My Reading Blog

Dear TWT Hosts, Fellow Slicers, Readers and Commentors, We've arrived at the final day of this challenge.  It has been exciting, invigorating, thought provoking and difficult. As I finish up my sixth year of writing in this challenge, I want to thank each of you for the encouragement, the comments and joyous celebrations and sorrows that I have experienced from your slices. I want to especially thank my daughter, Michelle, who pushed me the first year to join this awesome group of writers and keeps encouraging me each year thereafter. Thanks to the hosts of TWT for beginning this journey 10 years ago.  I thank you for giving each of us the opportunity to learn more about ourselves by writing each day. Thanks to all who have commented on my slices.  That's one thing that keeps me going. This challenge has made me look around and see all that there is to take in.  The little things that pop up and give food for thought.  The inspiration from others to ...

Once again, I was struggling to figure out what I was going to write about and Voila, I read an e-mail. When I lived in Illinois, I worked for Elgin Sweeper Company for fourteen years.  During that 14 years, a great friendship grew with Monika.  She started working for the President of the company when she was 18.  Tomorrow she is retiring and will be turning 70 in July. She has seen a lot of changes go on during those years - the company going from privately owned to becoming a public entity, the number of presidents and vice presidents she's trained over the years, the knowledge that she has of the history of that company, going from a union to a non-union shop and the strike that came about because of it, the high and lows of sales....  The list is much longer and she has so many memories. I had sent her a congrats card and she said it was going on her bookshelf along with all the other Elgin Sweeper memorabilia,  She is an amazing women and has so much...

This is the first time in many years that we haven't spent Spring break and Michelle's birthday with her and her family.  They headed south for the week and are enjoying themselves amongst many Disney characters.  They invited us along, but we didn't feel that we could keep up the pace and didn't want to slow them down. Michelle put her writing in this challenge on hold so that she could enjoy family time without the added stress of getting a slice written.  I understand, but still miss her thoughts and comments, as I'm sure many of you do. I'm glad that this challenge is in March because I've gotten to write tributes to her on her birthday and get to share with you a special woman.  And this one will be another tribute to a special (one and only) daughter. Michelle came into the world two weeks early, but still a healthy baby.  Our second one.  Scott was enthralled by his baby sister (at least until she started getting into his stuff).  She will...

I don't know if it's just the area we live in or if it happens all over.  Since we've moved to the Ozarks, we've had some frustrating situations. After we bought property here and still living in Illinois, we contracted with an excavator who was suppose to clear the property so that we could begin erecting our pole barn.  He said, "No problem.  I'll have it complete by the time you get down here to do the concrete work."  Hubby arrived with a crew to pour the foundation and floor, but the area remained as it was when he had talked with the excavator.  He tried to contact him, but couldn't get a hold of him.  So he found someone else to do the work quickly. When we were building our log home 18 years ago, we ordered many different components for the house.  Namely, we had ordered some lights.  They had to be ordered for somewhere else.  We waited and waited.  No call, no lights.  So we contacted them after six weeks and they said...

This morning is gray and dreary with raindrops falling, but I got a lift of joy when I read my e-mail. A friend who's husband died from cancer a year and a half ago, sent an e-mail.  She is one of those remarkable women who has persevered thru some difficult times.  Monte had been sick for six years and she cared for him.  The last six months before he died, she took a leave of absence and stayed with him.  Monte had prepped her and left her with knowledge of how to do things and survive on her own. Even though it has been rough to carry on, JoAnn has kept moving forward.  She went back to work, attends a grief support group, has tried her hand at kayaking and now goes on outings with a group of women who are avid hikers and canoer's.  She has a strong faith and many supporters.  She stays busy. She sold her big house and purchased a condo.  She is settling in.  She did research this winter to find just the right kind of battery operate...

Sunny is shining Spring is springing Flowers are blooming Grass is growing Max is snoring Book is calling Eyes are closing Nap Time

Last night we had our small group/Bible study.  Our group has been together for over 10 years.  We've lost a few due to moves and other commitments, but our core group of 10 is pretty consistent.  Last night there were only seven of us.  The other three were sick.  Our topic was Comfort - how God comforts us and teaches us to comfort one another. One of the questions was "How do you comfort others?"  We talked about my hubby's "Hug Ministry", our Stephen Ministry program, reaching out, listening, praying...  The list went on and on. The other question was "When have you been the recipient of comfort?" This questions brought many responses of our different difficulties that we've encountered over the years and how we felt receiving comfort from others. Then I asked, "Does anyone need comfort now?"  C. poured out her heart about how she and her husband have been trying to deal with their son.  He is an alcoholic and has some bi-po...

This morning Mom is really tired.  I had her up several times during the night.  I just haaaad to goooooo.  But then I got out the door and I kinda forgot why I came out. I'm pacing and pacing while Mom is exercising.  Dad doesn't hear me - he's still sleeping.  I keep pacing, finally Mom opens the door and encourages me to come in and then SHUTS THE DOOR.  I don't like closed doors, so I just stood there waiting for it to open.  Finally Mom is done.  She turns off the light, so we won't disturb Dad.  I'm standing in front of the door, so I back up.  My eyesight isn't what it used to be, so with the lights off and the door open, I turned into the closet, not knowing where I was.  Mom turned around and steered me in the right direction.  We went directly to the patio door and out I went.  Being an old pooch, I need to go out often. I waited patiently while Mom did her crossword puzzle, put it was getting time for breakf...

How I begin each morning: An early riser am I Up at 5:00 without an alarm Isn't retirement a charm First to the computer to check messages Then to my cozy chair to read devotions and pray Off down the hall to spend 30 minutes with weights or a DVD A cup of coffee calls my name A hug and kiss from hubby to begin our day A crossword puzzle And a Voxer message to Michelle God has blessed me with a new day.  What JOY that brings me!  What plans does He have for me today?

Part of our property is on a natural spring.  One area of our front yard is like a bog - spongy and soggy the majority of the year depending on the amount of rain we have.  It cannot be mowed, we have to weed wack it with knee high boots on. Once upon a time, many years ago, some drainage pipes were placed in the ground to help steer the water to the ditch leading to the pond.  But as the years have passed, the drains have ceased to function, therefore our bog. We have been searching for a guy who could give us some direction.  We had one come out and he told us what he would do, but it would be costly for him to do it as he would have to bring his equipment over 50 miles.  So we looked for someone closer.  We contacted a neighbor who has a lawn care service and he said it was out of his expertise, but he did know of a guy who could help.  The guy came, looked at it, gave us a quote and said he would do it when it dries up.  Hubby laughed and ...

Today is our 47th wedding anniversary and his mother said it would never last. Here's 47 reasons why I love this man in no particular order. 1.  His Faith in God 2.  Positive attitude 3.  Holds my hand 4.  Kisses me each day 5.  Gives me hugs - lots of them 6.  Comforts me when I'm down 7.  Loving Father 8.  Proud Grandpa 9.  Fabulous cook 10. Always wanting to please me 11. Loves going to Hobby Lobby 12. Creative 13. Dedicated 14. Caring 15. Friend 16. Encourager 17. Handy man 18. Jack of all trades 19. Trouble/problem solver 20. Quiet 21. Assists with solving my crossword puzzles 22. Praises me for what I accomplish 23. Builder 24. Caretaker 25. Imaginative 26. Has a great vision 27. Loves sports 28. Enjoys target shooting 29. Great photographer 30. Loves animals 31. Compassionate 32. Loves to try new recipes 33. Listens (most of the time) 34. U.S. Air Force Veteran 35. Dedicated to our Country 36. Loves...

Everything had been working fine.  I could do what I wanted to do on my "smart" Tracfone.  Then.... My phone said I had NO data times left - what?  I don't use data on my phone.  Where did the minutes go?  Apparently something ate it up and I didn't know about it.  Then.... Hubby doesn't use his phone which is a "dumb" Tracfone so he has lots of minutes.  His year was up, so I wanted to transfer his minutes to my phone and let him start over.  Easy right?  Ha!  I called, the tech said, "no problem, it'll be complete in two hours".  I checked my phone at two hours, three hours, four hours to see if they had transferred - nope and his was still reading the same. So I called back, explained what I wanted to do, got transferred three times (each time repeating my request).  Finally, I got to someone I could understand and she transferred the minutes and all is good.  Then... I have been using Voxer Walkie Talkie to tal...

This morning, I awoke refreshed after a good, no great night's sleep.  I awoke thinking, "Oh my goodness, Max didn't wake me up.  What kind of mess will I find?" So let's back up.  For the last few months, Max has gotten me up at least twice during the night (thus my lack of sleep).  When I get up, my hubby seems to be restless and doesn't sleep well either. Hubby is a member of the Twin Lakes Gun Club and they were holding their annual gun show.  They needed someone to stay at the fair grounds all night.  He volunteered for the 12:00 midnight to 6:30 a.m. shift.  So last night, he wasn't home.  Usually, I don't sleep well when I know he's not there.  And, I was concerned about him being in a setting by himself. Last night, I had a difficult time getting to sleep, but when I did, I must not have heard anything.  Max didn't come to his bed, he stayed in the living room.  No nails clicking on the floor during the night, no movem...

This morning, I'm tired This morning, my mind is a blank This morning, my fingers can't type But, This morning, the sun is shining This morning, the temps are suppose to soar to 70 This morning, I pray asking God for guidance This morning, I really don't have anything to write.

I can honestly say that I have NEVER thought of myself as "writer".  Oh, I write letters and notes.  I journal in my scrapbooks.  I make lists.  I relive events and memories.  But a WRITER? So why do I write these slices every day during March and every Tuesday during the year? My daughter - Michelle. She asked me to join her.  She encouraged me. I asked what will I write about.  She said life - what's going on each day, what happened in the past, what might be in the future.  Share your knowledge and help me and the girls to know what it was like when you were growing up.  Share more about Grandma & Grandpa.  Share those little things that you find funny, silly or serious.  Share about Dad and your life together.  Remind me of when I was growing up.  Share your experience.  Share your time with the girls. Yes, Michelle was the reason I started on this challenge, but I write because I want to put life an...

Daylight Savings Time arrived Timers need to be reset Hubby's challenge for the day(s) Digital Timers Multiple days AM/PM Correct Time What's so difficult about changing the time one hour on a timer? Hubby is handy with most everything.  He understands electronics.  He's done this before.... But, it took him three days to get the lights to come on and shut off at the correct time.  He read the directions, set the timers.  Ummm - the lights didn't come on.  He re-read the directions, reset the timers.  Still not right. He said, "Third times a charm or else they're going in the garbage!". Once more he read the directions, reset the times and Voila!  They magically worked. I would have given up the first time and just turned the lights on and off when I wanted them!

The other day, there was a commercial from an insurance company on tv and they were giving tips of what you need to do before a tragedy occurs. One of there tips was to walk through your home, take pictures of everything and documents the items, when you got them, the cost, sentimental value, irreplaceable, etc.  Put the pictures and documentation in a safe place - away from your house. That way if a fire, tornado, hurricane, or any other type of disaster should occur, you would know exactly what you lost. I got to thinking about that and today, I started this task.  Just writing down each item.  I'll have hubby take pictures to coincide with what I have written down. I started in the living room - simple - right?  I thought that would be an easy room - just a little furniture, tv, oh, the tables and lamps, the handmade table runners, and now the corner hutch - filled with so much, so many memories.  I looked at my Mom's china, the top of our wedding cake...

Goodreads Summary:  " National best seller and   Today   show Book Club selection,   Broken for You   is the story of two women in self-imposed exile whose lives are transformed when their paths intersect. Stephanie Kallos's debut novel is a work of infinite charm, wit and heart. It is also a glorious homage to the beauty of broken things.   When we meet septuagenarian Margaret Hughes, she is living alone in a mansion in Seattle with only a massive collection of valuable antiques for company. Enter Wanda Schultz, a young woman with a broken heart who has come west to search for her wayward boyfriend. Both women are guarding dark secrets and have spent many years building up protective armor against the outside world. As their tentative friendship evolves, the armor begins to fall away and Margaret opens her house to the younger woman. This launches a series of unanticipated events, leading Margaret to discover a way to redeem her cursed past, and Wanda t...

Last week, my tube of toothpaste was getting down to the last bit that I could squeeze out.  It was time to check out the toothpaste aisle.  I usually get the same brand and don't pay attention to the array of brands which are then broken down into different types for all sorts of teeth issues. There's  Colgate, Crest, Sensodyne, Arm & Hammer, Aquafresh, Tom's of Maine???, the brands go on and on.  And then.... Each brand has a whitening, refreshing, gel, paste, maximum white, sensitive, tartar control, mesermizing white???, protective floride, cavity prevention - the products fill a whole aisle. Now I ask you, what ingredient(s) need to be added, changed, deleted to make all of these different types of toothpaste?  Are they really the same with maybe a hint of mint added?  Or are the toothpaste companies just trying to confuse us with all these fancy words?  Isn't toothpaste, just toothpaste - a way to clean our teeth?

Yesterday, hubby was sitting in his chair and saw a flash go past the window and then another. He got up and yelled at me.  Come look.  There's one, two, five, seven.... ten.  Oh my gosh, do you see them?  There's fifteen, no wait eighteen and finally twenty-three.  Running, following the leader.  In a hurry to go some place.  Running away from what? They hunkered down to wait for everyone to catch up, then jump across the ditch, over the road and they were once again on the run. A herd of deer crossed our yard - 23 in all.  Running, following. An amazing sight.  We have only seen one or two deer in this area, so it was unbelievable to see so many following each other. No pictures, they were too quick and we were awe-struck.

Yesterday, I wrote about that Nasty Four Letter Word and yes, the weather forecasters were correct, we got SNOW. It came down fast and furious, huge flakes, heavy at first and then floating to the ground.  We only got 2" of snow.  It covered the trees and grass, but the roads remained clear. So today I'll share some photos of the beauty of this Nasty Four Letter Word. Max loved the snow

Just when we thought it was over Just when we were enjoying the sunshine and warmer temps Just when everything started to pop out Just when thoughts of planting got into our head That nasty four letter word was spread throughout the air waves. When we moved to the Ozarks 17 years ago, we were so surprized to learn that nasty little word was a threat to everyone here. Whenever that nasty little word was heard, everyone would scurry to the grocery store to buy up whatever they could find - nevermind that they were well stocked to begin with.  We, Northerners thought "how silly".  It's sunny and it's only a slight chance and even if we get it, it will only last a day, two at the most. Yesterday, that nasty four letter word was once again broadcast. We had to do our regular bi-monthly grocery shopping, so we had quite a cart full, plus the store was having their 10# meal sale.  When we checked out, the words from the checker's mouth left me laughing.  ...

Last year our church decided to start a mentoring program for 8th & 9th graders.  It was successful, but the volunteers thought that maybe we would be better geared to mentor younger children.  In September we started mentoring 3rd and 8th graders, but no 8th graders showed up, so we have been working with 13 to 17 third graders. We have one gentleman who welcomes the kids with an active game or two and then we serve some snacks.  After the snacks, the mentors each take a child and we help them with their homework (if they have any).  Otherwise we work on multiplication tables, reading, writing cursive, working on IPads, or educational games for 45 minutes. Then our wonderful cooks serve them and their families a light dinner. Last night we had a small group because they were having a program at school. I've been working with a delightful young lady.  She struggles with math, is very good at spelling and reading.  So we work on flash cards - she doe...

Yesterday I wrote about how I wanted to be at the ripe young age of 100 and I mentioned several women who inspire me.  Today I want to share my story with you about Pearl. Pearl came into my life after her husband passed away.  She will be 95 years young this year. I am a Stephen Minister at our church.  Stephen Minister have a one-on-one caring relationship with someone who is going thru difficult times.  The loss of Pearl's husband, John, was very tramatic for her.  I knew who she was because we went to the same church service, but we never had a reason to get to know each other.  But I became her Stephen Minister. Her daughter was visiting from North Carolina the day that I met with her.  We were both apprehensive, but this relationship grew stronger each week we visited.  The first night I was there, her daughter asked if I'd like to join them in an "attitude adjustment" which really broke the ice for both of us. Each week for 5 or 6 y...

Yesterday, my daughter, Michelle at Literacy Zone was inspired by her daughter P. to share her thoughts on being 100.   Michelle's slice 3/7/17   My comment was that I couldn't imagine 100 at 6 almost 7 or at my age.  But over the course of the day, I thought about several women I know at church who are in their late 90's. They represent how I would like to be at 100. Grace is 96, Pearl is 95 (she does yoga and swims most days), Hazel is 96 and Mary is 94 - they are all full of life, sharp mind, great faith, and continue doing for others.  Yes, they have some medical issues, but they don't let that stop them. I want to be like them when I get to be 100 or whatever age I am blessed with. I want to: Share my faith Have good eyesight to read all those books that I haven't had time to read. Have good hearing to listen to everything and everyone  Have the use of my hands to crochet and do other crafts  Have the use of my legs to walk and enjoy...

Every so often (at least once a week), I have a night when I fall asleep quickly, but then wake up and can't go back to sleep.  I used to do this more often when I was working and continued to think about what needed to get done the next day.  Being retired, I don't (shouldn't) have that problem.  But, last night was different.... When we were getting ready for bed, the weather alert sounded.  There was a tornado watch for our area - heavy rain, high winds, hail.  The wind had been gusting all day, but really picked up earlier in the evening.  But it was only a watch, so off to bed we went.  Just got soundly asleep and once again at 1:00 the weather alert went off.  Severe thunderstorms this time - we saw lightening and heard thunder and the wind and then a rain storm. Back to sleep to the lull of rain.  Pitter, patter - the sound of Max's nails on the hallway floor.  It's 1:30 - he needs to go outside.  Fortunately, I can jus...

We live on a street that is the start of our neighborhood, Mallard Meadows.  We are set back from the main road that goes through the neighborhood, and it is one way in, one way out.  We love sitting on our front porch and watch all the traffic that comes and goes. It's amazing the number of cars that go in and out before 8:00 a.m.  Our neighborhood consists of about 75-80% retirement people and there are only 28 - 30 houses.  We are of the belief that each household must own at least two if not three cars.  And believe it or not, most of those cars/pickups are white. We decided that we need to set up a toll gate and collect 25 cents each way, along with names and addresses.  That way we would get to know our neighbors and what they drive.  And maybe they would slow down going around the curves.  It can be dangerous walking before 8:00 since most of them are in a hurry to get to wherever they are going. We still don't know where all these ...

This man, my Dad, would have been 100 years old today, but he went to Heaven in 2003 at the age of 86.  He lived a life of joy and happiness through all the struggles and hard times. My Dad was a humble man who enjoyed helping others.  He loved to kid around and tease others, but always in a good hearted way.  His faith in God was amazing and he shared that faith with me and everyone who he met. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, but because he had only one eye that had sight, he was stationed in the States.  He was a farmer and built houses and after retirement he became a courier for the local doctor making many trips to the hospital.  He loved to mow lawns and did his fair share of gardening.  He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. I'll always remember him for the stories that he shared and his quirky, mischievous smile.  Happy Birthday, Dad!  I'm sure you're having one heck of a great party in Heaven.  Miss you...

Spring That time of the year that is so special A time of awakening and rebirth A time to feel the warmth of sunshine on my face A time to hear the birds twitter A time to dig in the soil A time to plant A time to watch the buds turn into flowers A time to watch the trees form their leaves and turn green A time to shed the heavy winter clothes A time to smell the rain A time to be cautious of storms A time to be thankful for God's gifts Can Spring really be here at the beginning of March? Or is this just a trick of nature? Today, I'm filled with JOY because we have a beautiful Spring day to enjoy!

Hi, for those of you who haven't met me yet, my name is Max and I'm 15 years old.  This picture was taken of me several years ago and since then, I've aged a lot.  Mom told me it was my turn to write, so here goes.... As with Mom and Dad, I'm getting older.  I have aches and pains and I'm slightly confused.  My hearing isn't as good as it once was (or maybe I'm like Dad and it's called "selective hearing".)  My eyesight is dimishing and I've been running into things lately (maybe Mom has just moved the furniture again). I don't do much these days - I like to sleep a lot and of course, I try never to go hungry.  My hips are giving me some problems, so we don't take very long walks and I have a hard time sitting/laying down.  I seem to go in circles more and more. Now I don't want you feeling sorry for me - it's all a part of life and I've had a great one.  Mom and Dad take good care of me and I try to make ...

As we continue remodeling our latest home, I have been thinking about all the houses we've lived in and how we've made each of them our home. The first house I remember was the one where I was born and raised for the first 11 years of my life.  I reminised about it in a slice in 2014  First Home .  Many happy times spent in that home with my parents and brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. My Dad quit farming and worked full time in home construction and he built a house in town in 1959. This is where I lived until I got out on my own and rented an apartment in 1968 with my future sister-in-law. When Len & I got married, we moved to a mobile home in Dover, Delaware, where he was stationed at Dover Air Force Base.  We lived there for about 8 months until he finished his four years of active duty.  We then moved to Pontiac, IL where we purchased a home (no pictures - guess they are well buried).  We lived there for about a year...

Good Reads Summary:  "A blessed event becomes a nightmare for pregnant homicide detective Jane Rizzoli when she finds herself on the wrong side of a hostage crisis in this timely and relentless new thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Body Double. A nameless, beautiful woman appears to be just another corpse in the morgue. An apparent suicide, she lies on a gurney, awaiting the dissecting scalpel of medical examiner Maura Isles. But when Maura unzips the body bag and looks down at the body, she gets the fright of her life. The corpse opens its eyes.  Very much alive, the woman is rushed to the hospital, where with shockingly cool precision, she murders a security guard and seizes hostages . . . one of them a pregnant patient, Jane Rizzoli.  Who is this violent, desperate soul, and what does she want? As the tense hours tick by, Maura joins forces with Jane’s husband, FBI agent Gabriel Dean, to track down the mysterious killer’s identity. When federal age...