charge of arranging help for the victims. He was quite a guy, not very likable, but great at organization (as long as he got the rewards). In Bryson's words "Hoover was also extremely intolerant of anything that seemed likely to diminish his eminence." There was Alvin Kelly who was a well known flag sitter -- an occupation that was sure to incite the onlookers. Radio broadcasting. Newspapers and tabloids. The very beginnings of television. Talking movies. Buildings that got taller and taller and cities got larger as the workers poured in. Babe Ruth hits 60 homeruns. The bombing of an elementary school. A secret meeting held at a Long Island estate that would lead to lowering of interest rates and the crash of 1929. Mount Rushmore. .Sacco and Vanzetti. Prohibition. Al Capone. Henry Ford (what a crackpot). And on and on. What a ride!



The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I finished Bill Bryson's ONE SUMMER: AMERICA, 1927, I was left with a desire to read more about the Lindbergs. I knew of Lindberg's flight, alone, across the Atlantic and Anne's success as a writer before reading Bryson's book, but very little else. When I found THE AVIATOR'S WIFE at Half-Price books, I grabbed it and continued my journey with the Lindbergs. I thought the two books were quite complimentary. Author Benjamin is careful to state in her afterwords where she took liberties and she took very few. The historical facts are all there. Benjamin added the emotion. Shy, thoughtful, Anne finds out just how strong a woman she is by marrying the American hero, Charles Lindberg. From learning to fly and setting a few records on her own, to flying with him, the kidnapping, the constant interference in their lives by the media -- what an interesting ride. I don't give 5 stars to books as I don't think anything is perfect, but I came close with this one. A very very enjoyable read.

View all my reviews

What are you reading?

Wishing you well and much joy.

Happy New Year!

**

If you like postcard swaps --
it's time to sign-up over at June's ... A Creative Dreamer.

It's warmer in Anchorage, Alaska than it is in Houston, Texas.
Who would have thought????!!!!!

It's Monday!

It's Monday.

What are you reading?

I just finished OLD TIN SORROWS by Glen Cook.

Old Tin Sorrows by Glen Cook
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I noticed Glen Cook had published a new Garrett, P. I. novel. I went to my bookcase and looked to see if I had kept any of the Garrett novels of the past and could I figure out where I left off. OLD TIN SORROWS was the oldest that I found, published in 1995 when paperback books were $3.95 a copy. Remember those days?! I started to read OLD TIN SORROWS and didn't remember the story, so I continued reading. What a fun ride. It was everything I remembered about the Garrett novels. Great one liners. Fun characters (elves and all sorts of critters). Garrett is hired by his old marine sarge, Blake Peters. Peters has retired from the marines and is now working for the "old man", General Stratnor. Peters believes someone is poisoning the General and he hires Garrett to found out the truth. What's the saying -- the truth will set you free -- nothing stranger than the truth ... you get the drift. Garrett moves into the Stratnor mansion where he finds one surprise after another and Garrett thought he had seen it all. Morley comes to help (Garrett's elf friend who owns a bar and who is always after Garrett to eat better). I found a few more Garrett novels that I'll be reading in order to catch up to the new one. I'll be laughing all the way. Fun fantasy, mystery.

View all my reviews

Wishing you well and much joy!

Happy Monday!

Monday Daybook

I'm not sure why, but I got up this morning with this song on my mind:

"Monday Monday, so good to me,
Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be".

The day is starting off sunny, but rain is in the forecast.

With our drought conditions, I'm not going to complain about rain.

I am really tired of dealing with allergies. 

This year has been horrible and I'm tired of coughing all the time --

so are the kitties. My coughing disturbs Cassie's beauty sleep. 

I don't feel like doing anything -- including blogging!

But, as always, I am thankful for another day on Mother Earth.

There isn't much action in the kitchen.

I need to go to the grocery and replenish the pantry.

I have a yearning for baked tomatoes -- with some garlic and a little parmesan.

YUM!

I'm a fashion plate today (yeah, right, sure) in my Land's End navy crop britches

and Seattle Mariners t-shirt. 

My feet are really happy in my pink and purple Eeyore socks. 

After finishing my circular scarf, I've taken out the counted cross stitch.

This is my first return to cross stitch since I had the cataracts removed.

So far, so good! 

I am reading THE SNOW EMPRESS by Laura Joh Rowland.

I love historical mysteries.

Snow Empress is the 12th book in the Sano Ichiro  series.

Sano is a samurai detective who has risen to power in the shogun's court.

As with most long running series, some books are better than others,

but I always enjoy visiting with Sano and his wife, Reiko.

I can hear Teddy meowing.

He and Cassie are running down the hall.

They sound like they are wearing combat boots on their paws! 

My kitties are definitely 3 of my favorite things.

College baseball season has started.

Yippee!

The Rice Owls had a three game series with the Stanford Cardinal this last weekend.

The Owls won 2.

Great way to start the season.

Time to dry my hair!

Wishing YOU well, much joy and a Happy President's Day!
(Do you have the day off? Going to do something fun?)

Forget not ...

"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair."

~Kahlil Gibran

Fast and Furious

Can you believe that it's November? Time sure flies at a fast and furious pace. This is my favorite time of year. Houston begins to cool off and we can finally really enjoy the outdoors. Walking around the neighborhood and spending time on the balcony with the kitties is a real treat.

The holiday catalogs are arriving at a fast and furious pace, too. I admit to doing a lot of window shopping and then into the recycling bin the catalogs go (after I've torn out pages I think I might use in collage). Here's a little eye candy to share with you.

The Vermont Country Store must send a catalog every two weeks and always with something different. Do you know about the Peppermint Pig?




"It started in Saratoga Springs, New York, back in the early 1880s. A pig, revered as a symbol of good health, happiness, and prosperity, was made from hard peppermint candy. After a holiday supper, it was broken in a cloth bag and the pieces were shared by all in the hopes of good fortune for the coming year. Our 8 oz. peppermint pig comes with a red velvet bag and a metal hammer to start your own holiday tradition. Replacement pigs and peppermint piglets (3 oz.) sold separately. This will make a delightful hostess gift that's sure to liven up a holiday party."

Sounds like fun, doesn't it!

***

Then there's the Crate and Barrel Catalog.

Can you begin to see a theme here?
Tell I love reindeer?

***

And, finally, a little online shopping! I really did order this wonderful Christmas spider. They come in a set of three from my blogland buddy, Sharon at The Wildflower House Shoppe. I can tell you they are as cute as the photo looks and the story of the Christmas Spider comes with each one. Thanks again, Sharon.

***

Finally, Teesha Moore is doing a whole series of videos on journaling - making a journal, painting a journal, collage, and today I found a series on pen work. You absolutely must go and visit her blog to see all the work they have done on these videos for us! They are fabulous and so much fun! They'll get your creative juices flowing.

Not much true mulling today. I guess it's too beautiful outside to mull! Have a wonderful day and a beautiful week and remember JOY to YOU!

Do You Remember?

Do you remember these from Christmas past?

The tin harmonic top hums as it spins.

Raggedy Ann and Andy with their button eyes
and embroidered heart mouths.

The silver tinsel tree that looks like
the aluminum trees you knew and loved
complete with a color wheel light!

The gumdrop tree.
(I still have my Mother's tree.)

Santa Light Pin
Pull on the string and his nose lights up!

All these wonderful, nostalgic goodies from Vermont Country Store.

***

It has been several Mondays since I last did any mulling. I guess Rocky's death and THE grandson's visit *threw me for a loop* (as Granny would have said). So, I'm back today. Mulling a little about nostalgia and words. Did you pick a word for last year? I've visited many blogs this last week, and many were busy picking their word for 2010. My word for 2009 was LISTEN. It's a lot harder than I thought it would be. LISTEN -- to the earth, to my heart, to the universe, to those I love, to those I don't love ... a real lesson this last year in listening. So, I'm thinking about the word for 2010 and I've made a list. Here are a few in no particular order -

• comfort, change, abundance
• renew, rejoice, energize, fresh
• balance, wisdom, stimulate, stretch, transform
• start, discover, explore, teach, test, relax
• seek, practice, transform, dream, reach,
• boost, imagination, intuition, visualize, communication
• adventure, challenge, heal, revitalize

What do you think? I tried very hard to come up with words (except for dream) that were a little different. I have favorites -- adventure, boost and seek. I have a few more months before I make a decision.

That's enough mulling for today. Have a wonderful week.

Joy to You!

Do You Remember?

Do you remember Bookcrossing?
It seems like years ago when I first heard.
Here was a place where you registered a book and
then sent it adrift, out into to the world looking for a new home.

Did you ever find one?

Guess what? I found one. It was sent to me by a friend in California -- another mystery lover. It started its voyage around the world first in Seoul, South Korea. I went to Book Crossing to see where this book had been and only the original releasor and I had made any comments about the book. I wonder where it's been? The book, you ask? The Thai Amulet: An Archaeological Mystery by Lyn Hamilton.

One other thing. Book Cross was added to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary in August 2004 as a noun with the definition: n. the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise.

***

Is it something about getting older? Turning 60? You begin to fall apart? I'm very good about getting yearly exams. I saw the ophthalmologist to have my pressure check. Glaucoma runs in the family and my pressure runs high normal so I'm living on the edge. This visit -- I'm developing cataracts in both eyes, but (says the doc) no worries -- it will be years before they bother me (then why tell me?) !!!!! Oh, and I need to get new glasses. There's a reason I've been complaining to Mr. Dragon about not being able to see with glasses on! Off to the dermatologist. I'm very fair. This year he decides (after 10 years talking about it) that my rosacea should be treated. I guess it bothered the doc! We won't talk about what the little tube of goop cost. Then off to the internist who is very dismayed at my continuing battle with sciatica. He calls me a minimalist ... a person who doesn't like taking medication. So convincing me to try this new drug that may help with the nerve pain wasn't an easy chore for him. It is a drug that was first developed to help with the pain of shingles, found to help people with epilepsy and folks with diabetic neuropathy (how's that for a lot of medical jargon). I got the prescription filled. Got the drug home and started reading how to take it (you work up to full dose) and the possible side-effects. (I'm good at side effects!) Now, I have to talk myself into giving it a try! Perhaps the sciatica is the better choice? As you can tell, I'm still deciding! Meanwhile, I hope all of you are taking care of yourself -- having your annual exams. Don't forget your mammograms, ladies! (Mine is due in February ... my valentine present to myself!)

***

Since Halloween is just around the corner, I thought I'd leave you with a little wisdom from one of my favorite characters, Maxine. This was in an email sent to me. Enjoy!

Joy to You!
Hope your week gets off to a good start.

I Took A Nap!

(Himself at the Children's Museum)

I took a nap today! We both were exhausted. We really enjoyed our visit with the kids and HIMSELF, but keeping up with a 3 1/2 year old is real work. Easy to forget how much work it is. We could make a fortune if we could harness his energy! HIMSELF is a very lucky little boy. He has parents who love him. We are very proud of all of them.

I'm trying to catch up with all of you. My class at Joggles with Carla Sonheim has ended. I'm busily watching Super Nova and Spill It videos and just started a class I'm really excited about:
Point and Shoot Journaling. A big box arrived from Herrschners filled with yarn for several Halloween projects I want to do and all my book making materials have arrived. I don’t know where to start! Do I flip a coin? My fingers are itching to start something, but I still have the counted cross stitch to finish. I’m thinking that stopping, taking a deep breath, putting my feet up and relaxing might just be the perfect place to begin!

***

(From Google images and ASU)

Do you know the Moon Festival? It is a popular harvest festival celebrated by Asian people and dates back over 3,000 years.
This year the date was October 3. It is a date that parallels the autumn and spring equinoxes, when the moon is supposedly at its fullest and roundest and comes in the fall around the time of our Harvest Moon. The traditional food is the moon cake of which there are many different varieties.
It is the stories of the Moon Festival that I love. The one about the rabbit in the moon is my favorite. In this legend, three fairy sages transformed themselves into pitiful old men and begged for something to eat from a fox, a monkey and a rabbit. The fox and the monkey both had food to give to the old men, but the rabbit, empty-handed, offered his own flesh instead, jumping into a blazing fire to cook himself. The sages were so touched by the rabbit's sacrifice that they let him live in the Moon Palace where he became the "Jade Rabbit." The next time you see the full moon, be sure to wave at the rabbit!
Then there is the story of the Moon Cake. During the Yuan dynasty (A.D.1280-1368) China was ruled by the Mongolian people. Leaders from the preceding Sung dynasty (A.D.960-1280) were unhappy at submitting to foreign rule, and set how to coordinate the rebellion without it being discovered. The leaders of the rebellion, knowing that the Moon Festival was drawing near, ordered the making of special cakes. Backed into each moon cake was a message with the outline of the attack. On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the government. What followed was the establishment of the Ming dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644). Today, moon cakes are eaten to commemorate this legend.
Just a little trivia for you. I love legends and stories. Our shared histories and cultures are all so rich. We know so little about each other. It is nice to know more.

***

It's a good thing I'm retired.
I have some time to play with my new goodies!

Joy to You!

He's Coming!

THE grandson is coming for a visit with his mom (Mr. Dragon's daughter), and dad. We are excited. It is always a delight to see and visit with all of them. We usually travel to Seattle, but this year they are coming here. His mom has had some medical problems and she's seeing a few doctors here. We get to visit, entertain, run, play, laugh and enjoy. I bet we sleep well every night, too!

I wanted to let you know as it will probably be a little quiet around Twisty Lane while HIMSELF is here. I'm also doing what Mr. Dragon calls my *visiting lecturer* gig on Tuesday (the same day HIMSELF arrives). I'll be talking with docents at the museum about the new Arts of India Gallery ... for two hours or until my voice gives out ... whichever comes first!

***

In other big news, Mr. Dragon broke 100 for the first time since returning to golf. This important event took place on Saturday. He's been smiling a lot, but I still have asked that all golfing equipment be removed from the dining room table.

***

It has been sad around here since Rocky's passing, but a special aromatherapy has helped. Perhaps it is one of Snap's Rules: When you are sad, make soup! First I made my favorite (it's so quick and easy) , then the chowder again and lastly a split pea soup that was just too close to perfect for words. I promise to share the recipe when I have a moment or two. (Shame on me for teasing.)

***

Lastly, we picked up Rocky's ashes from our veterinarian. He assured us, once again, that there was nothing we could have done. For some reason, it was more important for Rocky to be on the other side than with us, but, oh, how it still hurts and how we miss the little guy ... all of us ... Mr. Dragon, Moi, Riley and Teddy.

***

So, until next week ... JOY!

Did You Know ...

Did you know that September is National Honey Month? Just a thought!

***

(Image from the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project Annual Report)

What do you know about gorillas? Mr. Dragon and I learned about Mountain Gorillas at a recent wildlife lecture at the zoo. I’d like to share this from the yearly report from the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project. “The story of the mountain gorillas begins like many other conservation stories: only 700 left in the wild, threatened by poachers, habitat destruction, and disease transmission from domestic animals and human. But unlike so many other stories of threatened species, this one has taken an optimistic turn: the numbers of Mountain Gorillas are increasing. In fact, mountain gorillas are the only great ape population that is growing, despite the challenges. What explains this success? A focused effort by governments and conservationists working together to overcome the odds. Key to this effort is the work of Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, which not only provides veterinary care to the mountain gorillas in their wild habitat, but also champions the “One Health” approach to conservation. The One Health approach recognizes that to sustain the wild Mountain Gorillas, the health of their environment, including their habitat and the human and domestic animals with which they interact, must be maintained. This approach is the key to the hopeful future for this species, and may provide the most promising prototype for conservation projects elsewhere.”

We spent an evening listening to Dr. Mike Cranfield the Project Director of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project talk about the Mountain Gorillas. It was amazing the work these volunteers are doing, not only for the health of these wonderful animals, but also the health of the people living near them -- vital to the well being of the gorilla. More information can be found at their public web site: Gorilla Docs. It is an amazing story.

It is very apparent, from this lecture and the others we have attended on wildlife that the greatest ape of all -- man -- has not been a very good steward of the earth and its inhabitants. Have you noticed the number of stories in the press lately about tainted water and that its getting worse, right here, now? Will man ever learn? Is it already too late? Mr. Dragon often looks at me and says “What makes you think this is the first time man has been on this earth? He’s probably been here before, destroyed it, returned and didn’t learn again. Perhaps this cycle has been repeated many times.” Our own science fiction story?

***

I thought I’d share with you what our veterinarian believes happened to our little Rocky. There is a syndrome in male cats that causes cardiomyopathy. It is completely without symptoms. No murmurs. No nothing until there is a catastrophic incident. Just like what happened to our little dumpling boy.

I suppose we are getting better. The house is still too quiet. I cry everyday, but can now look at his pictures or remember little things without completely breaking down. Ms. Riley, his litter mate, misses him the most -- her brother, her playmate. Looking at Riley will always remind us of Rocky.

We normally write a check to our local SPCA and Humane Society when one of our companions passes from this life and we will do the same for Rocky. But, Rocky was too special. There was something about him --- perhaps a look on his face that said "I know everything that is of importance in this world"! We decided we need to do a little more in his memory. So, we have arranged for Rocky to have a brick at the entrance to the zoo. It will be at the zoo long after we are gone and will be engraved with the following:

ROCKY

Little Dumpling Boy

We Miss You

Rest

I will leave you with this thought sent to us by our wonderful veternarian and friend.

We were indeed blessed.

***

I am thankful for another day on beautiful Mother Earth.

Joy to You!

This and That

I'm posting early again. Busy Monday morning, but I can't leave you without some Monday Mullings!




I was presented with the MeME award by Barbara over at A Bird In My Hand. Barbara is a writer, mother, sister, new blogger and just plan fun. Go visit her and say HI! And, Barbara, thank you again. I hadn’t decided what I was going to write about today. You made my decision for me!

I’m supposed to mention seven things you may or may not know about me and then pass the award along to seven other blogs of my choice. I worked on this list all weekend and only came up with six things!

1. I’m an only child. My parents were not young when I came along and I’m sure I was a surprise. Poor things. Looking back, I don’t think they ever quite knew what to do with me! That meant that I learned a lot about what was acceptable and not, by watching other kids and their families. My birthday gifts and holiday gifts were what my cousin received. She was 5 years older and so the gifts were not age appropriate. One of my grandmothers would take me shopping and was very good about buying me a stuffed lovie. Something I COULD play with!

2. I had singing and dancing lessons from a very early age. It got me out from under foot! When I was five, I was on television in Dallas. That was when televisions were small and black and white. (Remember those?) I don’t remember much about it except that the dress I was wearing was very scratchy and I think it was green with tiny white polka dots. I had on my patent leather shoes and white socks with lace around the cuffs. Dressed to the nines for my singing debut on television! Let’s see: “How Much is That Doggy in the Window?” and “Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue (Has Anybody Seen My Gal)”. I also took gym classes. I enjoyed them, I think! I gave up singing at university, something I am now sorry I did. Singing is good for you. Increases lung capacity!

3. I love Kool-Aid. My mother saved S&H Green Stamps, saved the coupons off of General Mills and other things. She ordered a Kool-Aid pitcher. It was plastic and had the Kool-Aid man on it. I loved it. The mascot of Kool-Aid, Kool-Aid Man is a large anthropomorphic frosty pitcher filled with Kool-Aid (usually cherry, though other flavors have been used). He was introduced in Kool-Aid advertising shortly after General Foods acquired the brand (according to Wikipedia). Now, when I get a grape urge, I buy one packet and make a pitcher full of Kool Aid. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, its FUN!

4. I graduated from the University of New Mexico and worked to pay my way. It took me five years, but I did it! Later I went back and did some graduate work.

5. Mr. Dragon and I, while we lived in New Mexico, were part of a balloon crew. I had my first hot air balloon ride in Taos, New Mexico. It was spectacular. It was so calm, peaceful (except for the burner blast). I was hooked. The landings could be a little rough -- depending on the winds. The balloon pilot was someone I worked with. We became part of her crew and to this day count her as one of our very best friends. None of us fly balloons anymore.

6. I was THE llama lady at Moody Gardens when they had a petting zoo. School kids from Galveston would come and we’d introduce them to pigs, sheep, snakes, guinea pigs (they made me itch), turtles, chinchillas, some other small animals and the llama. I had been off for awhile (I was a professional volunteer and got too busy with other things). I received a phone call saying would I please come in and see what was wrong with the llama. Seems he had started to spit. I went in and right away had a good idea what was wrong. They had moved him into a smaller stall and he was mad. I would have been mad too if my living quarters had been changed from the suite to the efficiency. Once we changed that around and I started walking and talking to him everyday, he was fine. Moody Gardens quickly outgrew the petting zoo and it was closed. The llama went to a farm with other llamas.

Passing on the award is always the most difficult part. Everyone deserves to be special. So, if you are one of my followers, and you need a lift today or you just feel like playing along - grab yourself the MeME award and tell us a little about yourself!

***

I’m making a list of Snap’s Rules. I started writing them down because I forgot them almost as soon as I thought “that should be a rule”. So, every now and then, I’ll throw some out. Here are the first two:

Rule #1: When having guests over for dinner, any fancy new golfing equipment should be removed from the dining room table.

Rule #2: I love bubbles. You know, the kind that come in the jar with the little wand and you dip and blow and there go the bubbles. Or, you can dip into the jar and swing around and around holding the wand out from your body making bubbles. I also enjoy blowing bubbles (chewing gum type) and I think Double Bubble makes the best kind. Bubbles make you laugh. They make you joyful. They loosen you up. They remind you of what it was like to be a kid and that’s not bad. (Bath bubbles are pretty good, too.) Add bubbles to your life.

***

Better Homes and Gardens is getting ready for their free 100 Days of Holidays e-newsletter (YIKES). Starting September 24, you’ll get “daily inspiration with scrumptious recipes, festive decorating ideas, easy entertaining tips and more”. You can sign up here: BHG.com/100days

***

One last thing. You have to go visit Ashley Anna Brown and her Fern animals. All I can say is HOW CUTE ARE THEY?!!!

A little something to remind you of childhood!

I am thankful for another day on beautiful Mother Earth.

Joy to You!

Horizontal Surfaces

How many horizontal surfaces in your home? Just count them. Tables (kitchen, dining room, library, coffee, end), the floor, beds, kitchen and bathroom counter tops, bookshelves. You get the idea. Now, how many of them collect things? More things than they should have. I really think you are getting the idea now!

Remember Hurricane Ike? We had to take everything off the walls downstairs, unload all the shelves, move furniture in order to repair our water soaked walls. Remember me telling you that we moved a lot of *stuff* into the guest bedroom. Well, some of that stuff is still on that bed and covered with plastic (we started to paint in that room -- got one wall finished and stopped, but the plastic is still there).

When Mr. Dragon was working I didn’t say much about where he dropped his *stuff* when he came in the door. I was just glad he was home and I understood how stressful his job was. I wasn’t going to pick on where stuff was dropped. I also knew what his office looked liked. Most of the time you couldn’t get in the door. His most important filing was done on the floor.

So, in walks retirement and WOW. I’m not a clean freak. I’m not particularly neat. But I’m learning fast! I do admit that I love that we LOVE living in our home and I guess it looks like it!

So, what about horizontal surfaces? Just this .... when you have folks over for a meal -- it is nice if you remove the fancy new putter from the dining room table.

***

We went to an Astros baseball game on Friday. They won. Then the roof at Minute Maid Stadium opened up for the Friday night fireworks display. Did I have my camera? NO! You can take my word for it -- the fireworks were beautiful.

***

You just knew I couldn't get away from Julie or Julia. Amazing isn't it? Maybe I'm channeling Julia or something! I was looking at the NYTimes and found an article that you can read here.
Here is a quote from the first part:

"Almost 48 years after it was first published, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” by Julia Child is finally topping the best-seller list, bringing with it all the butter, salt and goose fat that home chefs had largely abandoned in the age of Lipitor.

The book, given a huge lift from the recently released movie “Julie & Julia,” sold 22,000 copies in the most recent week tracked, according to Nielsen BookScan, which follows book sales. That is more copies than were sold in any full year since the book’s appearance, according to Alfred A. Knopf, which published it."

***

I’m posting this late Sunday evening for Monday morning. I’m off early on Monday for a session with my trainer. Yep. You read that right. I’m doing everything I can to put off the neurosurgeons knife as long as possible. My trainer is great. She knows me well and we are working on core strength and balance.

***

I'm thinking I might need a little of this before Monday is over!

***

I am thankful for another day on beautiful Mother Earth.

Joy to You!