HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
39 years married!
51 years together!!
❤️
Merry Christmas!!!
Friday, December 22, 2023
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Visit to Santa
Walker wasn't a very happy boy when he went to see Santa yesterday.
He's been sick for 6 days. He's got a terrible cough and cold. This on top of the asthma makes for a very unhappy boy. The eating specialist also thinks he has reflux which is causing all the throwing up. What next!!
Kelsey started with the cough about 8 days ago. She has asthma and the bronchiectasis so when she coughs she sounds like she's 100 years old and may never catch her breath again!! So they both are sitting on the couch using their nebulizers and trying to breath easier.
She tried to reschedule the Santa visit but they didn't have any more openings between now and Christmas. She phoned several other malls and they all said the same thing. So she figured they would get there right at the appointment time, quick in and out and then home again. she said at least he didn't cry but he wasn't interested in Santa at all.
Hopefully he'll feel better soon.
Friday, December 8, 2023
Books 36-39
Eleven by Carolyn Arnold
When Brandon Fisher joined the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, he knew he'd come up against psychopaths, sociopaths, pathological liars, and more. But when his first case takes him and the team to Salt Lick, Kentucky, to hunt down a ritualistic serial killer, he learns what nightmares are truly made of.
Beneath a residential property, local law enforcement discovered an underground bunker with circular graves that house the remains of ten victims. But that's not all: there's an empty eleventh grave, just waiting for a corpse. The killing clearly hasn't come to an end yet, and with the property owner already behind bars, Brandon is certain there's an apprentice who roams free.
As the FBI follows the evidence across the United States, Brandon starts to struggle with the deranged nature of his job description. And if the case itself isn't going to be enough to push Brandon over the edge, he's working in the shadow of Supervisory Special Agent Jack Harper, who expects nothing short of perfection from his team. To make matters even worse, it seems Brandon has become the target of a psychotic serial killer who wants to make him--or his wife--victim number eleven.
Beneath a residential property, local law enforcement discovered an underground bunker with circular graves that house the remains of ten victims. But that's not all: there's an empty eleventh grave, just waiting for a corpse. The killing clearly hasn't come to an end yet, and with the property owner already behind bars, Brandon is certain there's an apprentice who roams free.
As the FBI follows the evidence across the United States, Brandon starts to struggle with the deranged nature of his job description. And if the case itself isn't going to be enough to push Brandon over the edge, he's working in the shadow of Supervisory Special Agent Jack Harper, who expects nothing short of perfection from his team. To make matters even worse, it seems Brandon has become the target of a psychotic serial killer who wants to make him--or his wife--victim number eleven.
This was a very scary, on the edge of your seat kind of thriller. It made me feel anxious as I was reading it as to what was going to happen next. Even though I did like the story I wouldn't like to read more of this series without taking a break with less stressful stories inbetween.
The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff
Sixteen-year-old Noa has been cast out in disgrace after becoming pregnant by a Nazi soldier and being forced to give up her baby. She lives above a small rail station, which she cleans in order to earn her keep. When Noa discovers a boxcar containing dozens of Jewish infants bound for a concentration camp, she is reminded of the child that was taken from her. And in a moment that will change the course of her life, she snatches one of the babies and flees into the snowy night.
Noa finds refuge with a German circus, but she must learn the flying trapeze act so she can blend in undetected, spurning the resentment of the lead aerialist, Astrid. At first rivals, Noa and Astrid soon forge a powerful bond. But as the facade that protects them proves increasingly tenuous, Noa and Astrid must decide whether their friendship is enough to save one another - or if the secrets that burn between them will destroy everything.
Noa finds refuge with a German circus, but she must learn the flying trapeze act so she can blend in undetected, spurning the resentment of the lead aerialist, Astrid. At first rivals, Noa and Astrid soon forge a powerful bond. But as the facade that protects them proves increasingly tenuous, Noa and Astrid must decide whether their friendship is enough to save one another - or if the secrets that burn between them will destroy everything.
The fact that the boxcar full of babies, described in the novel is based on a true story is heartbreakingly hard to accept and that this story was inspired by real people that the author met during her research for this novel and that the circus was a way to hide some Jewish people to help keep them safe during the Holocaust is something I hadn't read about before.
I thought the book did an especially good job of showing how the war impacted not just Jews, but those associated with Jews, and to a lesser extent, all German citizens. A beautiful story of family, friendship, and trust.
Light a Penny Candle by Maeve Binchy
Evacuated from Blitz-battered London, shy and genteel Elizabeth White is sent to stay with the boisterous O’Connors in Kilgarret, Ireland. It is the beginning of an unshakeable bond between Elizabeth and Aisling O’Connor, a friendship that will endure through twenty turbulent years of change and chaos, joy and sorrow, soaring dreams and searing betrayals.
Writing with warmth, wit and great compassion, Maeve Binchy tells a magnificent story of the lives and loves of two women, bound together in a friendship that nothing could tear asunder -- not even the man who threatened to come between them forever.
Writing with warmth, wit and great compassion, Maeve Binchy tells a magnificent story of the lives and loves of two women, bound together in a friendship that nothing could tear asunder -- not even the man who threatened to come between them forever.
My main criticism of the novel is its ending. I won’t spoil it by revealing too much, but I feel that certain characters changed unexpectedly and unbelievably. Binchy didn’t prepare her reader for an ending that seemed unbelievable, rushed and the most unsatisfying part of the book. This is unfortunate as I did enjoy this book until the ending.
Lilac Bus by Maeve Binchy
Each Friday, Tom Fitzgerald drives the same people home from Dublin to spend the weekend in Rathdoon. Nancy, Dee, Kev and Celia - each has their own secret story, unknown to their fellow passengers. And of course Tom himself has his own reasons for returning home so regularly...
I really wasn't crazy about this book. It was more like a novella. Each chapter about a different person and only a few of the people had interaction or connections to the other. Not my favourite Maeve Binchey book I'm afraid.
Monday, November 6, 2023
Books 31-35
Little Tangled Webs by Cheryl Bradshaw
What if you knew the person you loved was murdered, but no one else believes you?
Eighteen-year-old Harper Ellis has spent the last three years searching for her aunt's killer, looking for clues, asking questions, gathering every tidbit she can find to explain the unexplainable. She's talked to anyone who would listen, trying to make them to see they're all wrong, and she is right.
Aunt Frida’s death wasn’t an accident.
Aunt Frida was murdered.
Of this, Harper is certain.
Tonight, Harper plans prove her theory, and she's prepared to risk her own life to do it.
Eighteen-year-old Harper Ellis has spent the last three years searching for her aunt's killer, looking for clues, asking questions, gathering every tidbit she can find to explain the unexplainable. She's talked to anyone who would listen, trying to make them to see they're all wrong, and she is right.
Aunt Frida’s death wasn’t an accident.
Aunt Frida was murdered.
Of this, Harper is certain.
Tonight, Harper plans prove her theory, and she's prepared to risk her own life to do it.
Very interesting mystery. It was full of suspense and kept me guessing. There are a lot of surprises in this book including the culprit.
Natalie Morgen made a name for herself with a memoir about overcoming her harsh childhood after finding a new life in Paris. After falling in love with a classically trained chef, they moved together to his ancestral home, a tiny fishing village off the coast of Brittany.
But then Francois-Xavier breaks things off with her without warning, leaving her flat broke and in the middle of renovating the guesthouse they planned to open for business. Natalie's already struggling when her sister, Alex, shows up unannounced. The sisters form an unlikely partnership to save the guesthouse, reluctantly admitting their secrets to each other as they begin to heal the scars of their shared past.
But the property harbors hidden stories of its own. During World War II, every man of fighting age on the island fled to England to join the Free French forces. The women and children were left on their own...until three hundred German troops took up residence, living side-by-side with the French women on the tiny island for the next several years.
When Natalie and Alex unearth an old cookbook in a hidden cupboard, they find handwritten recipes that reveal old secrets. With the help of locals, the Morgen sisters begin to unravel the relationship between Violette, a young islander whose family ran the guesthouse during WWII, and Rainier, a German military customs official with a devastating secret of his own.
But then Francois-Xavier breaks things off with her without warning, leaving her flat broke and in the middle of renovating the guesthouse they planned to open for business. Natalie's already struggling when her sister, Alex, shows up unannounced. The sisters form an unlikely partnership to save the guesthouse, reluctantly admitting their secrets to each other as they begin to heal the scars of their shared past.
But the property harbors hidden stories of its own. During World War II, every man of fighting age on the island fled to England to join the Free French forces. The women and children were left on their own...until three hundred German troops took up residence, living side-by-side with the French women on the tiny island for the next several years.
When Natalie and Alex unearth an old cookbook in a hidden cupboard, they find handwritten recipes that reveal old secrets. With the help of locals, the Morgen sisters begin to unravel the relationship between Violette, a young islander whose family ran the guesthouse during WWII, and Rainier, a German military customs official with a devastating secret of his own.
This was a really interesting 2 timeline story. The story of both ages is told from the perspective of the three women Nat, Alex and Violette. The past and present intertwine as both sets of sisters are facing their own battles.
The Watchmaker's Daughter by Dianne Haley
Hiding the worn piece of paper among her father’s watch deliveries, her eyes fill with tears at the memory of her brave friend walking towards the Nazi soldiers, and the sharp sound of gun fire. Her friend sacrificed herself so that she could deliver this message. But if she hands it over, the love of her life will die…
1942, Geneva: As her radio crackles with heart-breaking news from occupied France, Valérie Hallez gazes towards the snow-covered Alps after a long day helping her father, a local watchmaker. With a Nazi invasion looming, she is sick with worry for the future of her country, and for Philippe, her childhood sweetheart with soft brown eyes. Valérie might not be able to join the army like him, but she is determined to play her part in the fight against evil…
In defiance of her father, Valérie helps the French Resistance by smuggling messages among her father’s watch deliveries. And when darkness falls, she risks everything to hide Jewish refugee children in his old workshop. Philippe fears for her safety, as her work for the Resistance could come with a heavy price. But nothing will stop her delivering vital information and getting terrified children to safety before they are sent back to the Nazis.
But when Valérie is entrusted with an urgent letter for the Allies, she finds herself in an impossible position. The information it contains could alter the course of the war. But if she hands over the message now, it will cost Philippe his life. With Nazi spies closing in on her, Valérie must act now… But can she really trust the man she loves, and will she find a way to save both him and her country before it’s too late?
1942, Geneva: As her radio crackles with heart-breaking news from occupied France, Valérie Hallez gazes towards the snow-covered Alps after a long day helping her father, a local watchmaker. With a Nazi invasion looming, she is sick with worry for the future of her country, and for Philippe, her childhood sweetheart with soft brown eyes. Valérie might not be able to join the army like him, but she is determined to play her part in the fight against evil…
In defiance of her father, Valérie helps the French Resistance by smuggling messages among her father’s watch deliveries. And when darkness falls, she risks everything to hide Jewish refugee children in his old workshop. Philippe fears for her safety, as her work for the Resistance could come with a heavy price. But nothing will stop her delivering vital information and getting terrified children to safety before they are sent back to the Nazis.
But when Valérie is entrusted with an urgent letter for the Allies, she finds herself in an impossible position. The information it contains could alter the course of the war. But if she hands over the message now, it will cost Philippe his life. With Nazi spies closing in on her, Valérie must act now… But can she really trust the man she loves, and will she find a way to save both him and her country before it’s too late?
It was interesting to read a WWII book that was set in Switzerland. Everyone knows that Switzerland was a neutral country but this book sheds a light on what the people did to help Jewish refugees escape from occupied France. This was definitely a page turner!!
Home Front Girls by Suzanne Hayes & Loretta Nyhan
It's January 1943 when Rita Vincenzo receives her first letter from Glory Whitehall. Glory is an effervescent young mother from New England, impulsive and free as a bird. Rita is a Midwestern professor's wife with a love of gardening and a generous, old soul. These two women have nothing in common except one powerful bond: the men they love are fighting in a war a world away from home.
Brought together by an unlikely twist of fate, Glory and Rita begin a remarkable correspondence. The friendship forged by their letters allows them to survive the loneliness and uncertainty of waiting on the home front, and gives them the courage to face the battles raging in their very own backyards. Connected across the country by the lifeline of the written word, each woman finds her life profoundly altered by the other's unwavering support.
Brought together by an unlikely twist of fate, Glory and Rita begin a remarkable correspondence. The friendship forged by their letters allows them to survive the loneliness and uncertainty of waiting on the home front, and gives them the courage to face the battles raging in their very own backyards. Connected across the country by the lifeline of the written word, each woman finds her life profoundly altered by the other's unwavering support.
This was an interesting story but I don't think I liked the format....letters.
A Death at Seascape House by Emma Jameson
When librarian Jemima Jago is offered the opportunity to catalogue Cornwall’s largest collection of antique shipwreck records it is a dream come true. The only problem? The collection is housed on the island of St. Morwenna, the childhood home she left years ago and vowed never to return to.
Shortly after Jem arrives back in town, island busybody and notorious grump Edith Reddy is found dead, with duct tape clamped over her mouth and nose. Jem, caught seemingly red-handed at the scene of the crime, mistakenly becomes the police’s number one suspect. The handsome Sergeant Hackman in particular can’t seem to leave Jem alone…
Jem must take matters into her own hands if she wants to clear her name. Snooping around Edith’s once-grand home, she is struck by the mess before her. The bedroom is completely ransacked and in the living room all the photographs have been removed from their frames. Was Edith’s death simply a break-in gone wrong, or is there more to the mystery that the police are missing?
Jem has a sharp eye for a clue and she soon realizes that many of the island’s eccentric residents had reason for wanting Edith out of the way. Could Declan, the curious café owner, or Bart, the fishy ferryman have killed Edith? Jem won’t rest until she uncovers the truth, but doing so will put her right in the killer’s line of sight…
Shortly after Jem arrives back in town, island busybody and notorious grump Edith Reddy is found dead, with duct tape clamped over her mouth and nose. Jem, caught seemingly red-handed at the scene of the crime, mistakenly becomes the police’s number one suspect. The handsome Sergeant Hackman in particular can’t seem to leave Jem alone…
Jem must take matters into her own hands if she wants to clear her name. Snooping around Edith’s once-grand home, she is struck by the mess before her. The bedroom is completely ransacked and in the living room all the photographs have been removed from their frames. Was Edith’s death simply a break-in gone wrong, or is there more to the mystery that the police are missing?
Jem has a sharp eye for a clue and she soon realizes that many of the island’s eccentric residents had reason for wanting Edith out of the way. Could Declan, the curious café owner, or Bart, the fishy ferryman have killed Edith? Jem won’t rest until she uncovers the truth, but doing so will put her right in the killer’s line of sight…
This was an interesting series starter. As it is a cozy mystery lots of the story was quite predictable. I did enjoy the book and the setting was made to sound beautiful and very idyllic-after they solved the murder!!
Monday, October 23, 2023
They're Back!
After being evicted earlier in the summer from the yard at thehouse that was sold they arrived back on the street about 2 weeks ago. We don't know where they are living as they can't get back into their old plac. We have seen 6 of them so far. One has antlers, he wasn't part of the original group! These pictures were taken yesterday.
Today it was freezing rain over night and is now snowing and a bitter cold wind, It's -3C. We're supposed to get 15cm snow by tomorrow. It is COLD!!! Of course we had to go out to a doctors appointment but we will not be going out tomorrow
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Books 25 -30
Abby Kane FBI Thrillers by Ty Hutchinson
Book 1: Corktown
In the quiet Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, a mutilated body has the residents nervous and for good reason. Detroit Metro Police recognize the handiwork of the serial killer known as the Doctor. But there’s a problem with that. They locked him up seven years ago.
Because of her expertise with serial killers, former hotshot detective and now FBI agent, Abby Kane, is tasked with figuring out how this madman is able to kill again. When she visits The Doctor behind bars, he swears he’s innocent and not the psychopath everyone thinks he is. Oddly enough, Abby believes him.
Corktown dives headfirst into the grit of Detroit, exposing the government corruption and deadly violence that has haunted the city for decades.
I enjoyed this book and ended up reading all 6 of the books that were available for free in my ereader. I can give a review of the first book but I won't review the others as they all interconnect. It was fast paced and revolves around a bad ass female FBI agent. She is very experienced in what she does and does everything her own way and gets results. I think there are 12 books in the series and I would read the rest if they come up on the free list.
Book 2: Tenderloin
Ordered to Colombia for answers, Abby's investigation takes her deep into the Amazon jungle where she discovers evidence of strange experiments at a rundown lab. When she later crosses paths with one of the scientists involved, she learns that a new drug has been invented, and its danger isn't the addictive high but the terrifying side effects.
Abby believes the cartels are behind the drug, but the locals think it's one man. They call him the Monster.
Book 3: Russian Hill
Book 4: Lumpini Park
Winning means killing. Sickos around the world are playing a deadly game, and the body count is climbing.
In the second book of the Chasing Chinatown Trilogy, FBI agent Abby Kane hunts the man behind the sadistic challenges the only way she knows how: by playing the game and moving up the bloody leaderboard herself.Abby arrives in Bangkok, Thailand, where she discovers a killer is already roaming the Big Mango looking for his next grand kill to win the game. As Abby is pulled further into the world of deadly play, the dynamics of the game suddenly change. Out of her jurisdiction and unsure of who she can trust, Abby is faced with two choices: walk away or die.
Book 5: Coit Tower
It’s payday in San Francisco, and death is the contract.
The hunt continues in the third installment of the Chasing Chinatown Trilogy. FBI Agent Abby Kane is the sole Attraction in a bloody game designed for one reason: to take lives. Deliver her head and collect the $10 million bounty.Abby doesn’t know who her attackers are. She doesn’t know when they will strike. But she does know they will come.
In this deadly game of murder, nothing is off-limits—not even her family. There are no rules, no restrictions, and only one ending: Winner takes… a life.
Book 6: Kowloon Bay
Every family has a secret that’s best left alone.
After the murder of her husband in Hong Kong, FBI Agent Abby Kane moved her family to San Francisco as a way to start over. Nearly three years have passed, and now she’s returning to her homeland for a family holiday.
In an effort to help her children learn more about their Chinese heritage and remember their father, Abby discovers an unthinkable secret that has her questioning the entire family she married into.
Kowloon Bay explores the well-established practice associated with Asian culture: saving face. To what length is perpetuating a lie better than acknowledging the truth?
After the murder of her husband in Hong Kong, FBI Agent Abby Kane moved her family to San Francisco as a way to start over. Nearly three years have passed, and now she’s returning to her homeland for a family holiday.
In an effort to help her children learn more about their Chinese heritage and remember their father, Abby discovers an unthinkable secret that has her questioning the entire family she married into.
Kowloon Bay explores the well-established practice associated with Asian culture: saving face. To what length is perpetuating a lie better than acknowledging the truth?
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Another Year!!
So this is what 72 looks like!! It's been a rough year with this knee replacement. I'm still waiting and hoping for a pain free day but that hasn't happened yet. I'm told it takes a year so I've still got 41/2months to go!! I did have a great birthday though. DH took me out for a delicious supper.
Meanwhile, that morning poor Walker had to go through this. He and mom and dad had gone to see the asthma specialist, after waiting many months for an appointment. Of course, he didn't cough once while he was there but Kelsey had made a previous recording so the doctor would be able to see and hear him. All she did was order a stronger puffer and send him for a chest xray. This is him in the torture chamber xray contraption to have the xray taken. He doesn't look very happy! Fortunately it didn't take very long and he got lots of cuddles after.
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