The "Ghosts" Of Christmases Past

No, not really ghosts, just memories of two specific Christmases of long ago. Well, not so long ago, but, well, you get the idea!
Memory #1 takes place when Prof was in second grade. Back then, we still called Christmas, "Christmas" not "holiday." The elementary school where Prof attended put Christmas trees in the class rooms. The kids decorated them. They had fun. They actually celebrated the birth of Christ. Well, this year, on the last day of school before Christmas break, the trees had to be taken down, and gotten out of the building. They were real, and might cause a fire hazard if they were left in the school. That afternoon, Prof came home dragging the tree from her room. "They just dragged it to the street,and were going to throw it away, Dad," she explained. Well, we already had a tree up in the living room, so I found an old tree stand in the basement, and we put the tree on our front porch. Prof insisted that we put lights on it, and Mom garnered some small red bows from her stash of Christmas decorations. Prof had her own personal tree. She was so proud of it! We were the only ones on the block to have a tree on our front porch. We were always glad they didn't bring stray puppies to school!!!
Memory #2 concerns Lil Bro. The church two blocks from our house always had a live nativity scene the three nights before Christmas. This was complete with live animals, and all the trimmings. The lights would come up and the performers would begin. Mary and Joseph would arrive, enter the manger, then the angels and shepherds appeared. They froze in poses for a few minutes. The came the wise men all regally dressed in their velvet robes and crowns. As we stood watching them come slowly down the pathway, Lil Bro, who had been hearing the Christmas story for all of his 4 years said in a voice that all could hear, "Hey Dad, here come the "smart guys." Not only did the crowd of onlookers around us giggle and snicker, I saw two of the regally dressed wise men shake and stifle grins. Have we ever let Lil Bro forget this? No never! Such stuff are memories made of.

Peace (and good will towards men)
JE

More Christmas Spirit day 3

Deck the Halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la la la la la !

'Tis the season to be jolly,
(So I need to get with the program,)
Fa la la la la,la la la la!

Peace,
JE

What I Read #104

A Matter of Motive by Michael Hachey: Another novel about murder in a small town. Dexter Loomis has just been appointed Chief of Police in the tiny village of Higgins Point. He has only been in law enforcement for 3 months. Retiring in Higgins Point after working as a civil engineer for the state for many years, Dex took a job with the town for something to do. He didn't anticipate becoming chief, let alone having to be a "crimebuster." Ann Summer, a DCI agent, is back in her hometown for her father's funeral. Dexter enlists Ann's help as murders seem to be piling up.
Author Hachey's first novel started out slow. It took me a while to get into it, but then I hated to put it down. His characters are believable and his down-to-earth writing style fit right in with the small town feel of the novel. I hope has written more since this was first published in 2004.

Happy Reading,
JE

More Christmas Spirit day 2

Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet,
We need a little Christmas,
NOW!

Peace,
JE

We Need A Little Christmas! (or I do!!!)

I am going to try to make an effort! I promise!

Peace,
JE

Oh! The Weather Outside is Frightful!

Prof just came home from a morning out and said I should go out and enjoy the snow. It started snowing sometime after I went to bed last night and is still snowing at 2:21 p.m. I do suppose that I could garner a little Christmas spirit if I went out, but there's no way I want to fight the weather and the Saturday shoppers! Although, we need bread and bologna, and I am completely out of beer and wine. So, maybe a trip to my local market is in the foreseeable future.
Speaking of Christmas spirit, I have none. Usually, no, always, I have the tree up, and the house decorated by this time. Nada! Not this year! I can't seem to be motivated. Partially because putting up the tree involves moving furniture and so on. The older I get, the more of a chore this becomes. I have added a couple pieces of furniture and now I don't know where to put the tree. Also, no one feels the need to help. When Tilly, my wife, was alive, she guilted the kids into helping. I just can't do that. They have lives of their own, and kids and work and other things to occupy themselves. So I would "rather do it myself." But this year, I am feeling Tilly's loss more that ever. I miss her. She was "all about Christmas." She baked, made candy, and we decorated to the hilt. A few years we had 9 trees all over the house. Quite a feat in a 5 room house! She loved to shop, and even in the lean years, could fill the tree's underside with a veritable treasure house of gifts. Nothing expensive, just a lot of stuff, making gifting even more fun. (One year, we divided the final $25.00 between us and had to buy the most gifts we could get for each other for $12.50.)
Maybe, if I go shopping during the week, I will be inspired. The crowds should be less, and the clerks in better moods. Nothing puts a damper on Christmas spirit like a clerk with the gloomies. I have enough of those of my own. Bah! Humbug!

Peace,
JE

Note*: Self portrait!

Tree Trauma

Can a person suffer from "tree trauma?" I am thoroughly convinced that I can. Putting up the Christmas tree was always a traumatic time at my house. Buying the tree was always Dad's job. He was really good at it. He always bought the "perfect" tree. He had a special stand to put it in which consisted of a large bucket with sand, which HAD to be kept moist. I'm not sure how he fastened it into the bucket, just that that was what he used and that wire was involved. After said tree was anchored into the stand and was set in place, always in the southeast corner of our living room, Dad then put on the lights. My brother and I always made ourselves very scarce while this ritual occurred. Remember, back in the 50's, the only lights available were big colored ones, either strands of 8 or 16. Usually part of the lights worked, part didn't. Mom always made sure Dad had a supply of extra bulbs at hand to help the process along. After much aggressive language and contortions, the lights were finally arrayed on the tree. Then Dad always left the room!

My brother and I got to hang on the ornaments as Mom handed them to us. There was never any new ones. Always the ones that we had always had. Mom always told a story about each ornament. Like the silver one with the bite out of it that my brother damaged when he was 2 and the Dr. said feed him peanut butter sandwiches. The angel on the top of the tree was the one that Dad and Mom bought on their first Christmas as a married couple in 1941.
After all the ornaments were on, then came the icicles. Icicles back then were made of tin foil, not the synthetic ones like we have now. We actually kept these, carefully wrapped in newspaper from year to year. We boys were not allowed to throw them on the tree. We had to place each one carefully so that it hung straight down. Then for the final touch, Mom put a small handful of "angel hair" (a substance made of spun glass and made me itch) around each light. This softened the light, and also made the lights appear bigger. After the tree was done, it was always a thing of beauty! Dad would come back from "hiding" and always exclaim that this was the prettiest one yet!

The year Dad passed, it was up to my bro and I to shop for the perfect tree. We went to the tree place where Dad always went. We went after dark! We looked and looked. Of course there were lights all over the place so picking the tree wasn't a bad job. Until we got it home. We had advanced to a "store-bought" stand by this time, and after trimming a few lower branches and mounting our prize tree into the stand, it was time to carry it inside. We stood it in the special corner and...alas. this tree had a severe dog leg problem. We could either go back and buy another tree, or figure out how to make this one work. Being the two industrious young men that we were, we wired it to the curtain rod, put a couple of Reader's Digests under two legs of the stand, and "voila" the tree was straight. We had to put on those blasted lights ourselves, but we got it done. Mom snickering all the while, but was gracious enough to make nice. My brother got married the very next weekend, I finished up college and got married the following summer and Mom bought an artificial tree.

My new wife and I tried a real tree our first year, but she was allergic to all the sap and stuff, and I had to do all the decorating of it myself, so we opted for artificial ones after that. We had a beautiful one for several years, until our garage caught fire and we lost tree, lights and most of the ornaments. Fortunately, most of the ones that were precious were stored in back of the dining room closet. Replacing the Christmas tree and ornaments was not fun!

Last year I decided that the old tree (now about 20 yrs old) was shedding and looked shabby, so I bought a new one. One with the lights already on it. Wow! This was living. Only I did find out that those trees look a lot smaller in the store than they do in your living room. My kids gasped in either shock or surprise when they saw it for the first time. It is huge. And tall! But it is sure beautiful.

My how times have changed. I no longer have to string on lights. If one goes out, simply pop in another one, the bulbs don't get hot and threaten with fire. The tree doesn't dry out and I don't have to crawl under it to add water to the stand every other day.
All this, and I miss some of the old ways. Or maybe I am just missing my youth! But, I do know that I have some very fond memories of Christmases past!

Peace,
JE

What I Read #103

Above The Law by J F Freedman: In this novel, almost everybody thought they were above the law. Special Agent Jerome with the DEA leads a raid on a drug cartel compound. He loses three of his men, plus some of the drug cartel members are killed. A trial ensues. People who everyone thought were above reproach; aren't.
This fast-paced legal thriller will have you turning pages, anxiously awaiting what is going to happen next. Right up to the end, this one had me captivated.

Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #102

The Obstacle Course by J.F. Freedman: For years, Roy Poole has dreamed about attending U.S. Naval Academy when he finishes high school. On weekends, he hangs out there, and has mastered the midshipman's obstacle course. Roy has many other obstacles to overcome before his dream can come true.
This coming-of-age story takes place during the first six months of 1957. A time before schools became integrated. A time when life was different than it is today.

Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #101

The Cove by Catherine Coulter: This was the first book in Ms Coulter's FBI series. I have read subsequent novels in the series. They get better as you read them.
In this one, special agent, James Quinlan is in pursuit of Sally, who is on the lam after being accused of her father's murder. She has taken refuge in the small town on the Oregon coast called "The Cove." What happens when Quinlan arrives? Why are there no young people or children living in "The Cove?" Read this intro novel to an exciting and continuing series. It's a slow starter, but is fast-paced once it gets going.

Happy Reading,
JE

To all my friends out there in "Bloggerland," I want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving." I feel like I should make a list of things I am thankful for, but it would take all day for me to do that, plus, it would take you all too long to read it. But let it be said that I am, first and foremost, thankful for my family. My kids (2 daughters, one son) and grands are THE BEST. I am also thankful for a friend like Curley. She is one in a million. Not only is she my friend, she is a "big sis" to Prof. She ROCKS! I am thankful for a brother like mine, and for a sister-in-law who is more of a sister! My church family is awesome, too. And like "the beat," the list goes on! So thus is ends...only scratching the surface of my thankfulness.

Peace,
JE

What I Read #100

Snowbound by Blake Crouch: This spellbinding thriller was a great way to celebrate my 100th read for 2010. Will Innis's wife Rachel never makes it home from her job one night. With her still missing five years later, Will, his daughter Devlin and a former FBI agent team up to try to find Rachel and bring her home.
From the deserts of Arizona to the frozen wilderness of Alaska, this thriller will hold you spellbound from the get go. With surprises around every turn, you won't want to put it down, and will be sorry when it is over.

Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #99

House of Smoke by J.F. Freedman: WOW! That's about all one can really say about this novel of suspense. Sex, drugs, and family secrets lead to murder, and coverup. P.I. Kate Blanchard is called in to investigate an in house murder at the local Santa Barbara jail. What she finds out while investigating gets her beaten to a pulp and almost murdered.
This novel held me captive from first page till the last one. Read it!

Happy Reading,
JE

I'm A Proud Father

I am always proud of my kids. That should go without saying. They could be standing on the breach of disaster, and I would still find something to feel proud of them. But today is different. First, last week , my son, Lil Bro, called me and told me that he finally got the new position at the correctional facility that he had wanted and taken the extra training for. Now, you have to understand just what this means. Since going to work there almost 4 years ago, he has worked 12 hour days, three on, two off, two on, three off. He has been gone from home a lot. He has taken advantage of every kind of training session. He has worked overtime for guys who don't show up. He has worked the "yard" for hours at a time in all kinds of weather. He has done all of this and I have NEVER heard him complain. Now, he has been promoted into a position that will have him working 8 hour days, and have his weekends and evening off! I am so proud of him. All the while he has been doing this other stuff, he has managed to help keep a marriage happy, and has, with the love of his life, expanded their family with my two little grands. Plus, taking college courses. Whew! No wonder I don't see them as often as I would like. Besides that, my daughter in law has recently achieved her master's degree! You Both ROCK!
Yesterday, Prof, my daughter, received word that she has been hired as librarian at the residence facility school where she taught summer school. She is thrilled. She has been so unhappy at the public school where she was an aide, and now she is back where her heart is. She loves this facility and all that it stands for. So, Go Her! Last night she was filling me in on the plans that she has and wants to implement at this library. She will be a force to be reckoned with, but the administration there are equally happy to have her as she is to be there. I think the next few days for her will be hard as she gave the public school 2 weeks notice this AM.
So there you have it. Just some more reasons to be proud of my kids. Being a parent is one of the hardest, but most rewarding jobs a person can have. I have been a parent for over 39 years, and no matter how old my children get, I still can worry and be concerned, but today, I am just proud!!!

Peace,
JE

Let the Buyer Beware!

Most of you know that I like to shop. Except for groceries! The other night Prof and I went to Kroger just to pick up a few things. Like Starbuck's new Peppermint Mocca Ice Cream, which Kroger didn't have yet. I noticed that Kroger has a new pricing system. They have two tags on the shelves. I thought, "gee, they are lowering the prices." On closer inspection of the "white" tags, I found that you get the lower price only if you buy in quantity. I was interested in my favorite wine, which showed a savings of almost a dollar. Well, only if you buy 6 bottles! So, Kroger shoppers, if you haven't already been stung, be careful of their new pricing system. I wonder how many people have been duped, then found out at the register that they had spent way too much.
Another thing to beware of is ordering on line. While this a very convenient way to do you Christmas shopping, watch out for the "shipping and handling" cost. I recently ordered some gifts from Kohl's. The price quoted and charged for shipping and handling was $10.35. However, when I got the package in the mail, I found that it really only cost them $7.40 to ship it to me. Where does the difference go? Into Kohl's coffers, of course. Buyers beware of this if you order on line. I heard on the news that Walmart is offering free shipping on anything ordered on line until December 20th. As much as I don't like Walmart, if I want anything more, I will at least check it out. Maybe other stores will follow suit.
Why don't I like Walmart? I don't like the way they come into a community and run other stores out of business. This has happened in our small town, and now Walmart is really the only place we have to shop for many things. Like mens' clothes, unless you are into western wear or athletic wear. But In their defense, I do have to say that I can save more money on groceries at Walmart than any other grocery store in our town. So, consequently, I shop there often. If I want clothes, I either order them on line, or go out of town.
That's my opinion of shopping and being duped either by tags or pricing. Just be careful, my friends. (Incidentally, Curley found Starbuck's ice cream at Walmart. Who would have thunk!)

Peace,
JE

What I Read # 98

A Song For You by Betsy Thornton: A body found buried behind a retaining wall brings P.I. Brian Flynn and his cohort Chloe Newcombe together to solve some murders. Some of these murders happened 17 years ago; some are recent. Are they all tied together?
This musty, dusty novel is slow paced. So slow that some nights while reading in bed I woke when my book fell against my nose. It was light reading, but very predictable. Not one of Thornton's best works. But I persevered!

Read On,
JE

A List of Questions About Childhood!

I was tagged by Professor with this list of questions to answer, so here it goes:


1 - too small when you were asked, what you wanted to do when you were big; What did you reply?
2 - What were your favorite cartoons?
3 - What were your favorite games?
4 - What year was your nicest birthday and why?
5 - What were the things you absolutely wanted to do, and not yet done?
6 - Which 'was your first love? sports? or what not?
7 - Which was your first musical idol?
8 - Which was the most' beautiful sought (and eventually received), Santa Claus, Jesus' Child, Saint Lucia, Christmas gift?

1. I wanted to be a cowboy. Ya know, I still want to.
2. Tom and Jerry, but my brother and I had to walk a mile ("uphill, both ways") to a neighbor who had a TV!
3. Scrabble
4. Probably my 60th. Tilly and kids threw me a big party!
5. Visit Nova Scotia, and spend a few weeks in Maine on the coast.
6. Swimming. I was raised on a lake complete with our own raft, diving board and beach.
7. Diana Ross and the Supremes
8. An Italian Romanesque Period Nativity Set my parents started for me in 1960.

There you have it. The List. For whatever it's worth!

Peace,
JE

What Can I Say?

Things going on around me seem to be out of control. Things that are not happening to me, but to the people I love. It brings to mind a book I read years and years ago entitled, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. I just wonder why these things have to happen.

Curley, my very best friend in the whole world, is going through a very trying time. Her dad has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. He had some surgery and the doctors said there was no hope for him. The tumor was inoperable. He and Curley's mom decided to take him home where he could spend his last days in the comfort of his own surroundings. Though this has placed a load of responsibility on Mom, she said she would make it happen. He is failing day by day. This is hurting Curley beyond words. I feel her pain in my heart. I cannot make it go away, and I feel like there should be something more I can do besides offer useless platitudes. But there isn't. I can only pray that God hold Curley and her entire family in the palm if His hand.

Then last evening, Professor got an email from a very dear friend of hers in Alaska. He was sending it to let her know that he has survived a "pretty severe" heart attack. He's only 43. I know how much this man means to my daughter. I could see it on her face! Now, I again ask why bad things happen to good people. I want to say something comforting to Prof, but I am not sure what to say. I guess just being here for her and listening to her is as much as I can do right now.

I have been through the "trials of fire" these last three years. One would think that experience would be the best teacher, but in these cases, "I got nothing."

Peace,
JE

*Note: Shortly after posting this, I received word that Curley's dad passed away this morning.

What I Read #97

Listen to the Dead by Randall Peffer: A cold case on a small island has local law enforcement baffled. Harbormaster Corby Church and detective Yemanja Colon are thrust into the solving of the case to save their jobs.
This well written novel by Peffer is a "chewy" one. The prose is very literate and the mix of Colon's native tongue adds to the mystery. Though not for everyone, Listen to the Dead will wrap the reader in the songs of the sea as they delve into the unknown. I highly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a mystery novel with a little more sophistication.

Happy Reading,

JE

What I Read #96

Locked In by Marcia Muller: Sharon McCone, dynamic private eye, is seriously wounded when she surprises an intruder in her office. While Sharon is confined in the hospital fighting for her life, her entire PI agency is working on her case.
I found this book intensely disturbing. While Sharon is paralyzed, unable to do anything but blink, she is able to see and hear. For a while no one realizes this. I found that unsettling. I couldn't imagine anything worse. Muller does a great job with the dialogue through Sharon's eyes.
This novel is just another example of Muller's fine writing skill.

Happy Reading,

JE

What I Read #95

Burn Out by Marcia Muller: Private Investigator, Sharon McCone has had it. She doesn't know if she even wants to be a PI any more. She takes herself off to the ranch that she and her husband own in the California high desert country. She wants some p and q and the chance to sort out her feelings about her current employment situation. While there though, McCone is drawn into a case concerning a very secretive Native American woman and her dysfunctional family.

I give this, another good mystery by Muller, a definite "thumbs up."

Happy Reading,

JE

The Best Living Will Yet!

I got this from a friend, but couldn't pass up sharing with my loyal readers! Hey kids, remember this when the time comes!

I Jimmie Earl, being of sound mind and body, do not wish to be kept alive indefinitely by any artificial means.

Under no circumstances should my fate be put in the hands of pinhead politicians who couldn’t pass ninth grade biology if their lives depended on it, or lawyers/doctors interested in simply running up their bills.

If a reasonable amount of time passes and I fail to ask for at least one of the following:

A glass of wine
Chocolate
Margarita
Sex
Martini
Cold Beer
Chocolate
Chicken fried steak
Creamed corn
Sex
Mexican food
Chocolate
French fries
Chocolate
Pizza
Sex
Ice cream
Cup of tea
Chocolate
Chocolate
Sex
Chocolate

It should be presumed that I won’t ever get better.
When such a determination is reached, I hereby instruct my appointed person and attending physicians to pull the plug, reel in the tubes, let the “fat lady sing,” and call it a day!

Then have a drink. IT’S 5 OCLOCK SOMEWHERE!

What I Read #94

Dead on the Dance Floor by Heather Graham: There are very few words to describe this book. That's how bad it was! Murder of Lara Trudeau, a beautiful dance star, leads to investigation by heartthrob Quinn O'Casey. More murders, a drug ring, and romance spell t-r-i-p-e. I couldn't wait to finish this one. And, I won't pick another Heather Graham novel---ever! How did she ever become one of the New York Times' best selling authors? She takes a good book jacket photo!

Keep on Reading, please!

JE

What I Read #93

How To Talk to a Widower by Jonathan Tropper: Magazine writer, Doug Parker, a widower at age 29, is still reeling from the accidental death of his wife, Hailey. It's been a year and the rest of Doug's dysfunctional family think it's time he moves on with his life. His twin sister tries to fix him up, while she herself is hinging on divorce. His younger sister is marrying Mike, Doug's best friend, who she met at Hailey's wake. Thrown into this melee, is Russ, Hailey's 16 year-old son from a previous marriage. Russ's father doesn't want him, so Doug takes on the responsibility.
This funny, yet poignant story will have you in tears one minute, and laughing out loud the next. I felt close to Doug while I was reading. I could relate to his grief, and the feelings of complete loss. I could also go along with his wanting people to quit pitying him, giving him the meaningless platitudes and let him wallow in his own self pity. When, at the end of the novel, Doug finally finds out that he can love again, I applauded. Author Tropper did it again!
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #92

Don't Blink by James Patterson and Howard Roughan: Reporter Nick Daniels is dining at the popular Lombard's Steak House when he witnesses a gruesome "gangland" murder. What ensues is fast moving action, more murders and a romance. This story is told from Nick's point-of-view, and that is an interesting turn for Patterson. While not at "chewy" as some of Patterson's work, I enjoyed this story. Nick's wit and attitude were smile worthy, while at the same time, intense.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #91

Gone by Jonathan Kellerman: Another fast paced crime ridden novel. A couple who were acting students in Hollywood are missing. Detective Milo Sturgis and psychologist Alex Delaware are on the case. Murder and chaos prevail. Warped minds, and bizarre psychotic behavior run rampant. Kellerman is a master story teller.

Happy Reading,

JE
Note: It took me a while to get through this one. I was busy on my last days of vacation, and the trip home. Now, back to my regularly scheduled reading.

Home Again!

What a wonderful month! Being with my brother was like being a kid again, only we didn't hit each other. We laughed, reminisced, belched, scratched, and probably farted a time or two. I think my sis-in-law felt outnumbered some of the time, but if she did, she took it very good-naturedly. I had a wonderful bed in their guest room. A California King, and I took advantage of the whole thing. My sis-in-law is such a great cook! She fed us well, and healthy. I ate things I hadn't eaten before. Like squash and pomegranate seeds. She made the best chicken alfredo pizza!
We went to see the Texas Rangers play ball one night. That was such a treat for me. I have only been to one other MLB game at that was years ago. We visited the old Texan town of Denton, and toured their historical museum.
Going out to eat was a treat. We went to "Babe's" restaurant. It's a family style place where you pick the meat you desire, and they bring you all the fixin's to go with it. They also do the "hokey pokey" in the aisles. My brother wore his tee shirt that said,"what if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about."
I had a lot of "deck time" in their beautiful back yard. My SIL is an organic gardener and the product of her efforts are beautiful and amazing. It was good to just spend quality time with the two of them without running to and fro. They both apologized for not taking me more places, but I was content to just be family and relax.
I am extremely lucky to have them. My brother is a brittle diabetic and has also had a heart valve replaced. He lets neither of these things get him down. He is fun and active. My SIL takes excellent care of him and has for 40+ years. They seem to have grown into a cohesive duo.
I got to visit with their daughter, my niece, her husband and their two little ones who are 4 and almost 2. That was a highlight.
The trip down and back was long. I drove by myself on the 18 hour journey. I was not intimidated by the big city traffic, but the semis by the hundreds on the highways of America are scary and dangerous. The drivers, for the most part, are good, and safe, but they don't cut the automobile drivers any slack. I think from now on I will fly. I added up what I spent on gas,food, and lodging on the way down and back, and I know I can buy a plane ticket cheaper.
Too soon it was time to come home, but in reality, I was ready. I was ready to get back to my family, my familiar surroundings and of course, my own bed! As Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz" said,"there's no place like home."

Peace,

JE

What I Read #89 and # 90

Double Homicide by Jonathan and Faye Kellerman: I am listing these two novels together because they were in one volume. As you can probably surmise, both books involved double homicides. The detectives investigating the murders are different in both books. One takes place in NYC and the other in Santa Fe. Both are worth the read.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #88

The Good Guy by Dean Koontz: Tim Carrier is enjoying a beer at his favorite watering hole. He is mistaken for a "hitman" offered $10,000 to "off" Linda Paquette. Before he can explain that he isn't who the stranger is looking for, the stranger disappears. Thus begins a nightmare as Tim finds Linda, explains that someone wants her dead, and he is willing to save her. High speed excitement is on every page. This one, by the author of the equally exciting "The Husband," is one you don't want to miss!
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #87

Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell: This was the first Cornwell novel that I had read in a long time. Kate Scarpetta, a forensics pathologist, is called in to examine a murder suspect. This leads to her becoming involved in the investigation of the murder. Along with her husband, Benton, and her computer savvy niece, Lucy, they finally figure it out. I use the word "finally" because it took 500 pages to tell this story. I persevered until the end because I knew deep down that the suspect they had in custody was not guilty. The story was too long, and drawn out. Could Cornwell have told it in fewer pages? You betcha!

Happy Reading,
JE

September 24!

September 24 is not a banner day for me and mine. Three years ago today, my wife of 38 plus years passed on. I could be sentimental here, and "piss and moan" about loss and aloneness and all the other stuff but I'm not going to. Instead I am going to write about some of the good things that have come from her death.
First, my faith has grown. I am a firm believer that God has a plan for all of us. I believe that He had a bigger, better, grander plan for Tilly, one that I still don't quite understand, any maybe never will. People talk about losing their spouse, or loved one. Never for a minute have I ever felt that I lost Tilly. I know exactly where she is! And I know she is looking down in wonder at the new grandchildren, and marveling at how much Kiddo has grown. It is my faith that has made me realize all of this. And, my new grandson, RJ, looks so much like his grandmother and when he looks at me with those huge eyes, it's like he is looking into my soul. Tell me that Tilly didn't have a part in all of that!
I have always known that my family was special. But in the past 3 years, they all have grown even more special to me. They have surrounded me in their love. They have boosted me up when I am down and I feel very close to them all. When I think of all of them, the song "We Are Family" comes to mind. We are family. We share both the good and the bad and even some of the ugly! I have a saying hanging in my great room about "family is forever." That is so true. My brother and sis-in-law fit into this family thing. They are such rocks, welcoming me into their home and spoiling me with their love and attention.
Which brings me to friends. I cannot say enough about my friends. There are some very special ones like Curley. She has been my confidante, my sounding board, my shoulder to cry on, or laugh on. Then there is my quartet buddies. They are always concerned about me, and were the instigators of repairing my kitchen roof while I was gone one time. They call, and e mail and keep track of me. They are a big part of my life, along with my church friends. What a wonderful bunch of people. There are my "forever friends" from Ohio who have stuck by me through it all. I love those two.
There are those wonderful people I worked with that still either e mail me or we facebook regularly. I had a teacher tell Prof the other day that the school wasn't the same without me there. What a compliment!
I have become much more independent. I am a much better money manager. I like what and whom I have become. So, even though I am sad sometimes and feel sorry for myself once in a while, I have grown in so many ways. I told my children that for me it was time to remember the good things, the good times, and preserve the good memories, and let the rest go. This advice came from a very good friend, and I agree.
Peace,
JE

What I Read #86

The Postcard Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund: Murderers on the loose in Europe. They are killing young couples all over Europe. NYC Policeman Jacob Kanon is on the hunt for the killers because they killed his daughter and her boyfriend while vacationing in Rome. Jacob is hot on the killers' trail but he can't convince any other country's law enforcement agencies that he knows what he is talking about. He get the aid of Dessie Larsson, a Swedish newspaper reporter. Together they track the perverted couple.
This is another great Patterson stand-alone novel.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #85

Black Hills by Nora Roberts: Written in 2009, this is another good read by Ms Roberts. Lil Chance and Cooper Sullivan fell in love many years ago when they were 9 and 11. They saw each other sporadically during their teen years, then went their separate ways. Lil became an owner of a wildlife refuge in S. Dakota. Cooper went on to be a cop then a PI in NYC. When his grandfather broke his leg, Coop sold his agency, and moved back to S. Dakota.
Lil, is being haunted and hunted by someone in her past. The hunter is possessed with killing and is seeking revenge on Lil for imagined infractions. This is a tale of eternal love, intermingled with murder and mayhem. It's good; read it!
Happy reading,
JE

The Stars At Night, Are Big and Bright....

Yes they are. And every thing is bigger in Texas. Especially the traffic.. Oh my! I have never seen so many cars, trucks and SUVs. I drove this time, for the first time, and I might add, the last time.. I made the executive decision that from now on I will travel to Texas either on Amtrak or by plane. Keeping track of the gas I purchased, a motel room and a meal each way, I think if I plan it right, I can fly cheaper or at least for the same cost. Five hours from door to door is a lot better that 18 hours of driving.
You might say, "yes, but you saw a lot of sights and countryside on the way." Well, no I didn't. I was too busy keeping my eyes on the road to enjoy much scenery. I could not believe the amount of semis on the road. My car, a mid-sized Chrysler, was definitely in the minority. Most of what I saw were SUVs, vans, pickups and semis. All traveling faster that I was and I pushed the speed limit to the max most of the way here. Except in those damn construction areas that went on for miles and miles and miles.
Then there was Little Rock, Arkansas. I arrived there at rush hour. I was on the Interstate. I think every street in L R merges onto that Interstate. It was bumper to bumper, stop start stop start, for an hour and a half. I needed gas, too. So I got off the Interstate and got entangled in a SNAFU just trying to make a left into a gas station.
After buying gas, jockeying traffic to get back on I30, I found the next exit with a Super 8 motel and got off. I had been on the road for 12 hours and was getting punchy and was hot and tired. The young guy behind the desk at the Super 8 was a gem. In 5 minutes I was signed in, and unloading my stuff. I took a shower, and was going to go for food, but fell asleep stretched out on the bed. Later I went to the car, carried up my cooler and noshed on ham, cheese and crackers, with a side of grapes. I never left the room until I checked out the next morning.
I arrived at my brother's house the next afternoon, safe and sound. I didn't realize I suffered from mild "road rage" but I do. I think I invented some new @#$%^#$ words.
But, I made it. I'm here. I am relaxing and having a ball. These two relatives are wonderful people. My brother and I are harassing my sis-in-law by being, well, brothers! She loves it! We haven't done anything special except they treated me to dinner at "Babes" my favorite eating establishment down here. Otherwise, we're just hanging out and enjoying each other's company.
Now,it's time to go fill my coffee cup and go sit on the deck and enjoy the morning before the temp gets up in the 90.s. More later.
Peace,
JE

What I Read #84

The Search by Nora Roberts: Fiona Bristow is a trainer of Search and Rescue dogs. She lives on Orcas Island. Simon Doyle is an artist who also lives on the island. They meet when Simon's mother gives him a pup that is in dire need of training.
Circumstances occur that bring them into close proximity, and of course, the inevitable happens. Along with a copycat serial killer that is pursuing Fiona to settle a score from years ago.
I found this book to be an easy read, and I was intrigued reading just how dogs are trained, and used for the vital occupation of Search and Rescue, and how successful that program is. I give this 4 stars on my 4 star reading scale. It isn't any wonder that the book jacket says that Ms Roberts is the NY Times #1 best selling author.
As a side note, my daughter-in-law went to a Nora Roberts book signing, and came back a real fan. She said Ms Roberts is just a nice person, besides being a wonderful author. She has a picture of the two of them together on her bookshelf with every novel by Roberts.
Happy Reading,
JE
(note: no picture because I am blogging on vacation on my brother's computer. I won't download pictures on it, but will update when I get home.)

Vacation!

Okay, I am really pumped about vacation. I leave at 7:30 AM Monday. Heading out to Texas to my brother's. I have all my luggage out and stuff spread all over the bedroom in preparation. I have to take summer clothes because it averages about 10 degrees higher there than here this time of year, but I am staying into October and maybe even November, so I am taking some fall duds too. I have to return all my books to the library before I go. I have all my bills set up to "autopay" and have given Prof and Kiddo strict instructions about caring for the house and property. (Yeah, right!)
Curley and I went shopping earlier in the week and I bought some foodstuffs to take along plus some Indiana wines that we can't buy in TX. Curley gave me enough books to last me for as long as I will be there,(probably) but if not, "Half-Priced Books" is only a few miles from my brother's.
So, I have the route mapped out, a "Super8 Motel" guide all marked, and the car has been serviced, two new tires, and a 23 point inspection. It still needs swept out and the trunk cleaned out.
I will blog from TX and will show you some pictures on here when I return. Just pray for me as I travel!
Can hardly wait.
Peace,
JE

What I Read #83

Beachcombing for a Shipwrecked God by Joe Coomer: A delicate, delightful tale of Charlotte, a recently widowed young woman, who feels the need to get away and heal. Charlotte meets up with Grace, an elderly, outspoken woman, and Chloe, a 17 year old girl caught in a violent relationship. The three take up residence on the "Rosinante" a 50 ft. yacht owned by Grace. There they learn to tolerate each other in a confined space, and they all discover that life is too short to hold back on living. They are watched over by Harry, a crusty lobster fisherman, whose trawler is docked next to them.
If I was to recommend only one book for you to read this year, this is it. It is touching, funny, and very well written. Probably the best book I will read in 2010.
Happy Reading,
je

What I Read #82 1/2

Likeness by Tana French: Well, I tried. I dove into "Likeness" with enthusiasm but soon felt bogged down in rhetoric and mundane detail. This novel was nothing like "Faithful Place" and I was sorely disappointed.
First of all, the print was too small. That is always a turn off for me. Secondly, after reading "Faithful Place," I didn't like the way the character of "Frank" was depicted. And, Cassie/Lexie was just as mundane.
By page 70, French was still laying the groundwork to what was going to happen, and I just wanted to shout, "let's get on with it." So doing something I almost never do, I skipped a few chapters. This didn't help, so finally, I gave up, read the last few pages and closed the book!
Keep on Reading,
JE

How's Growing Older?

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, or my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gnome that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.

I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

What I Read #82

Listen to the Silence by Marcia Muller: I'm not sure why I haven't ever been introduced to Marcia Muller's work, but I plan to read more. In this novel, P.I. Sharon McCone discovers, quite by accident, that she was adopted as an infant. She is furious with her Ma, and sets out to find her real parents. Along the way, she encounters resistance like she never imagined, yet gets a whole new perspective on her own live.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #81

Blood Lure by Nevada Barr: " Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my!" Well no lions or tigers, but bears abound in this exciting, but bizarre tale about Glacier National Park and the National Park Service. NPS employee Anna Pigeon comes back to Glacier National for some "bear" training. There she encounters bear expert Joan Rand and the adventures begin.
I learned more that I needed to know about black and grizzly bears, but in doing so, I found another author that I want to read more of.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #80

So Sure of Death by Dana Stabenow: Alaska State Trooper Liam Campbell is the focus of this novel by award winning author Dana Stabenow. The fishing boat, Marybethia, is found floating in the bay. It's entire crew dead, their corpses burned beyond recognition, and Trooper Campbell and his new assistant, Trooper Diana Prince, are expected to solve the case. Other murders occur, making their job even harder.
This was my first Liam Campbell novel. For some reason, it seems the only one in my nearby library. I will be visiting the used book stores in my area to find more of Liam Campbell.
Happy Reading,
JE

Mind Ramblings

My mind is working overtime right now for some weird reason. I am preparing for vacation to Texas. I am excited about going. I am a little nervous about driving that far. I have always flown, went by train or bus, but this time I will drive. Now, you might ask, what is the big deal about that? Well, to be perfectly honest, I have never driven that far away from home. In my earlier years, my wife and kids and I would go to wife's grandparents yearly, but that was about an eight hour drive. My wife had done it so many times she knew the route by heart, and was my copilot.
This trip I will be going by myself, staying overnight in a motel, and traveling about 1000 miles. I will be traversing several states on roads I haven't driven, and either through or around BIG cities. I will have to stay alert and watch for all the signs and exits. I have my atlas, with the route well marked in hi-lighter, so I should not get lost. Curley offered me their GPS to take along, but I am thinking that it would confuse me all the more and I would have to stop if it needed reprogramming or something. Once I get on the interstate about 25 miles from my house, it will be dual lane all the way until I am two blocks from my brother's.

Another thing on my mind is my health. I have had to have this tube thingy put in my ear, and that is a good thing, only I have intermittent earaches. I go back to the ENT next week to have it checked. I am getting the name of a good ENT in TX while I am with her so if anything goes wrong, I will be able to see someone there. I had a physical last week and my PSA tests came back with higher numbers than the doc was comfortable with. So, when I get back from TX, I have to see an urologist just for safety sake. I have been reading on the internet (mistake #1) and the tests they might do on me scare me to death. I know I am being a sissy about this, but they sound so gross, and possibly painful. And, the specialist couldn't work me in until October 26th, so that's a long time to stew and fret about this stuff.

I am happy that the roof guys came early. They weren't due until October, but they called yesterday and had time to work me in, so they started and will finish up today. And they gave me a $100.00 discount because I could pay the bill in cash! That's a good thing.

Prof and Kiddo might be moving. This can be good and bad. Good that I will have the house to myself and P and Q again, but bad because I will miss having them here. So that is a mixed feeling going on within.

I found out the other day that my friend d'Hube, is in kidney failure and will be going on dialysis before too long. He is also battling prostate cancer for the second time and will be having to have surgery this time. He isn't doing very well and this makes me sad.

All of these things have been preying on my mind. I have not been sleeping well, probably due to some of this stuff. So, I have to rely on my faith to keep me strong and focused. God has a way of making things turn out for the best. I just have a hard time remembering that sometimes.

Keeping the faith,

Peace,
JE

What I Read #79

Faithful Place by Tana French: One evening, Francis "Frank" Mackay, a member of the Dublin Guard gets a frantic phone call from his sister Jackie. He responds to her call, and winds up involved in a "cold case" and the murder of his young brother, Kevin.
Though I had a tough time wading through the Irish prose, this novel grabbed me on page one and held on until it ended on page 400. If you like murder/suspense, along with family squabbles and jealousies, this novel is for you.
Happy Reading,
JE