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

What I Read #78

A Clean Kill by Mike Stewart: Another Tom McInnes mystery. Tom is asked to investigate the suspicious death of a juror in a Big ticket lawsuit. The further he and his sidekick Joey and secretary Kelly go into their investigation, the more they become involved in jury tampering and a conspiracy involving the state's high courts, crooked attorneys and judges. Another hit by Stewart!
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #77

Whisper to the Blood by Dana Stabenow: In this, the 15th in the Kate Shugak series, Stabenow writes another winner! Global Harvest Resources, a big-time mining firm has purchased mineral rights on lands in the Native Alaskan "Park", a two million acre tract of Alaskan wilderness. There are many who don't want this mine to be opened. Murders begin occurring. Trooper Jim Chopin, Kate's current "guy" has his hands full. Kate, a private investigator steps in to help him, while fighting within herself whether she wants the mine or not, and whether she really wants a romantic attachment with Jim. Told with the prose only a native Alaskan can use, this novel proves that an author's tales can keep getting better and better!
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #76

Sins of the Brother by Mike Stewart: This is another "first" novel by Stewart, published in 1999. Attorney Tom McInnes goes back to his home town to attend his brother's funeral. It seems that his brother, Hill, died under mysterious circumstances. Instead of going back to his practice in Mobile, Tom stays to find out who murdered his brother. Well written, Sins of the Brother will have you sitting on the edge of your recliner! It will also make you want to rush to your nearest library or bookstore to grab another in this series by Stewart.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #75

61 Hours by Lee Child: People, you have to read this one. Jack Reacher, a loner and always on the move, hitches a ride on a tour bus when his other ride fails. He gets caught up, not only in a severe South Dakota blizzard, but in murder, drug dealing, bent cops, and government cover up. This Jack Reacher novel takes us into the bizarre world of a small town in the clutches of double digit negative temperatures, and the cold hearts of the people in control of the town and the people in it.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #74

The Cowboy Rides Away by Betsy Thornton: An interesting mystery. Cowboy Leroy Harris is found dead in his ranch house. It looks like a suicide, but friends of Leroy don't think he was the type to take his own life. Chloe Newcomb, a social worker transplant to New Dudley, AZ from New York City, is called out to the scene. She is part of the State Attorney's Victim Witness advocacy. She recognizes Leroy as someone she knew back in NYC many years ago, but by another name. She also feels that Leroy wouldn't have taken his own life, so she sets out to find out just who caused his death.
This is a first novel by Thornton. Published in 1996. A good, engrossing novel.
Happy Reading,
JE

School Daze!

This morning I woke to the sound of kids walking by the house. (Well, that was after the phone rang! Noone there!!) I wondered how the students I lad last year in 8th grade were faring at the high school. Hmmm! I wonder if Squirrel had thrown a temper tantrum yet! I wondered if Grif had gotten her "comeuppance" yet! (I hope that happened the first day...) and I just generally wonder how it's going. I wonder how my group of Autistic boys is doing and if they are being well treated. Sometimes, the regular teachers can become impatient with these guys, and I knew how to handle them. (Carefully, slowly, and with lots of patience.) I wonder what they did with my room. I spent nine years in there, so I am just curious.

No, I don't miss getting up and getting going on a schedule. I don't miss the disrespect. I don't miss the whining! But I do miss the kids I worked with every period of every day! They were what the job was all about, so I can't help but wonder how they are doing and if they miss me.

Peace,
JE

What I Read #73

A Taint in the Blood by Dana Stabenow: Another Kate Shugak mystery. This time Kate is in Anchorage trying to solve a murder. The woman convicted of it thirty years previous is in prison. Her daughter thinks she is innocent, and hires Kate to investigate the cold case. Trooper Jim Chopin is falling in love with Kate, much to both of their chagrin. It makes for interesting nights!! I recommend this as a quick read for you mystery lovers.
Happy Reading,
JE

An Artist's Pallet

My creative juices have been flowing since retirement. It has been too hot to do much outside the house besides keep the flowers watered and the grass mowed, so I have begun realizing my age-old dream of being an artist of sorts. I will not get rich at this because so far, I have given my art work away to my friends. But it's good therapy for whatever ails me, if anything ails me, and it keeps be busy and out of trouble.
Some of my artwork is shown here:


I made these roses from paper.










I design greeting cards:








This is just an example of my artistic endeavors. I plan to continue, and hope to grow in my creative abilities.

Peace,
JE

Feel Like a Kid Again...NOT!

Today I feel like a kid again.. And not in a good way. Ever since school was out in June, I have been fighting an ear problem. At first I had an infection, but that cleared up with the help of some antibiotics. Then I found out that my Eustachian tubes are no longer functioning properly, (due to age) so my sinuses won't drain properly, keeping fluid behind my eardrum in my right ear. This could lead to more hearing loss than I already have, which is not good! So, today I had a tube put in my right ear. Now, with kids, the Dr. actually puts the child under mild anesthetic to insure that the child won't feel any fright, or discomfort, thus holding still. NOT in adults. We strong individuals that have this done, have it done with some numbing drops in the ear canal, then waiting for them to take effect, then the procedure. Which, I must admit, didn't hurt at all. It felt weird, but it didn't hurt. It took only about 15 minutes start to finish, and it left me feeling a little dizzy. They let me sit for a while until I was no longer dizzy, then I was allowed to drive home.
I asked the DR. if she did this often with adults, and she said, "Sure, almost every day." I don't know if she was trying to make me feel better, or was being truthful. She didn't give me a sucker afterward like she does the kids, so maybe she was telling me the truth. She did tell me that if the Drs. had been doing procedures like this 60 years ago, I probably wouldn't be having the ear problems that I have now.
Right now, I have a slight earache, and I can feel my heartbeat in my ear, but I can also hear the birds chirping outside and the ceiling fan running. Noises I haven't heard for a long time. So, even though I didn't get a sucker, maybe the procedure was worth it after all!
Peace
JE

What I Read #72

The Singing of the Dead by Dana Stabenow: Published in 2001, this was Stabenow's 11th novel featuring the character Kate Shugak. Shugak, a Native Alaskan is an investigator. In this novel, she is hired as security for a Native woman running for State Congress. Mayhem and murder occurs of course, with Kate in the middle of it all. Along with a well written plot and full bodied characters, Stabenow lures the reader with her wonderful descriptions of the hauntingly beautiful Alaskan wilderness.
Reading this one made me rush back to the library for another one. Maybe I will end up reading all of the Shugak series. Stabenow also writes a Liam Campbell series, which sound interesting, too.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #71

Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro: If #70 was the worst book I have read this year, Private is one of, if not the best one, I've read this year. From what I can gather, It's the beginning of a new series. Jack Morgan, a former Marine helicopter pilot, owns and operates "Private," a investigative agency. He and his staff take on three bizarre cases. Then the action begins! This is one of those books that I didn't want to put down. I even read through breakfast and dinner. This is a must-read for all mystery/suspense buffs.
Happy Reading,
JE

Official Retirement

School in the county has officially started and school in the city starts Monday. Up until now, I have been on "summer break." Now retirement is official. How do I feel about that? Great! Wonderful! A deep feeling of relief has come over me. I will miss the people I taught with, and there are some students that I will miss, but most of them passed to High School so I wouldn't be seeing them anyway. I don't miss the "having to get up and get going" in the mornings. Just taking my own sweet time getting up and having my morning coffee sitting at my table, instead of gulping it from the nearest drive-thru on my way to school. The thing I will miss is the time after first bell until the kids got into first period class. That was a time I always had "hall duty" and watch the students arrive. There was always a "hi" or "mornin'" or even a smile from some of my students, and even some that weren't mine. Some were eager to share what they did last night. Maybe it was winning the football game, or even that they got to visit their grandma. Sometimes, I heard things in the hallway that I really didn't want or need to know. I was amazed at how glad some were to see each other every morning, even though they had walked home together, and probably texted each other all evening long. It was fun to watch the sleepy ones, too. The bed-hair, the wrinkled clothes, the weird outfits. Ah, yes. Those things I will miss. But, I decided that if I miss it too much, I can get up a little earlier and just sit and watch the kids walking to school. With my coffee, in my recliner. Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Retirement!
Peace,
JE

What I Read #70

Falling Awake by Jayne Ann Krentz: Of all the books I have read this year, this had to be the worst. First, it was "chick-lit" about dreams and and 5th level dreaming. After 421 pages, I still was clear just 5th level dreaming was, and I really didn't care. I just wanted it to be done and over with. Why didn't I quit, you might ask. I don't like to give up on any book, and Krentz is pretty famous as a writer, so I thought I would stick it out and maybe it would get better. The plot was thin and inane. The characters were shallow. The murders were nicely done, but the rest was tripe. Only redeeming thing I could say that Krentz really knows how to spice up the romantic scenes, and the sex was pretty good. On a scale of 1 to 10, how about an overall 2.
Keep on Reading,
JE

What I Read #69

High Season by Jon Loomis: Another first novel. Author Loomis writes an entertaining novel about murder and graft in Provincetown. A big Real Estate consortium wants to buy up the town, and the town residents don't want it to happen. Along with a well written plot, Loomis adds humor when talking about the gay and lesbian characters who roam the streets, along with cross dressers, transvestites, and drag queens. All in all, I was impressed with this first work of promising new author.
Happy reading,
JE

School is Starting Without Me! Whoopee!

School starts next week some time. It will be the first time in ten years that I haven't gone. I keep telling myself that I will not miss it. I think I have myself convinced. Last year was not a banner year at the school for me, and I sincerely felt that it was time for me to go. The discipline got to me, the lack of interest from parents got to me, the apathy of the administration got to me. I was treated with a disrespect by the students, such as I had never experienced in years before. What was wrong? I felt that it is an economic thing. Times are hard in our community. Jobs are scarce, and money is tight. As it is is all over, but my community is repressed like so many small towns now days. Parents are laid off from jobs, and this has a tumble down effect on their children. Kids don't understand not being able to have stuff or go places. Mom and Dad are just trying to hang on. It makes everyone in a family tense. This also carries over into the school room. Administration told us at the beginning of last school year that what goes on at home should have no effect on what goes on at school. This is bull hockey. Admin needs to come in a talk to the kids. They need to sit in a classroom where kids just don't give a rip, because they have too much baggage from home.
Another thing, parents need to wise up. I would bet that I know more about their middle- schoolers than they do. I know who is seeing who behind their parent's back. I know who is sexually active, and I know who is letting their "love interest" beat the s**t out of them. I know who is drinking, and who is using dope. I also know who is being molested by Mom's boyfriend, and sleeps hidden behind the couch in hopes that he can't find her in his drug induced drunken stupor!
I know who doesn't get enough to eat, who doesn't get enough rest at night, and who doesn't have clean clothes or facilities to bathe regularly. I see kids come to school in the same clothes day after day, because Mom or Dad don't give a damn about how they look, feel or smell.
Knowing all of this and being faced with it every day just got to be too much. When I first started at the school, I would come home at night and cry. Then, I would come home mad. I finally knew that I alone could not change the mind set of the administration, or the parents or the community, and I tried to steel myself against what I could see was happening. But it finally just got to me. I had to call it quits.
Retirement is good! I can relax and enjoy myself. But in the back of my mind, I still worry about those children who are not being treated fairly or like we think they should be. I will always worry about them. Maybe, I can do something in my retirement to make the people who need to know aware of what is happening to out youth of today. My prayer is that in some brighter tomorrow, there will be an answer!
Peace,
JE

The Job Search...not me!

Ever since Prof has returned from the wild west, she has been looking for a job. A permanent job. Today, she got three offers within an hour. This gives new meaning to the old adage, "when it rains; it pours."

One school system wanted her as a SPED paraprofessional at their Jr. High School. Another school wanted her to fill a 6-9 week pregnancy leave, teaching English.

Another system wanted her to be a Special Needs aide to a blind second-grader being mainstreamed into regular classes and needing one-on-one aid.

Today she made a decision. She really wanted to do the pregnancy leave, but hesitated in taking it because it was only for six to nine weeks, with nothing offered after that. So, she called the other system and explained the situation. They agreed that she should take the English job, and furthermore, they agreed to hold the Jr. High paraprofessional job open, filling it with a sub, until Prof could take over. They said she came so highly recommended, that they wanted her!

She is overjoyed! She also has found out that someone is working on helping her get licensed in this state, which would be great. Someone who knows someone at the state level. We'll see how that all pans out.

Then later on this afternoon, she received a "heads-up" phone call from a former co-worker, that one of the major social service agencies in our part of the state is bantering her name about within the agency, and said co-worker wanted her to know that she "might" be getting a call from them in the near future.

This, plus being in love, has made her a very happy camper! Me, too.

Peace,
JE

What I Read #68

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks: Another "tear-jerker" from Sparks. Ronnie and Jonah visit their dad in North Carolina during the summer, not knowing what really lies ahead. Ronnie falls in love with Will. Jonah grows up considerably during the summer months.
Expect schmaltz, love, and tears, but enjoy! I think this is Sparks' best work yet.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #67

Capitol Offense by Mike Doogan: Nik Kane, former police officer, now dectective, is in Juneau, Alaska, investigating a murder. People high up in the Alaskan government are causing trouble, and Nik is on the case to solve, not only one murder, but two. He takes a licking but keeps on hunting down the bad guys with the help of his friendly cabbie, Cocoa. With the twists and turns we've come to expect from Mike Doogan, this book is another grabber. The surprise ending left me speechless!
Happy Reading,
JE

What I REad #66

Iced by Carol Higgins Clark: Famous people, famous paintings, Aspen ski slopes all combine to make this a pretty good read. Investigator Regan Reilly is in Aspen for the Christmas holidays. She is hot on the trail of an art thief, only she nor anyone else, is sure just who it might be. Not bad!
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #65

Walking Dead by Greg Rucka: Another fine novel in Rucka's Atticus Kodiak series. Atticus and his gal-pal Alena are living in the republic of Georgia, in the former Soviet Union. Their nearby neighbors are murdered in the night. Atticus finds that their daughter wasn't murdered, but was kidnapped. He sets out to find her. His quest leads him from Eastern Europe through Europe, and ending in Las Vegas. The evils of human trafficking that plague our world are brought to the forefront in this powerful novel, published in 2009. Read it!
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #64

The Body in the Sleigh by Katherine Hall Page: What I thought was going to be a "fluff" novel, turned out to be a really good read. Page writes the Faith Fairchild mystery series. This is the first one I have read.
A young girl is murdered and Faith discovers her body in a sleigh which is part of the holiday decorations in Sanpere, Maine, where the Fairchild family is spending the holidays. Faith goes on the hunt for the killer. A Sanpere teenager is blamed, but Faith knows he didn't do it and is determined to find out who did.
If you haven't read any of Page's novels, I suggest you do so.

Happy Reading,
JE

Monday's Musings

I know several bloggers that make lists, ramble on about stuff, and share thoughts that just pop into their heads, so I decided to just list some random thoughts that have darted in and out of my aging brain today.

Why does tragedy strike so close to home. A family in town lost their home and their three children in a fire two blocks away. I knew two of the children from school. I don't understand why these things happen.

I am tired of Kiddo's summer vacation. He has become a real couch potato, and definitely has his days and nights turned around. He could use a bit of an attitude adjustment.

I wonder how much I will miss going to school when school starts in 3 weeks.

As much as I love having Prof and Kiddo here, I do miss my privacy and the peace and quiet.

My little grandchildren are spectacular. So is Kiddo, but he's past the cute cuddly stage.

I am anxious to go on my vacation to Texas.

My son got a new position and a raise and I am so proud of him.

My daughter-in-law just got her master's degree. I am proud of her, too.

Have you ever wondered how they get the filling in Pop-Tarts?

Enough!

Peace,
JE

What I Read #63

Winter of the Wolf Moon by Steve Hamilton: An Alex McKnight novel, and reads much like Hamilton's first novel in this series. In fact, I thought maybe I had read this one already it was so similar. Alex McKnight is a 48 year old former Detroit cop, sometimes private investigator, who owns several cabins in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The winters there are harsh along the eastern shores of Lake Superior. Alex seems to always be recovering from some injuries he sustained mostly by sticking his nose where it doesn't belong. His Native American friend, Vinnie, is mostly "white" except when being Indian works to his advantage.
In this novel Alex tries to come to the rescue of one of Vinnie's tribal friends. He encounters more than he bargained for.
Though Alex complains all the time throughout the novel about the cold and snowfall in the UP, he says he would not live anywhere else. Read this novel if you like snow by the foot and crime that is seemingly endless. Not a favorite, but readable.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #62

Faces of the Gone by Brad Parks: This is Parks' first novel, and what a novel it is. Newspaper reporter, Carter Ross, is on the trail of story about the mass murder of 4 people on the gritty streets of Newark. The closer he gets to the truth, the more dangerous his life, and those around him, becomes. If this is the way Parks is going to entertain us, bring it on, Brad. Readers, you don't want to miss this one!
Happy Reading,
JE

"Getting to Know You" (me)

It's pretty bad when my life is so boring that I use another list on here. But this one might let you get to know me just a little bit more, if you're interested.


1. First thing you wash in the shower?
my head.

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
Red

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Probably, I don’t remember
who that was. I remember hugging. Does that count?

4. Do you plan what you are going to wear?
Not any more. Used to when I worked so I didn’t have to think about
it in the morning.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
pretty happy, fairly relaxed, and a little sleepy

6. What's the closest thing to you that's red?
New Print Cartridge box

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
I kissed Scarlet O’Hara on the lips? I hated that book and the movie.

8. Did you meet anybody new today? No

9. What are you craving right now? Coffee

10. Do you floss? Yes, every day before bedtime.

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? sauerkraut

12. Are you emotional? Sometimes, but usually pretty laid-back.

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
I counted backwards from 99. It involved bottles of beer.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
I eat mine with a spoon. I dislike drippy cones.

15. Do you like your hair? What hair!!!!!!!!!

16. Do you like yourself? Most days, yes.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? Yes, only to bend his ear!

18. What are you listening to right now?
the AC running

19. Were your parents strict? Mom: not so much, Dad: God yes!

20. Would you go sky diving?
no way in hell

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
yes, especially with fruit

22. Have you ever met a celebrity? Yes. My late wife introduced me to
Crystal Gayle once. They went to HS together.

What I Read #61

Cinnamon Kiss by Walter Mosley: The setting for this novel is 1966, the Summer of Love. P.I. Easy Rawlins is hurting for cash, so he takes on a complicated case involving stolen old Swiss Bearer Bonds with ties with the Hitler Regime. Because Easy and his buddy, Mouse, are black, they run up against racial prejudices at every turn, making their job that much harder and dangerous.
I liked this book. I think Mosley can tell the tale like no other writer. I was young during this era, and I must have lived a very sheltered life. I knew racial tension and prejudice ran high during that time, I guess I just didn't know how severe it was. I highly recommend reading Mosley's work. This is the 10th Easy Rawlins novel. I think I will grab another on the next trip to my library.
Happy Reading,
JE

Amazingly Simple Home Remedies

A dear friend, Phyl, who has been a good friend since 1956, sent me this. Once again proof that once we retire we have entirely too much time on our hands! (BTW, Phyl was my first girlfriend way back in the 6th grade. We were country kids, lived a mile from each other, took Driver's Ed together and have grown older and still remain friends.)





AMAZING SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES:

1. AVOID CUTTING YOURSELF WHEN SLICING VEGETABLES BY GETTING SOMEONE ELSE TO HOLD THE VEGETABLES WHILE YOU CHOP.

2. AVOID ARGUMENTS WITH THE FEMALES ABOUT LIFTING THE TOILET SEAT BY USING THE SINK.

3. FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SUFFERERS ~ SIMPLY CUT YOURSELF AND BLEED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THUS REDUCING THE PRESSURE ON YOUR VEINS. REMEMBER TO USE A TIMER.

4. A MOUSE TRAP PLACED ON TOP OF YOUR ALARM CLOCK WILL PREVENT YOU FROM ROLLING OVER AND GOING BACK TO SLEEP AFTER YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON.

5. IF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES. THEN YOU'LL BE AFRAID TO COUGH.

6. YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE.

7. IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.

What I Read #60

Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci: It doesn't take very long reading any Baldacci novel to know why he is on the New York Times bestseller list all the time. This book is no exception! Be forwarned that it is pretty violent and graphic. There are a lot of characters involved, and at first it's hard to figure out just who works for which agency and so on. But the action is full-speed-ahead and the plot is intriguing. There is a group of vigilantes hunting down evildoers all over the world. Another group is hunting an insane, power hungry, former Soviet politico who is dealing in, not only human trafficking, but nuclear warfare. What happens when both groups become intertwined? Make sure you add this book to you summer reading list and find out!
Happy Reading,
JE

Ramblings of a Retired Mind

Thanks to my good partner-in-crime and best friend, Curley, for this one. (And she isn't nearly old enough to even think about retiring!)

I was thinking about how a status symbol of today is those cell phones that everyone has clipped onto their belt or purse. I can't afford one. So, I'm wearing my garage door opener.

I also made a cover for my hearing aid and now I have what they call blue teeth, I think.

You know, I spent a fortune on deodorant before I realized that people didn't like me anyway.

I was thinking that women should put pictures of missing husbands on beer cans!

I was thinking about old age and decided that old age is 'when you still have something on the ball, but you are just too tired to bounce it.'

I thought about making a fitness movie for folks my age, and call it 'Pumping Rust'.

I've gotten that dreaded furniture disease. That's when your chest is falling into your drawers!

When people see a cat's litter box, they always say, 'Oh, have you got a cat?'
Just once I want to say, 'No, it's for company!'

Employment application blanks always ask who is to be notified in case of an emergency. I think you should write, 'A Good Doctor'!

I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older. Then, it dawned on me. They were cramming for their finals.

As for me, I'm just hoping God grades on the curve.

Some Thoughts on Retirement

I have been retired for over a month now. I love it! There is the fact that I am obligated to no one. I don't have to get up at a certain time. I don't have to go to bed at a certain time. I don't have to eat if I don't want to, or should I say when and if I want to, I can eat! Either way, it's a plus! I read, craft, work in my yard, or anything else as the mood strikes me.

Now, on the other hand, it can get pretty boring just sitting on my duff all day. There isn't the extra cash to go run around like I was used to, and eating out as often as I did isn't an option any more. I miss talking to my coworkers, and yes, I miss the kids I dealt with on a daily basis. I don't have a lot of motivation right now, but I think that will get better.

All in all, retirement is good. For one who has always been super active like I have, making adjustments in my life style will just take time. But I've got a lot of that!
Peace,
JE

What I Read #59

Skeleton Lake by Mike Doogan: Nik Kane, an investigator for the Anchorage PD is recovering from gunshot wounds, so he decides to investigate a 20 year old murder that was never solved. To be very truthful with you, I DID NOT like this book. I forced myself to finish it. I found that I would read a few pages, lay it down and do something else, and then go back. It actually took me almost four days to get through it. I would not recommend it to anyone. I brought another Doogan novel home from the library, but if it's like this one, I probably won't finish it. I don't like books, or movies with "flashbacks," and this one was full of them. Definitely not my "cup-of-tea."
Keep on Reading,
JE

Aah! Birthdays

Last night the whole family, such as it is, met at our local Pizza Hut to celebrate my son's 35th birthday. What a great time we had. As I sat there, I was reminded of the hot, sticky, humid day when L'il Bro was born. His momma was so nervous about having another C-section that we had to wait another day for her to calm down and even then, the doc just said that she had to go get it over with. But she was fine afterward. I was reminded, too, of the frail little guy who was in and out of the hospital seven times before he was six years old, being a sufferer of chronic bronchitis, which fearfully lead to pneumonia. After having the tonsils out, he recovered and has had no problems since.
I was reminded about how L'il Bro loved cowboy boots. He wore them all the time. With shorts, with his bathing suit, and to church. He wore them out!!! I remember his flying down the street in his shorts and boots on his big wheel!
I remember the first time he used the "f" word. He said it at about age 3, right in front of his "wicked" grandmother! Boy did his mom and I hear about that, and hear about that, and hear about that!
Too rapidly he grew up and got his first job which lead to his first car. I remember him coming home and telling Mom that she had to take him to the police station to get his car keys back. He had been caught speeding in the City Park (of all places). The police made him park his car, bring Mother to the station, where they both got a lecture, and then he was set free. I believe he was grounded from the car, except for going to work, for a month.
I recalled the day when families and friends, gathered in a Biblical Garden nearby, to witness the marriage of L'il Bro and Sistah. It was a beautiful ceremony, and the beginning of a new era. My wish for them both was happiness!
Now, I watch my son with his own two children. He is patient, and gentle and kind. He is that way with Sistah, too. This is a family filled with love and kindness. I am so proud of the man my son has become. As he became a year older, I thanked God for him, and the many blessings he has given us all.
Peace,
JE

What I Read #58

liars all by Jo Bannister: This was a new kind of suspense/mystery read for me. I can only describe it as two stories in one. A man is murdered, his fiancee seriously injured, and a priceless necklace stolen. Daniel, the mild mannered guy who looks for things missing goes after the necklace only to uncover more crime than one can imagine.
Brodie, the mother of Jonathan, a small child who is dying of a brain tumor, is desperately looking all over the world for a cure for her small son. Both Brodie and Daniel are forced to make sacrifices that will change their lives forever. Through it all, faith and friendship prevail.
This was a powerful, moving novel. I would recommend it to book clubs. Daniel's "conversation with God" is one of the most powerful passages that I have read in any book.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #57

Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline: Twins! Attorney Bennie Rosato has a trouble making twin sister Alice Connelly. Alice is out to get revenge on Bennie for imaginary grievances and jealousy. She kidnaps Bennie, does despicable things to her, then tries to become her! What a story! If you like action, suspense and even sheer terror, reading Think Twice is a must for your summer reading list.
Happy Reading,
JE