pianolady831 Member

Connie, I can't believe you didn't lose power. What a blessing that is! Even back when I was in graduate school in NW Kansas, I don't believe we ever had that much snow. Like you said, I think it would be beautiful - until I needed to go out, or until it started to melt. Praying the city gets you cleared soon. Kim, isn't…

I love your collage, Connie! Really makes your favorites stand out. You've got me eager to read Michelle Shocklee now. I'm hoping to read many more books this year. I'm still reading shorter Christmas-themed books, but I did start WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS by Elizabeth Camden. Really enjoying it so far.

Connie, I only used book funnel back when I was reviewing books whenever the author delivered manuscripts that way, so I didn't have any negative experiences.

Connie - I pray you and Bill are surviving the storm without loss of power, etc. Ice can be so destructive! Snow was predicted for our area in east TN, but I believe it has gone slightly north of us. That can change tomorrow, of course, but we're just having rain at the moment and temps are above freezing. And I'm thrilled…

Connie, that's great! Did you miss any states? I plan on tracking state settings this year, but not to try and catch every state. It's just interesting to see where I've visited. Kim, I'm sure you learn a lot about the countries in those biographies. Fantasy can be fun too!

Happy New Year to all! I'm having a quiet evening, exactly what I enjoy most. I picked up some chicken pot pie soup at Publix today, which is really good, so I'll sit down with that and a good book shortly. It's been interesting to watch tributes to President Carter on TV. I remember his presidency well, and it wasn't…

I'm reading a couple of Christmas books right now, both very good - KEEPING CHRISTMAS by Dan Walsh and A WREATH OF SNOW by Liz Curtis Higgs. I thought I had read all of Walsh's Christmas books, but apparently missed this one.

I love how you group your 5-star and WOW reads, Connie. I hope to read some of these soon. Thank you!

It's quiet here too, Kim. Your Christmas day sounds delightful. Beth and Daniel came for brunch, and I'm just relaxing now. Daniel makes the best 3-egg omelets! I had bacon/sausage and grits cooked, then laid out the omelet fixings and he did the rest. I'm making three meals out of mine. Last night's service was so sweet.…

Thanks for posting that great picture, Connie! It's so good to see you both enjoying the season and decked out in those bright sweaters. I'm also finding a day of rest needed after events now. Kim, that's a beautiful Scripture picture and message. What time is your candlelight service tomorrow? I'm greatly looking forward…

Connie, I've heard of Downs and Coffey. Like you, I've seen them highly recommended, but haven't managed to read one yet. Since I like police investigations, I might like the Bug Man series.

Cindy, will your family have a memorial service for you Dad? Try not to regret not spending more time with him, because we never seem to have as much as we want. One of the things Beth treasures is picking Dwight up and going out for a weekly father/daughter lunch during our first two years here, as much as her busy…

Thanks for posting, Connie. I was glad to pick that one up.

Connie, I enjoyed the Jessie Gussman book and was pleasantly surprised at the spiritual content. She did a great job laying groundwork for further family stories in the series and I'd like to continue while I can remember them well. Good bittersweet relational drama as well. Thanks for the audio information. I believe I…

Cindy, I'm so sorry about your Dad's passing. He lived a long life, but death still often takes us by surprise. Dwight was 80 and although he had serious health problems, his heart suddenly stopping was unexpected. He didn't like to talk about the what-if's either, but I've managed pretty good with Beth's help. All of your…

Thanks so much, Kim. I'm doing pretty good overall, it's just that the holidays are so special and hold tons of memories. I'm playing at church in the morning and we're having a Christmas brunch before services, so that helps. I'm trying a new author to me, Jessie Gussman, and I'm loving her writing so far. SLEIGH BELLS…

I'm enjoying some older Christmas reads, several of which are rereads. Just finished THE CHRISTMAS SHOES by Donna VanLiere. I read it years ago, but didn't remember much about it. Bittersweet, but really good this time. There's 11 books in this series, so I hope to keep reading.

Sorry to have been absent for a while, but the holidays have been more difficult than I expected. Having Beth and Daniel close by means so much, but things just feel a little strange. Dwight was in rehab this time last year and we had a great visit on Christmas morning. Lots of memories keep popping up. I saw that Bill's…

Woke up to our first snow of the season this morning! It doesn't look like much, but was still pretty. It was beautiful as it gently fell during the night (I know, because I stood out in it), then slowly melted away in the morning light. Connie, I read about Bill's birthday surprise at church and know he was thrilled. You…

Tea with Elephants is on my reading list, Connie. Hoopla has it, so hopefully I will start soon. Thanks for your recommendation.

Thanks for posting this list, Connie. I haven't read much this year, but hope to read from various award winners.

Hope you're feeling better today, Kim. And Connie, I think you made the right decision on the garage door. Once you start making smaller repairs, they seem to keep coming. Our heating & air system is pretty old, but last winter was the first time it needed repaired since we bought the house - some type of switch. And our…

Thanks, Kim. This looks cute. Have you read others in the series?

Connie, you are in my prayers as you care for Bill. If Dwight had lived longer after coming home from rehab, we would have been in similar situations, so I know how difficult this all is, both physically and emotionally. Kim, your prayers are greatly appreciated. My friend's name is Marilyn. We bonded quickly after I moved…

Kim - I still read Victoria Holt! Phyllis Whitney and Mary Stewart also wrote some good ones in that time period. I never tire of them.

Connie - Thanks for separating out your 5* reads. I would love to check out some of those.

Kim, your Thanksgiving celebration sounds very similar to ours. Some do family get-togethers, so not everyone comes to the church. But others bring friends who would otherwise be by themselves, so we have a good fellowship. Dwight was never able to go, so I've tried to do both church and home in the past. I'm glad you…

Trying to catch up with everyone again! Sorry, I've been involved in a couple of projects and have a close friend whose husband is dying, all of which have taken up my time and I haven't even been able to read much. I'm still greatly enjoying life here in Tennessee. Fall has been beautiful, but milder than normal. The…

Cindy - Completely eliminating something we dearly love is unrealistic, so simply cutting back is very good. And you got good results! Going for a walk on this beautiful October day.

Thanks, Connie. I've been on the fence about reading it, but at this price, I'm eager to try it.