pianolady831 Member

Cindy, I did read some of Karen Kingsbury's later books and felt like you described. I especially remember how much I enjoyed the Baxter series in the beginning, then grew frustrated with how light and the same they seemed. And when I read somewhere - a review maybe? - that one of the romances didn't turn out like her fans…

Connie - I hardly have words, but no words are really necessary. You have my heart and prayers. I've walked this heartbreaking and lonely road, although Dwight passed away in the hospital rather than making it to hospice care. I have a close friend whose husband went on hospice two weeks ago and she said several people…

How about the Ouija board, Kim? That was also popular with school kids when I was growing up. And yes, the horoscope has that spiritism connection also.

You're all right, we just have to do the best we can. At least the food companies, or some of them, are working to comply with what the government is trying to accomplish. Thanks for looking up those dyes, Kim. I noticed that Crystal Light fruit punch has both Blue #1 and Red #r40! And with Drew being ADHD and falling…

Thanks for sharing those articles, Kim. So much wisdom in them! There's a lot I can't begin to understand, but I clearly know what the Bible teaches (as quoted in the posts). I've always avoided anything in media that has to do with witchcraft, mediums, etc. For instance, while many Christians seemed to enjoy the movie…

I have a food-related question. There's a lot of talk about government encouraging food industries to make their products healthier - like schools changing from skim to whole milk, and then all the dyes that are used for color. I always liked whole milk, but changed to skim because of lower calories. As for food colors, I…

The 2nd and 3rd books (women's fiction) are available through Kindle Unlimited, if you still have that. Also, A CERTAIN MAN is biblical fiction.

What a beautiful encouragement to all who walk that path, Cindy!

Kim, I watched a lot of the July 4th events, very inspiring! I, too, am hopeful because of the Big Beautiful Bill and other policies. He's surrounded by many people of deep faith, so that's my prayer for him also.

It's been two days and my tomatoes are still going strong! This morning, I was standing at my kitchen window that overlooks the backyard and saw a critter searching for food in the grass. Not sure what it was, I looked up pictures of groundhog, oppossum, and hedgehog - and I believe it's a groundhog. A groundhog has lived…

Thanks for posting this list, Connie. I'm glad to see a "women's fiction" category.

That's good to know about the Crystal Light, Connie. I'm going to make some now! It was only 88 this afternoon, but unpleasantly hot while working with Beth in my raised garden bed - described on the "chat" thread. A gentle rain made the air feel better, but not in time for a walk. About 30 minutes of gardening is my count…

Years ago, I had some swelling related to an abscess and never experienced pain. I pray that your mom is recovering nicely, Connie. My daughter is such a blessing! Thanks to a tag-team effort by deer and raccoon/opossum, all that's left of the four tomatoes she planted in May are barren stems. Deer enjoyed the leaves &…

Decaf coffee is a great way to increase water intake, Kim. Would Crystal Light count also, I wonder? I like their lemonade flavor.

Connie, I saw that a suspense novel by Steven James was on your list. He goes to my church!

Got a 20-minute walk in today! Overnight temps are in the upper 60s, so the evenings can be pleasant, especially since I don't walk too fast. I don't like time passing so fast, but fall will be here before we know it. Still trying to make myself drink more water.

Kim, I hadn't thought about AI making an algorithm based on a person's preferences. That's an interesting thought, I obviously have a lot to learn. I don't see things getting better in our world, though. Today begins what looks to be a week-long heat wave - mid 90s most days. That's unusual for eastern TN, at least this…

I wish I could train myself to do audio books, but I just can't keep up with them. I seem to need the reading format for retention, remembering names, etc. I've read some mainstream fiction occasionally, but am about to start Under the Magnolias by T. I. Lowe. Anyone familiar with that author or title? It will be my first…

I love that story, Connie! Had no idea the fire department would do that. They must have come out in their big truck. Did you get to go to church yesterday? Such moving lyrics, Kim! I love the visual contrast between CH1 and CH2. And also this phrase: We're shattering the darkness, we'll not be overcome. The light of…

I have a hard time with WWII books dealing with Jewish persecution, but I did read A SPARROW OF TEREZIN and it is fantastic!

Kim, as someone who struggles with the words to even write a simple thank-you note, I realize how special your song writing gift is. I often wonder which comes first, words or music. You're right, the words are most important. You should occasionally share lyrics with us. Connie, I thought of you this morning as I was…

I love how God gives you songs, Kim. I've always been lousy at original writing, so that's a great ability you have. Do you write the music also? Praying for your safety in LA, Cindy. I heard on the news tonight that things seem to be getting calmer, but anything can happen. It's obvious that Bill loves church and seeing…

Dwight loved blackberries, Kim! He and my dad used to go up to the family farm in north GA and pick buckets of them. My grandmother would make cobblers and jelly. I love blackberry flavor, just not the seeds. Beth and Daniel also have chickens, seem to love raising them. They usually get enough eggs to share with friends.…

Like Kim said, I am sure Bill's being able to be at home helps him in every way - physically, mentally and emotionally. And you're the one that makes it happen, Connie. I, too, pray for you - trusting that you will have the support and times of refreshing that you need. I'm thrilled about the retired nurse neighbor that…

So glad you got to go this morning and then play for closing, Connie! That's a praise for sure. In spite of the difficulties, it probably does Bill good to get out occasionally. But even your 15-minute services can be a blessing. I have a friend whose husband is getting weaker each day, and she has a caregiver through the…

I was thinking the same thing, Connie. And the theme of St Nicholas intrigues me. THE HEART OF SUGARCREEK also looks good. Hoopla has it listed.

Connie, I'm afraid OF LOVE AND TREASON might be a little sad for me, as I'm not good with martyr storylines. I still want to try it, though.

Connie, colds can be so rough! Glad you're coming out of it all now. And Kim, when is your MRI? I watched some of the news about Elon Musk's last official day with DOGE and felt sorry for him. I think he had such great expectations, but the opposition became too much. Politicians on both sides talk a good game about…

Y'all are making me eager to read something by Lacy Williams! I got her free book. Thanks for posting about it, Kim.

Thanks for the recommendations, Connie and Kim. I just got THE BURNING OF ROSEMONT ABBEY on Hoopla. Fisher's book is only available through my library, but it's too new to be on interlibrary loan, so I'll wait patiently. I've never read Ogle, so I'll try her books soon.