pianolady831 Member

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.

That's wonderful, Connie! I know both of you treasure these Sundays. And that's why I love hymns so much, because their words seem to be imprinted on your soul and are never forgotten. Our weather was beautiful today and it was good to be at church. I especially enjoy my Sunday School class because our group of 15-20 has…

Thanks, Connie. I don't care for scary suspense, but thought she might be more like the old gothic genre, which I loved. I'll try one of hers soon.

Thanks for posting these lists, Connie. There's lots I need to check out! Have any of you read Jaime Jo Wright? Can't decide if she's an author I might like.

Oh yes, lots of funny stories, Kim! He was our church administrator at the same time I was on staff. This family loves the Lord and loves to have a good time. Their son helps Beth out as a mentor of young ministers in the seminary program she runs. I've been meaning to ask you, Kim... Do you subscribe to one of the…

Thanks for sharing those pictures, Cindy. Northern Lights are breathtaking, an awesome glimpse of God in nature. I had the best time last night with dear church friends from years ago. We ate at a "fancy" taco place called the White Duck. I wasn't sure they would have anything I liked, but Beth ordered me a steak taco and…

Kim, I have never heard of resolving pneumonia, but what you described makes sense. Is it too late to take another round of antibiotics? Praying that you are completely healed soon. Connie, I think that for those of us who sing or play an instrument, that becomes a natural vehicle for worship. I'm always thinking of the…

Thanks for sharing those 5 stars, Connie. There's not time enough to read all that I'd like, so I look for your favorites in genres that I like.

I got some good lean meat protein and lots of veggies today. Discovered that, while I don't like pickles, I do like cucumbers. I fixed them like my Mom used to - slice them in a bowl, cover with water and ice cubes, a little sweetener and vinegar, set in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, then drain & eat. They were…

Connie, you and I share a love for worship music and I rejoice with you in getting to play anytime you can. I'm helping to plan a hymn singing night in January that I think everyone will enjoy. I'll get out of my comfort zone and play a couple of piano solos, but it's mainly just about people singing. And we'll take up a…