tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38927516809988017052024-03-14T00:20:54.947-07:00Of Books and Blooms"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." --CiceroLinnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.comBlogger485125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-35022204985386302992022-02-23T15:42:00.001-08:002022-02-23T15:42:00.221-08:00I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, by Joanne Greenberg<p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1Drnf0NPwMUNK95Y7p2xUn6uSOiN609WU7hdlOiEVqOpRIHOdl8mRowk9Ot2f1tdonsM-u-q5k0bLO3qtIKndDlLWsn_AuYc6JduqRycXjUyLXu__CeZsoBE-8PfWqVC-rzB5Q8adSqfBX-RWMmQxa2QK_8kbQl6axuchlOgiAKsQWEujRNVZCf8V=s475" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="294" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1Drnf0NPwMUNK95Y7p2xUn6uSOiN609WU7hdlOiEVqOpRIHOdl8mRowk9Ot2f1tdonsM-u-q5k0bLO3qtIKndDlLWsn_AuYc6JduqRycXjUyLXu__CeZsoBE-8PfWqVC-rzB5Q8adSqfBX-RWMmQxa2QK_8kbQl6axuchlOgiAKsQWEujRNVZCf8V=w248-h400" width="248" /></a></i></div><i>I Never Promised You a Rose Garden</i>, by Joanne Greenberg<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">4 stars: Painful but revealing.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Deborah Blau is severely mentally ill, in a time before mental illness was truly recognized or able to be treated effectively. Her desperate parents take her to an asylum, but they can hardly stand to leave her there. Nevertheless they do, and her treatment begins. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Most of the book is from Deborah's perspective, living in the asylum and meeting with her doctor. There are occasional glimpses from the doctor's perspective, her parents', and even her little sister's. With the help of her doctor, Deborah claws her way back to reality, from the fictional world she has built for herself inside her mind. It is not pretty or linear, but slowly, healing begins.</p><p style="text-align: left;">* * * * *</p><p style="text-align: left;">I was struck by a couple of things in particular: the insistence on telling the absolute truth to those suffering with mental illness. This was mentioned several times throughout the book. Deborah felt such a relief when the doctor told her that she was very sick. Finally! Deborah knew she had problems her whole life, but had constantly been told she was fine--i.e., lied to. It was so validating to her for her doctor to acknowledge her illness. Complete honesty also helped later on, when Deborah was closer to coming back to the real world. This is where the title comes in--it's a quote from the doctor to Deborah. Being cured or achieving mental health is not all happy and easy. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Another thing was the difference in treatment between then and now. At least from this book, it seems back then there were many physical treaments used--from shock therapy, to isolation, to the wet bedsheet treatment, but the only medication available were the sedatives. They of course, also had talk therapy as well. Now there are medications specific to the illness--I don't know how effective they are, but hopefully at least it's another tool that can help.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Finally, her descriptions of looking out on those in the "normal" world were poignant. Just the feeling of otherness, and bewilderment. How do they manage day to day? They make it look so easy, when everything to her was such a big struggle. I've heard addicts say the same thing, when they're in the midst of their addiction. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Along with that, Deborah's feeling of being invisible, even though she joined the church choir and another group--that no-one spoke to her or even seemed to see her, once she was trying to become a part of society again. So different from the top floor of the asylum, where she didn't have to pretend to be someone she wasn't, and she was seen for who she was. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Content: For adults. Quite a bit of language, including some crude sexual references. Self harm and violence.</p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-13419412015140685522022-02-18T11:12:00.002-08:002022-02-18T11:12:40.685-08:00Safecracker: A Chronicle of the Coolest Job in the World, by Dave McOmie<p>This book was one I found browsing the nonfiction shelves at the library. It just seemed interesting, so I grabbed it. I'm glad I did! It was a good read. My 14 year old read it as well and also liked it.</p><p><br /></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfLD9SQdctzVoTXD7fzxcAYCdVFBksZTaZfYYM8uy78GgreQzJsHgRoPNSMyFxzMnw6dMcSsVhHPDfmAm5R5353jNGQR69k5Lh6qjJ7vaC4uwDM6_xaSgj-un04JVyZwTyx-o6tRykgJ-kSvd8c0xZevDU14iW3Ukge0K6cECk8NadU9eS-qdG4uNP=s400" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfLD9SQdctzVoTXD7fzxcAYCdVFBksZTaZfYYM8uy78GgreQzJsHgRoPNSMyFxzMnw6dMcSsVhHPDfmAm5R5353jNGQR69k5Lh6qjJ7vaC4uwDM6_xaSgj-un04JVyZwTyx-o6tRykgJ-kSvd8c0xZevDU14iW3Ukge0K6cECk8NadU9eS-qdG4uNP=w268-h400" width="268" /></a></i></div><i>Safecracker: A Chronicle of the Coolest Job in the World</i>, by Dave McOmie<p></p><p>4 stars: Enjoyable, fast read.</p><p> Dave McOmie's job is to break into safes and bank vaults. If the combination goes missing or has been forgotten, if the time clock gets wound too tight or something gets stuck, Dave gets a call and off he goes. He spends a lot of time travelling to his job sights, as most of them are far enough away to require an airplane flight. He has to bring his tools with him--drills, lots of extra bits of various sizes, and expensive scopes to look into the holes he has made. It's often a timed or high pressure situation. </p><p>Between jobs, Dave is a dedicated family man and a philosopher at heart.</p><p>* * * * *</p><p>I found this fascinating. His job is one that rarely crosses my mind--but then again, I have never needed a safecracker. The book takes the form of "A Week in the Life," going day-by-day through the jobs required. He also tells stories of other jobs he has done, people he has worked with and for, and throws in some philosophy here and there. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into his life and perspective. </p><p><br /></p><p>Content: A little profanity, plus a couple of the safes had x-rated contents, which were mentioned but not graphically described.</p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-45106437977140163812022-02-15T19:00:00.001-08:002022-02-15T19:00:10.554-08:00Three Pennies, by Melanie Crowder<p> My husband and I have talked about fostering children for a very long time. We have just finished the initial set of training classes! We're excited and (at least for me) a little nervous. We know that this will be a big change for our family. </p><p>This is one I just pulled off the shelf while browsing a few weeks ago. I was pleasantly surprised to find this book was about a girl in care. I would love to make a list of fiction featuring foster children and their families--both biological and resource or adopted. </p><p><br /></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXWC9VPX7SIfVtHFkJGXd7vTpi5_wJ72RB6ljeNcd6kb4NHrydu_AFYu_VlzBGucVaRZ3OzMUt5ou2PJKNczIbevLVV0Bf4kw0F5lmQuvjz-uOJAHETrM3Fo0op72vRdDnqph_XB0orrPPWYkwsKGuxaCD5SYzWGGSUQjRl3nShn4zz5_PrhVjCDjm=s475" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXWC9VPX7SIfVtHFkJGXd7vTpi5_wJ72RB6ljeNcd6kb4NHrydu_AFYu_VlzBGucVaRZ3OzMUt5ou2PJKNczIbevLVV0Bf4kw0F5lmQuvjz-uOJAHETrM3Fo0op72vRdDnqph_XB0orrPPWYkwsKGuxaCD5SYzWGGSUQjRl3nShn4zz5_PrhVjCDjm=w268-h400" width="268" /></a></i></div><i>Three Pennies</i>, by Melanie Crowder<p></p><p>4 stars: Wistful, revealing, and ultimately, hopeful.</p><p><br /></p><p>Marin has been in foster care since she was small. She doesn't know why her mom left and she's never known her dad. Now there's an opportunity for her to be adopted, but she is positive that if she could just find her mom and talk with her face to face, that this misunderstanding can be worked out. Surely her mom will want her, at the very least will be unable to say no to her in person. She takes readings from her copy of <i>I Ching </i>to help her make decisions, but it's going to take more than the enigmatic answers from her book to guide her this time.</p><p>Lucy is a doctor with a child-sized hole in her life. She wants very badly to love a child and be a mother. Her life circumstances make it unlikely that she will be able to have one of her own, but she is open to adoption--if only there's a child that would fit.</p><p>And then there's an owl. A philosophically trained, very wise old owl. </p><p>* * * * *</p><p>The book alternates points-of-view between Marin, Lucy, the owl, and a few other characters. I did not find it jarring, as the switch happens per chapter. It is written as narrative poetry.</p><p>From the very beginning I was pulling for Marin and Lucy. Also feeling for Marin, as I would guess her speculations and feelings about her family of origin echo those of many children in care. Everyone wants to feel loved and wanted and safe. When the very foundations of her life get shaken up--literally and figuratively--Marin finds a way to cope with her past and move into her future.</p><p><br /></p><p>Content: Clean.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-17905046693097182192022-02-10T14:49:00.001-08:002022-02-10T14:49:00.214-08:00Educated, by Tara Westover<div style="text-align: left;">So, I just now got to this book. I know. It has been around and talked about so much since it came out. I have wanted to read it this whole time, just not so much that I persisted in seeking it out. Then at our last library visit, there it was sitting on an end cap. Yep, now is the time. Snatched it right up! <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As much as I use my Kindle and read online now days, there's a serendipity, a found delight, about going in person to a library that a virtual experience just can't replicate. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am a shelf browser by nature. Sometimes I have specific books that I am looking for, but even in that case, I always just happen to see 3 or 4 others nearby that come home with me. I always check the displays and the "New" bookshelves, too. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes I don't even know what I want, so I just wander and see what catches my eye. Then when something does--it's free to take home! Just not the same on Amazon.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway...to the review!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinASq-m9D2VmoZ9o5wlOGCbouHZW_YDhi9Iw-rvLpX5WW2XjyBTPqpOm7JIUfhr6XuiR-vme1ld0OxplsoFmefKM3dG07OczRrDg5U967JKPyFDIV4Ef5VHn6dQsfczwZHO89C2v1LVzUJAB2wco_Shwyzn2qcfBsJBleWVe0ve0ClozZ8iX0RLZxJ=s475" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinASq-m9D2VmoZ9o5wlOGCbouHZW_YDhi9Iw-rvLpX5WW2XjyBTPqpOm7JIUfhr6XuiR-vme1ld0OxplsoFmefKM3dG07OczRrDg5U967JKPyFDIV4Ef5VHn6dQsfczwZHO89C2v1LVzUJAB2wco_Shwyzn2qcfBsJBleWVe0ve0ClozZ8iX0RLZxJ=w265-h400" width="265" /></a></div><br />Educated</i>, by Tara Westover<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4 stars: Sad, disturbing, inspiring. So many things to think about with this one.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tara's experiences growing up in rural Idaho, the youngest child in a family of far-right survivalists. She was "homeschooled," which included very little actual book learning and a whole lot of working for her dad in the junkyard. Her parents didn't believe in doctors, so even ghastly injuries were treated at home with herbal remedies. They believed the government was evil, and guns were good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is her journey toward breaking free from the constraints of her upbringing and coming into a new and different understanding of herself, her family, and the world.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">* * * * *</div><div style="text-align: left;">So many thoughts about this book. Lots to unpack here. I should start by saying that I've got a lot of family in the little towns in Idaho that she grew up in and near, including my parents, plus aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides. I did not grow up there but have visited countless times over the years. That connection made Westover's experiences extra interesting and poignant to me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In addition, I am also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I could relate in that way to her story, though not all of the doctrine as she talks about it matches up with what I believe or was taught. She was homeschooled. I am currently homeschooling our 4 children. They were survivalists. We consider ourselves to be prepared, but I wouldn't go so far as to call us preppers. However, there were some similarities there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One way we diverge widely from her family is belief in government and the medical establishment. They feared and resented both. We do not. My husband is a doctor! We don't love the government, but we do what we must to get along with it. Along those lines, some of those injuries--wow. The doctors I know--including my husband--don't claim to have all the answers, but they do use proven methods and medications. How many problems could have been taken care of if their various ailments and injuries had been treated? First and foremost, her dad's mental illness. That alone could have changed the whole trajectory of all of their lives. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Her father rules over the family. It was hard to read about him claiming to have received revelation for his family but with ideas that led them further into extremity. For instance, at one point he decided that dairy products were evil, so they got rid of all of theirs (Tara would slip down the hill to her grandparents' for cold cereal and milk in the mornings.) The shootout at Ruby Ridge was a story told over and over to the children and they felt a real sense of fear: if it could happen at Ruby Ridge, they could be next. So many decisions based on fear, but under the cover of faith.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tara also recounts physical abuse at the hands of her older brother, and another brother who got out and went to college against all odds. When she finally did make it to college--also against great odds--her ignorance and different upbringing made so many things hard for her. Her family vehemently denies (to this day, according to my mom), that any of this happened the way she said it did. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I thought her account was even handed. She tried to show the good as well as the bad, even as at times she doubts her own memory. It sounded like neither set of grandparents believed the same way Tara's family did. Her one grandma-down-the-hill tried to take her away with them to Arizona for the winter, to go to public school there. Even her abusive brother protected her sometimes and saved her life from a runaway horse at one point. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Her observation towards the end, of the chasm that has split their family--between her and 2 brothers who left and the ones who stayed--was especially telling. Those who left all have PhD's, none have returned to live in Idaho, they are mostly estranged from the others. Of those who stayed, none have a high school diploma, the boys and son-in-law work for their dad in the junk business, or for the mom in her essential oils business. Back at home, the drama and dysfunction goes on, while Tara and the other 2 seem to have found a measure of peace away from it all. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My recurring thought throughout the whole book was: how was this allowed to go on? How did these kids slip through the cracks? Obviously, homeschooling had a lot to do with that--there were no teachers checking up on them or calling CFS--but these are warm, close-knit communities. How did no-one in her church ward notice what was happening? Or maybe they did or made attempts to help but she just didn't include that? Or her parents were just really good at putting on a good face, maybe? So many questions. They were pretty much estranged from most of the extended family, it sounds like, with strained relationships between her parents and grandparents on both sides. I don't know. How? That's what boggles my mind. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally, having read this book, I can understand my mom's hesitation when I told her we would be homeschooling our kids! If this type of homeschooling was all I had ever heard about, I would be very concerned as well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now I need to go call my cousins. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Content: A few cuss words, plus some very graphic descriptions of horrible injuries. Seriously, they would keep me up at night if I let them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">(January 2022)</div>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-20791440766414087102022-02-08T20:54:00.006-08:002022-02-08T20:54:00.236-08:00The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth, by Sam Quinones<div style="text-align: left;"> This one is by the bestselling author of <i>Dreamland</i>, which I have not read. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX89mIAth_gt9A-7DfaF54v-8dzxIUm1KNZDi5QrCWnbVVjHtWpUK7K_GMxjgicDEx54ERWVCuNaBhVmcvpnJObEEO1OuY-tF65RzHTks924fsZvVf2UUuWWg0s--4bG1TPlsgf1_wPxlK_m8_pT0stokgLEDJ9MrEazrYDUC9q6UcigN_nHwUpDMp=s400" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="263" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX89mIAth_gt9A-7DfaF54v-8dzxIUm1KNZDi5QrCWnbVVjHtWpUK7K_GMxjgicDEx54ERWVCuNaBhVmcvpnJObEEO1OuY-tF65RzHTks924fsZvVf2UUuWWg0s--4bG1TPlsgf1_wPxlK_m8_pT0stokgLEDJ9MrEazrYDUC9q6UcigN_nHwUpDMp=w263-h400" width="263" /></a></div>The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth</i>, by Sam Quinones<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4 stars: Eye opening.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Quinones details the drug scene in America, from the early 2000's, where heroin and cocaine were the biggest drugs on the streets, to now, with the rise of meth. He also talks at length about the Mexican drug cartels and when they made the switch from farmed drugs, like opium to lab-made, synthetic drugs which encompasses fentanyl products and meth. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Along with all of that, he shares personal stories from several people who have been affected by drugs, and what a few communities are doing to fight back.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">* * * * *</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wow, this book really brought things to light that I did not know about. The picture it paints of America is sobering, to say the least. Depressing, even. Drugs and cartels and synthetic chemicals made in China and shipped to whoever wants to make their own drugs to sell from home. It's a lot. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm glad I read it, though. This is happening. In my town, and in yours, whether the families being affected have broken through the shame to talk about it or not, it's happening. We're all seeing the aftermath of it--although it's not really aftermath, because it's ongoing. Just the havoc, I guess, is the better way to put it. Kids flooding foster care because parents are too doped up to take care of them. Homelessness exploding, drug overdoses killing more people than covid in the first half of 2020.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He doesn't just leave it there, though, which is the strength of this book. He shows a way forward. Communities coming together to treat addicts. Judges and policemen keeping them accountable and giving them the push towards sobriety. Safety nets in the form of counseling, rides, help finding jobs, and more, coming into play. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes it's not enough. Drugs are strict taskmasters, and the new forms of meth and drugs mixed with fentanyl are worse than they've ever been: more potent, more addictive, more deadly, more brain-damaging. I felt a determination to find solutions. As he says several times in the book, (paraphrasing here), no longer can we wait for addicts to hit rock bottom to seek help. In these times, rock bottom is dead. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Definitely not a light read, but an important one.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Content: A little bit of language, descriptions of drug abuse and violence.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> (February 2, 2022)</div>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-51383743251869620342022-02-03T12:55:00.001-08:002022-02-04T13:23:55.712-08:00A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat<div style="text-align: left;"> After reading <i>All Thirteen</i> by this author, I was eager to see what else she has written. So I was excited to find <i>A Wish in the Dark</i>. Then when I found out it had ties to <i>Les Miserables</i>? All in! <br /><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinXrcki4RUWKvvcKPalQm7SUkLB0OBuln6TDw_0TY9DZcZYHldhg-RQIkGnUnmITbKdoVCqzh246z7TqXM7ms5zf_aeDAJyvOvLTfhicCWsUl8CY_Al_F3o0L-F-rXBdUFSAhd-MJLFAKzPv6BhApG8FamykIPYT3ULFOvhaq5149itN2Eeh6mppGN=s452" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="318" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinXrcki4RUWKvvcKPalQm7SUkLB0OBuln6TDw_0TY9DZcZYHldhg-RQIkGnUnmITbKdoVCqzh246z7TqXM7ms5zf_aeDAJyvOvLTfhicCWsUl8CY_Al_F3o0L-F-rXBdUFSAhd-MJLFAKzPv6BhApG8FamykIPYT3ULFOvhaq5149itN2Eeh6mppGN=w281-h400" width="281" /></a></div><br />A Wish in the Dark</i>, by Christina Soontornvat<br />2021 Newberry Honor</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5 stars: Original fantasy with connections to one of my favorite books. Outstanding!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pong and Somkit live in a Namwon Prison. They aren't criminals--they were born there, and have since become orphans. They have to stay until they age out of the system--4 more years. Unless they can escape. Not that they have made any plans or anything, but one day when the opportunity presents itself, Pong takes the chance. He gets out! Alone. He left Somkit behind. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now Pong must make his way in the world without getting caught and taken back to prison. Now if he goes back, he will be a criminal, just for escaping. Chances are not good that he would escape twice. </div><div style="text-align: left;">However, it's a big world out there. The governor controls the light that the people have. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After a big fire in Pong's grandfather's time, no-one wishes to use fire anymore, ever. Then the governor came with light inside of him that they learned to hold inside of glass globes. Brighter lights for the wealthy, as it has turned out, and dimmer colors for the poor and middle class. They have even discovered how to power boats and machines with their lights. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pong can't worry about all that, though. He just has to survive another day without being caught. Little does he know how his own life will be connected with the future of the city, his people, and the light.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">* * * * *</div><div style="text-align: left;">This was such a satisfying read. I enjoyed the setting in a Thai-inspired fantasy world. The characters were well done and believable. The threads and connections back to Les Miserables added another layer. It was a great experience!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is one I will encourage my children to read. Strongly encourage. :) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Content: Clean.</div>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-44207568934225805862022-01-27T12:29:00.001-08:002022-02-04T12:52:57.172-08:0096 miles, by J.L. Esplin<p>I came across this book just browsing the middle grade fiction stacks at the library. I was highly interested in it, once I saw what it was about. I've read quite a bit of survivalist fiction, but none geared towards kids until now. I can relate to these kids. I wouldn't say we have gone full-on prepper, but we are working toward being prepared for both short-term and longer-term emergencies. Peace of mind means a lot.</p><p><br /></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKs7J3ITHdXSS9QTN0DVFpMU0EezRpaJv-RSkXExw3fdMXG5EOkv02rLmZT7t7pdxxHivVOFsO0unpIGWTADaKx9r2gnp3hcCL4Og6eb1WzXHKN4rrasrSeFSEzAqSdhfJNfE6c0zBtRXMGoM4M7h8e-joIE51cMTK0lNgeKKS1czsIWaLmz8dsJWO=s400" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="257" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKs7J3ITHdXSS9QTN0DVFpMU0EezRpaJv-RSkXExw3fdMXG5EOkv02rLmZT7t7pdxxHivVOFsO0unpIGWTADaKx9r2gnp3hcCL4Og6eb1WzXHKN4rrasrSeFSEzAqSdhfJNfE6c0zBtRXMGoM4M7h8e-joIE51cMTK0lNgeKKS1czsIWaLmz8dsJWO=s320" width="206" /></a></i></div><i><br />96 Miles</i>, by J. L. Esplin<p></p><p>4 stars: Kept me reading to find out what was going to happen!</p><p> </p><p>For John and Stew, this was supposed to be like every other work trip of their dad's. They would spend most of the time home alone, but would make sure to check in daily and spend at least a few hours over at the neighbor's as well. It's not like they couldn't take care of themselves. </p><p>Then the power went out. Not just at their house. Everywhere--at least, everywhere that they have been able to find out about. According to these same news sources, this is not going to be fixed quickly. It could days, maybe weeks. </p><p>They aren't too worried, though. Their dad has always been prepared, and then some. They should have plenty of food and supplies to just hunker down until things come back online. Their biggest threat will probably be boredom. </p><p>And then the men come in the night. Suddenly, their choices look very different. In order to survive, they're going to have to start walking. They have 96 miles to go.</p><p>* * * * *</p><p>As with most survivalist fiction, this book poses a big "what-if" question, then spends the book answering the question. What if you were just kids, left home alone during a widespread disaster? What decisions would you have to make and what steps would you have to take in order to survive? </p><p>I thought it was well done. You get bits and pieces of the story as you go along, which keeps up the suspense. Some things that don't make sense at first fall into place by the end. </p><p>I enjoy these types of books that go into scenarios. They have some suspense, and at the same time I'm thinking the whole time about how I would handle this or that, or in this case--how would kids do it? Food for thought.</p><p>My 12-year old daughter read it and we had a good discussion about it. I think it would be a great pick for a teen book club. In addition to the plot points, there are several moral questions that you could discuss.</p><p>Content: Clean.</p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-66611378184483373442022-01-20T12:05:00.001-08:002022-02-04T12:27:31.210-08:00Before the Ever After, by Jacqueline Woodson<div style="text-align: left;"> If you haven't read anything by Jacqueline Woodson, it's time to fix that! I have loved everything of hers I've read so far. This one was no exception. I know some people shy away from novels in verse. I enjoy them. I feel like they have a rhythm to them that you can't achieve nearly as well with regular writing. It does allow for a little more skipping around in the narrative, as well, but when it's done well--like in this book--it feels natural. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVATd44mcuxYrN5uGc0rOyP4Pm2IMuQWDqnKbeyygra1mCjOcT_lbRUfsqWb2Unrw-gw7MR4Keo0VPWPz6pEPnxYZiEjpqZ60ik_XapGiEFmXlsmBnESzed5yprlyIbmX7wZNRt3VdLjOjrdThmV82lp1363Df5jChrrIEdD906vOeTm7whn9u-E-O=s400" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="266" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVATd44mcuxYrN5uGc0rOyP4Pm2IMuQWDqnKbeyygra1mCjOcT_lbRUfsqWb2Unrw-gw7MR4Keo0VPWPz6pEPnxYZiEjpqZ60ik_XapGiEFmXlsmBnESzed5yprlyIbmX7wZNRt3VdLjOjrdThmV82lp1363Df5jChrrIEdD906vOeTm7whn9u-E-O=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br />Before the Ever After, by Jaqueline Woodson<br /><div>2021 Coretta Scott King Book Award</div><div><br /></div><br />5 stars: Warm-hearted and poignant.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">ZJ's Dad plays pro football. He's always been ZJ's hero--and lots of other people's hero, too. He's a gentle giant, who loves football more than almost anything, but he loves his family most of all. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then his dad starts changing. His hands shake. He forgets things--stuff like the name of one of ZJ's best friends. He cries sometimes for no reason, and sometimes get angry.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">ZJ is scared and he just wants his dad to get better, but they are not finding any answers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">* * * * *</div><div style="text-align: left;">Woodson shines a light on the brain problems caused by repeated head trauma--like happens in football. Her characters are multi--faceted. I love her portrayal of warm, supportive family and friends that surround Zachariah and his family when things slide away from great and head straight toward hard. It's like she's saying, "Here's what it's like to be a friend. Here's how you stand by someone in trouble." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Written in free verse, which keeps the chapters moving quickly. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Content: clean.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(January 2022)</div>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-63156272370536938512021-06-26T20:30:00.001-07:002021-06-27T23:36:29.733-07:00First Flower Harvest<p style="text-align: center;">Bachelor's buttons are blooming!</p><p style="text-align: center;">The kids and I went over this morning and cut some flowers for the table.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujv48vLtQ9uFhslWqms2-JwI7bhrwTfrJv6MYTjI5QI2YhIoPEtW1gojlournaGgEFaU-q6XS2MONYUStGnn3FIpI6xsdt_OGK1dt_APT7kpKz5N8FexXvKrmlaGXPbNhBNzAQvrbOHQ/s2048/20210621_143037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujv48vLtQ9uFhslWqms2-JwI7bhrwTfrJv6MYTjI5QI2YhIoPEtW1gojlournaGgEFaU-q6XS2MONYUStGnn3FIpI6xsdt_OGK1dt_APT7kpKz5N8FexXvKrmlaGXPbNhBNzAQvrbOHQ/s320/20210621_143037.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Most are 'Blue Boy,' which I love, but there are a few others here and there--a light purple, a deep pink, and white/purple bicolor.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwL88TMWv8cxDdoLJxOvm7IvGFlbeuvdwCBa-xmgPIinT2mmMamP9x3MEFZadQjzcOIGIWpVaJMGaPLtcJLBBFV4NGgWcMCU4UuHImouetz_54W5LZA5qLzjuHGZrQaJOE0FDdsdILUs/s2048/20210621_143032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwL88TMWv8cxDdoLJxOvm7IvGFlbeuvdwCBa-xmgPIinT2mmMamP9x3MEFZadQjzcOIGIWpVaJMGaPLtcJLBBFV4NGgWcMCU4UuHImouetz_54W5LZA5qLzjuHGZrQaJOE0FDdsdILUs/s320/20210621_143032.jpg" /></a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqtsnV-FscK4AwHe3j-RsMJOSnnCXeEl7Dhq929fDyW4w6bsw4Lt_usA7wRYefiePt7UXzw9gyZ7CWZynXoQMvdyviWlLp8mD5tYDeiQr4FHqOlDnN3PMOjQQvxmkClneRfycCY0QaRI/s2048/20210626_090420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqtsnV-FscK4AwHe3j-RsMJOSnnCXeEl7Dhq929fDyW4w6bsw4Lt_usA7wRYefiePt7UXzw9gyZ7CWZynXoQMvdyviWlLp8mD5tYDeiQr4FHqOlDnN3PMOjQQvxmkClneRfycCY0QaRI/s320/20210626_090420.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one was mine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I put in bachelor's buttons as my main flower, with lemon mint, lavender, and salvia to add depth.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUv8Z9CX5NuHPsAO4Dg9myz9gZR1HZPMMTal6OA0nIh_ZOPCPF0QNgfHKIO9Kr4aPxI8X8-5bUArxv3wn4hwVdmzTDXmsnz3RRE1ew3wFwjj464byWp00vm8Mkxf1XXVvCV0HjMHVtqE/s2048/20210626_090251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUv8Z9CX5NuHPsAO4Dg9myz9gZR1HZPMMTal6OA0nIh_ZOPCPF0QNgfHKIO9Kr4aPxI8X8-5bUArxv3wn4hwVdmzTDXmsnz3RRE1ew3wFwjj464byWp00vm8Mkxf1XXVvCV0HjMHVtqE/s320/20210626_090251.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My oldest daughter did this one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bachelor's buttons, agastache, yarrow, pineapple mint, and lavender.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's so good to have flowers for cutting again!</div><p></p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-8574358725376307972021-06-19T18:00:00.006-07:002021-06-27T23:38:03.102-07:00New Boxes Planted! <p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> We got the new garden boxes planted!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I just took pictures of the flower box, because the rest were mostly seeds--so they look empty.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I decided to go with tones of peachy pink, raspberry, dark pink, and purple.</div><div style="text-align: center;">All my favorite colors!</div><div style="text-align: center;">After some thought, I did some perennials in this bed. I'm assuming we'll rent the same beds next year.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If not, or if we move, I will have to dig them up and bring them--or give them away to a friend.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnVCzpBmH-JuNvuta93G8WBfKFY0cKRdbaatxgXMxbaYdn7jZIFwAOtw3N-z8fvMl6SNit0cH-_TUgUgCSZzfItrLarXHDHSoc-i8Et0RSXiWTg528IjQTx8mAxom1RZfOSmUQqquL_Y/s2048/20210620_085035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnVCzpBmH-JuNvuta93G8WBfKFY0cKRdbaatxgXMxbaYdn7jZIFwAOtw3N-z8fvMl6SNit0cH-_TUgUgCSZzfItrLarXHDHSoc-i8Et0RSXiWTg528IjQTx8mAxom1RZfOSmUQqquL_Y/s320/20210620_085035.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This daylily is in the back left corner, below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdG_ZBpnGzJNmlD6vfobNbD3qSvIwM7u9FUdB6Jpa4Q2KWPNnY7LfBe09xbK_qoBehcRnOMFMbGP6fbDi3GuGFcDH2T00alSeMrxLQQYu2lp68x2ul315-GnKpdaAF7mkQO3BSttoxng/s2048/20210619_100540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdG_ZBpnGzJNmlD6vfobNbD3qSvIwM7u9FUdB6Jpa4Q2KWPNnY7LfBe09xbK_qoBehcRnOMFMbGP6fbDi3GuGFcDH2T00alSeMrxLQQYu2lp68x2ul315-GnKpdaAF7mkQO3BSttoxng/s320/20210619_100540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the middle I put a 'Cheyenne Spirit' coneflower.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You know how much I love those!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then in the corners I've got the daylily above, Coreopsis Li'l Bang 'Starstruck', a bright pink geranium, and bright pink petunias.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On either side of the coneflower are 2 agastaches: 'Sunrise Orange' and 'Morello.'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also put in 3 achilleas, all 'Summer Pastels' variety, and one lavender for my youngest daughter 'Hidcote Blue.' I filled in empty spots with Verbena Lascar 'Mango Orange' and alyssum 'Easter Bonnet' mix.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's going to be so pretty once everything fills in and starts blooming!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the long skinny bed, the kids planted half beans and half carrots--a mix of colors for each.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The other square box had almost 10 pounds of potatoes hidden under the soil!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After digging those out and refilling with dirt, the kids planted our one zucchini plant in the corner, then they did onions, corn, wheat grass, and bunny tails grass.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VnqaShRpYplB3xgATX_98WWtTbrWpXvudtIr1ob_pEKc_6pzmw8MjNYKqXXphRE3hztRQwdZ4t5H-QWKfUpEMY9Ne4AVnJyFAhOJsKaxGVGsA0QhoddIH_7mbZPSc47PZYfUpZJw-n8/s2048/20210619_100558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VnqaShRpYplB3xgATX_98WWtTbrWpXvudtIr1ob_pEKc_6pzmw8MjNYKqXXphRE3hztRQwdZ4t5H-QWKfUpEMY9Ne4AVnJyFAhOJsKaxGVGsA0QhoddIH_7mbZPSc47PZYfUpZJw-n8/s320/20210619_100558.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In this box I planted 3 varieties of sunflowers in the big empty spaces you see there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I pulled out the parsley. The leaves were yellowing and it was going to seed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't remember the names of the sunflowers offhand, and the seed packets are in the garage!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One will be velvety burgundy, one was a mix of colors, and the other....nope, can't remember.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Those are my dahlias there, front left, getting big and bushy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC8QISRZcqgoEEs-qDwETO9cUhKbFvrDxdF1eOHVFTmQyT2QkXzgi5CGYFhpUpv0Omr-ldO0Oz4lnSo7kFDDXUnXRPXd4Ae_1OW5EIsNZQHomIIhe0wHHfKRPMsR8QvdNtI-hu-QN_3o/s2048/20210619_100552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC8QISRZcqgoEEs-qDwETO9cUhKbFvrDxdF1eOHVFTmQyT2QkXzgi5CGYFhpUpv0Omr-ldO0Oz4lnSo7kFDDXUnXRPXd4Ae_1OW5EIsNZQHomIIhe0wHHfKRPMsR8QvdNtI-hu-QN_3o/s320/20210619_100552.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Plus a glimpse of the winter squash with very tall peas back on the left.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everything has really started to take off these past couple of weeks!</div><p></p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-47918701913894723802021-06-17T23:02:00.002-07:002021-06-27T23:04:33.683-07:00Marigolds<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLRKivZ0FUPEcCkgqe0-tScf1CQQOOqDhDMdUwpzN2uF9gb3L7BMFTrQ7zLbRQ05b4QtRtdbksMjB_OrOp2CUQXCtl6RGCYqX_AD9VOA5afbyTtsiGMj7DE7wEpy6YTrpd_RFJXYM_js/s2048/6-17+bright+marigolds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLRKivZ0FUPEcCkgqe0-tScf1CQQOOqDhDMdUwpzN2uF9gb3L7BMFTrQ7zLbRQ05b4QtRtdbksMjB_OrOp2CUQXCtl6RGCYqX_AD9VOA5afbyTtsiGMj7DE7wEpy6YTrpd_RFJXYM_js/w400-h300/6-17+bright+marigolds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">So bright and pretty in the vegetable bed! </div><p></p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-70554883772272061342021-06-16T22:15:00.000-07:002021-06-27T22:35:38.579-07:00One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow by Olivia Hawker<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-T7QEcu39KiDNS7UaY2pIaXYxtTGYlTdZPlzRYg2bGk2-IblgQgU7SeD3doWAL7WDua62ZCJFepfVEl1c1CRKHVAU3TOCQPhPCL49dNMly0gB3-x_p7G3XQAJC-GXC24oT34ZtOZ67I/s346/onefortheblackbird.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-T7QEcu39KiDNS7UaY2pIaXYxtTGYlTdZPlzRYg2bGk2-IblgQgU7SeD3doWAL7WDua62ZCJFepfVEl1c1CRKHVAU3TOCQPhPCL49dNMly0gB3-x_p7G3XQAJC-GXC24oT34ZtOZ67I/w266-h400/onefortheblackbird.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><i>One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow</i>, by Olivia Hawker<p></p><p>4 stars: Deep, thoughtful, moving.</p><p>Cora Bemis and Nettie Mae Webber have lived as neighbors for years, out on the Wyoming frontier. Though never friends, per se, they have been decent neighbors. That is, until Cora and Substance Webber have an affair, and Ernest (that would be Cora's husband) fatally shoots Substance. </p><p>Now Ernest is in jail, and winter is coming on. Neither household has a man to help with all the farm chores. Nettie Mae's son Clyde and Cora's daughter Beulah, both teenagers, work hard to help get ready for the long months ahead. It's a good thing, too. Nettie Mae is consumed with bitterness and anger, Cora with regret. </p><p> It is a bitter pill to swallow when the women realize that they will have to combine their households in order to survive the winter. It takes too much time and energy going back and forth to care for both places. Accordingly, Cora and her 4 children move in with Nettie Mae and Clyde. The animals share a barn, and all must learn to live together.</p><p>Over the long winter months, cracks begin to appear in the attitudes of the women toward each other, and in their perceptions of themselves. A new life; a different, more joyful and authentic way of moving through the world awaits, if they can just break through the prison of the past.</p><p>* * * * *</p><p>I enjoyed this one. It was heavier than what I usually read, but there were quiet moments of wonder tending toward magical realism that brought me out of the heaviness --particularly the chapters from Beulah's point of view. The tone starts out pretty bleak and depressing, but more and more hope is allowed in as the book goes on. Tense and exciting climax, and satisfying ending.</p><p>These women are in desperate straits, and they know that. Their very survival depends upon their working together, but how would it be to have to bring your worst enemy into your life so closely? Hawker's answer was compelling and kept me reading to the very end.</p><p>Content: Occasional swearing, references to the affair but not graphic descriptions, some thematic stuff--Clyde's burial of his father is written in detail, some butchering of animals. I was so relieved that the relationship between Beulah and Clyde stays innocent throughout. Thank you, Ms. Hawker for that!</p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-84133112164513090112021-06-14T22:17:00.001-07:002021-06-27T22:22:49.540-07:00We've Got Some Work to Do!<p style="text-align: center;">As we've been going about our gardening business, over at the community garden, we have kept an eye on a couple of beds that seemed uncared for.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Finally, we made it in to the desk and asked about them--sure enough, they were unclaimed! So we claimed them. That is, we rented them for the season. 2 square, half-size boxes and 1 long and skinny one. </p><div style="text-align: center;">As you can see, we've got our work cut out for us to get these ready to plant!<br />The bottom one is post weed removal.<br />There are some potato plants with flowers on them hiding amongst all those weeds. <br />Wonder what else we'll find! </div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOARhAg2_yi_-6mhzBL5cHOeIUqH37AyJmrlBNgFyTHiNHo2wdgLiUZwQBk-kfwDiMoZI-IsB_Mezd7-WWbeSZiqRqIsVar5jREc4NlL8GAIvsLeDYoszUecaP2qnOs_pUvlrrvGJXOKA/s2048/6-11+unclaimed+bed+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOARhAg2_yi_-6mhzBL5cHOeIUqH37AyJmrlBNgFyTHiNHo2wdgLiUZwQBk-kfwDiMoZI-IsB_Mezd7-WWbeSZiqRqIsVar5jREc4NlL8GAIvsLeDYoszUecaP2qnOs_pUvlrrvGJXOKA/s320/6-11+unclaimed+bed+%25232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDnKfnTaurGr2j3NySiwHs5yNQCr8oiHIXX0Ditwk3UC3V3p9VGUrpKvX6p8vKwOD0PJmIldPPZ0UgkEHmotQ43Jvz33ZH6ekPjkT7thEc4j_iK2WECibBN_mBXv_DihHEIR41KGTpcA/s2048/6-11+overgrown+beds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDnKfnTaurGr2j3NySiwHs5yNQCr8oiHIXX0Ditwk3UC3V3p9VGUrpKvX6p8vKwOD0PJmIldPPZ0UgkEHmotQ43Jvz33ZH6ekPjkT7thEc4j_iK2WECibBN_mBXv_DihHEIR41KGTpcA/s320/6-11+overgrown+beds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3q-sK08-UM1Sxkgcb4O7PFyFvxbzZ6a5TFx_ECnbVnWf7ebLBUJn5k_1JloKmrgUN35Os9QXydltBeuxdjxt7DJFTsEKW21FE4fEvCZw8blW4diCmMYzRIwoWWLcCghzSEXZWvn2kl9Q/s2048/6-11+%25233+unclaimed+bed%252C+cleared+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3q-sK08-UM1Sxkgcb4O7PFyFvxbzZ6a5TFx_ECnbVnWf7ebLBUJn5k_1JloKmrgUN35Os9QXydltBeuxdjxt7DJFTsEKW21FE4fEvCZw8blW4diCmMYzRIwoWWLcCghzSEXZWvn2kl9Q/s320/6-11+%25233+unclaimed+bed%252C+cleared+out.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-42545359496188445712021-06-11T22:22:00.001-07:002021-06-27T22:35:10.532-07:00Garden is Looking Good!<p style="text-align: center;"> Our garden has really been loving the warmer temperatures we've had the past few days.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The swiss chard is going crazy. We're giving it away in big bunches! We have eaten some, but it is way more than we can keep up with ourselves. Funny, for a crop that we didn't even plant!</p><p style="text-align: center;">The squash is starting to grow big, finally, and the peas are loaded with blossoms!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Tomatoes are hanging in there, but haven't put on much growth yet. Spinach is about done, carrots are getting big enough to harvest soon. </p><p style="text-align: center;">In my flower box, the bachelor's buttons have lots of buds but haven't started opening up yet. Cosmos are getting big and bushy--I will need to thin them soon. Zinnias are up but haven't put on much growth yet, and same with the dahlias.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNFldb04Ql_4S3PLna3QX_LLLwE0fFaSnJ32z-9bdkpMwhUidJpW2qRrdwSSZoPvKZN9qCC2L0VINQkINIhk1OVG9ALHwBdfwwlHM6QwGiEREsPSRrbazM1ROSplr9CJ5vrA8xyS_Dtg/s2048/20210611_134142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNFldb04Ql_4S3PLna3QX_LLLwE0fFaSnJ32z-9bdkpMwhUidJpW2qRrdwSSZoPvKZN9qCC2L0VINQkINIhk1OVG9ALHwBdfwwlHM6QwGiEREsPSRrbazM1ROSplr9CJ5vrA8xyS_Dtg/s320/20210611_134142.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdk-ehD7e_-ILz9ERigFzndia2_gVXqJO90nT9ruMhjtIXrxccZTahaQKEcKBZK83IdEEiSVJM9k8B3A9nZYA8aigaXfJrsRSWpbkVNcavWWkNtc0VyqZHD5geyg5uNFct-k3zj6Y1_Fw/s2048/20210611_134213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdk-ehD7e_-ILz9ERigFzndia2_gVXqJO90nT9ruMhjtIXrxccZTahaQKEcKBZK83IdEEiSVJM9k8B3A9nZYA8aigaXfJrsRSWpbkVNcavWWkNtc0VyqZHD5geyg5uNFct-k3zj6Y1_Fw/s320/20210611_134213.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Winter squash, looking towards peas and tomatoes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUMGyjv0SetB0mEr5KRgZNHxiebvU-Vi71DBcryP1Pt9qD2EOFIyz8zhlXxnkiS3FpAA-seUKaJIwevAKJPCU1rtrds5BOzco8rWGP352h6EUu44NGoU0t1uR6ZnnDq2XFkR09XHY4Qw/s2048/20210611_134220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUMGyjv0SetB0mEr5KRgZNHxiebvU-Vi71DBcryP1Pt9qD2EOFIyz8zhlXxnkiS3FpAA-seUKaJIwevAKJPCU1rtrds5BOzco8rWGP352h6EUu44NGoU0t1uR6ZnnDq2XFkR09XHY4Qw/s320/20210611_134220.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tomatoes</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3uaMXY3L6cHsLlCb8eddqaj3iMAHTPmhKWW3ogEh0oYNyzurhzOCfhxGOQbyOzn5T0ycsIqN5zjGr6oO3EEIy2JL1fDELz5FLUbjyAIvgWfZobQoU4q8Gy2O8MaGdyN6lSwvXDw3Sd8/s2048/20210611_134234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3uaMXY3L6cHsLlCb8eddqaj3iMAHTPmhKWW3ogEh0oYNyzurhzOCfhxGOQbyOzn5T0ycsIqN5zjGr6oO3EEIy2JL1fDELz5FLUbjyAIvgWfZobQoU4q8Gy2O8MaGdyN6lSwvXDw3Sd8/s320/20210611_134234.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-50818187844032669132021-06-09T22:35:00.001-07:002021-06-27T22:59:30.246-07:00Flowers in Pots<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had kind of been debating if I was even going to fill these big flowerpots this year, but in the end, I decided to do it. I did check with our landlord first, to make sure he would be okay with where I wanted to put them. We have the 2 tall plant stands, so that works well for their new position by the mailbox.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6DxLJ0J_QLQNvpHGM6cvTr3j4_2uAdK-M9-kFHiGsXLQPSqM3kPj3MSsJwrBEgqH0o_TnseQqJ9TZ6_9HHLu63OhAAO7HTFGrb93I8pE6-Zi4NU9WXvhH1WWbuE8ZVxDNgUxk1k01DQ/s2048/6-09+flowerpots+out+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6DxLJ0J_QLQNvpHGM6cvTr3j4_2uAdK-M9-kFHiGsXLQPSqM3kPj3MSsJwrBEgqH0o_TnseQqJ9TZ6_9HHLu63OhAAO7HTFGrb93I8pE6-Zi4NU9WXvhH1WWbuE8ZVxDNgUxk1k01DQ/s320/6-09+flowerpots+out+front.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one has Japanese forest grass, sweet potato vine, and salvia.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iHdUg8MfzdC0oYZUTWYSVL4Z_UL1vKkz6hbAUVgOtS2Nkfvh0IdbL2irCwogKHx0hQTjzVVWwjtMg6L1CyIoEmDnzMyol8QB3ruH6Ov9YYf1d4FEg_DtEVdrIwvmyPEEsadaLZnnq7E/s2048/6-09+penstemon%252C+sweet+potato+vine%252C+violas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iHdUg8MfzdC0oYZUTWYSVL4Z_UL1vKkz6hbAUVgOtS2Nkfvh0IdbL2irCwogKHx0hQTjzVVWwjtMg6L1CyIoEmDnzMyol8QB3ruH6Ov9YYf1d4FEg_DtEVdrIwvmyPEEsadaLZnnq7E/s320/6-09+penstemon%252C+sweet+potato+vine%252C+violas.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the smaller pot, we planted violas, veronica, and sweet potato vine. (The 3 v's.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm glad I went to the effort after all. It has brightened my day to see these pretty flowers whenever I pull into our driveway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meanwhile, over at the community gardens, there are planters and pots lining the edges of the garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are all supposed to be free for harvesting for anyone with a garden box rented.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are a total mess! Full of weeds and half-dead plants, every one of them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So we decided to help out a little bit with that situation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are 4 pots in particular right next to our beds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We emptied out 3 of them completely, and refilled with dirt (provided.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fourth has an enormous fennel plant in it, and my kids want to harvest some fennel seeds, apparently. So we are letting that one go to seed, but then later we will yank it out and probably replant it--maybe with some spring or summer blooming bulbs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, in the first one we planted 3 kinds of mint: pineapple mint, spearmint, and orange mint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The second one we filled with flowers--mostly petunias, with an African daisy and sweet potato vine to round things out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The third had some chives planted in it that flowered this spring, but when I looked closer, some of them were still in 2" pots sitting on the surface, and there were dead plants and weeds galore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For this one I did petunias and verbena in pink and peach tones, and replanted the chives in the middle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a 5th pot that someone else weeded out then just left empty for a month. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't want to take over if they had plans, but after a month I figured it was up for grabs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a big bunch of volunteer calendula coming up in our vegetable box that were starting to crowd out our tomatoes, so we dug those up and plopped them into the pot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are bright orange and yellow and quite cheerful-looking over in the pot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recovered very nicely from the transplant. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4yDui3bpw2coBwv21azztlFEHsCq3AU7zL1sNOKBHzAmUw4ZdeoQozzwpBl0Ors0x-U_JRKv2XG-XjmXHNmRLqaDE6Aoh0XvJQ5t95kvjk55hUP8K6rgW5x8BBvBDjT85PNpXq8t0vo/s2048/20210611_134240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4yDui3bpw2coBwv21azztlFEHsCq3AU7zL1sNOKBHzAmUw4ZdeoQozzwpBl0Ors0x-U_JRKv2XG-XjmXHNmRLqaDE6Aoh0XvJQ5t95kvjk55hUP8K6rgW5x8BBvBDjT85PNpXq8t0vo/s320/20210611_134240.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Planter 1: all the mints.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4GY5IExGyl5V7hIqk3PvFyFsRqdJeSUWzFESYju5QuhDI86Z5z__IvB-J3c2ybHCeDxVnMlIlTXFt9qI4LxiUxSD_RQvUyr-CVz28RSlZURpvgWBNI72WYFvejBDOITCy9repR35Oss/s2048/20210611_134246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4GY5IExGyl5V7hIqk3PvFyFsRqdJeSUWzFESYju5QuhDI86Z5z__IvB-J3c2ybHCeDxVnMlIlTXFt9qI4LxiUxSD_RQvUyr-CVz28RSlZURpvgWBNI72WYFvejBDOITCy9repR35Oss/s320/20210611_134246.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Planter 2: petunias and African daisy</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VQwgw1VBe6cNrLZr7ymKDvCkZ3_TreoyFQ0nF2yC5NszVIQ1gPLBvSYitC3WzbHQ8RmMI-4foym2izJtzFb6cHIpR36tHC8fTd_5l5Z5h7brBIjZ6ixwKaakXL1jW6XDHoVu3vz2usY/s2048/20210611_134257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VQwgw1VBe6cNrLZr7ymKDvCkZ3_TreoyFQ0nF2yC5NszVIQ1gPLBvSYitC3WzbHQ8RmMI-4foym2izJtzFb6cHIpR36tHC8fTd_5l5Z5h7brBIjZ6ixwKaakXL1jW6XDHoVu3vz2usY/s320/20210611_134257.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Planter 3: petunias, verbena, and chives</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are several more to go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm kind of working my way around the perimeter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are two big planters with grapes in them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The one just needs to be filled up with fresh soil--it's only about halfway full and you can see some of the roots poking out. The other is chock full of weeds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been watering all the pots that we have planted, and the grapes, at the same time we water our beds. (I really want to harvest some grapes this year! That would be awesome!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I guess I feel a bit protective of them now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We don't mind a bit if everyone else harvests the mint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the others, even though they're not really harvestable, I figured flowers were at least better than weeds. Maybe they'll increase the pollinators in the garden. <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p></p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-18382674118581802922021-06-06T23:12:00.006-07:002021-06-06T23:15:44.731-07:00Series Spotlight: Wesley Mackey Trilogy, by K.L. Fogg<p> We have had this series sitting on our shelves for at least 3 years. We've moved it twice now! I had never read it and neither had any of the kids. It was given to us as a gift from grandparents. Finally, I gave my oldest daughter the task of reading that series for us all, so we could either decide to keep it or get rid of it! They are thick books and take up quite a bit of bookshelf space, so I had been giving them the side eye for quite some time. </p><p>She took on the challenge and actually really liked them! She suggested that I read them as well, which I finally did--6 months later. So here we are! When I started reading them this past week, she decided to re-read them at the same time, so we had a few negotiations over who got priority to read. Ha! </p><p>So, these were a lot of fun. Full of action--lots of kidnapping, daring escapes and rescues, bombs, fires, secret identities, diamonds, and also poisonous animals. They were clean, minus the action-related violence. I would say geared for ages 10 and up. Just for reference, my daughter is 11 and she handled them just fine. I think 3 years ago when we got them, however, they would have been a bit too intense for her.</p><p>Now for a bit about each book individually...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSra3Gg7c_trzkFb0uEAntf74JE-UqLmwKh9gWRge9_RvqrTH7wJkehqSFdpT4MPaLvS-gizgsxvWRJeuJ9C42WKkOVDkTRvnWX75Nxxy6t7DeGPicC6ftLA_jP2gmBll5ij6cc7Sqys/s475/serpenttide.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="296" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSra3Gg7c_trzkFb0uEAntf74JE-UqLmwKh9gWRge9_RvqrTH7wJkehqSFdpT4MPaLvS-gizgsxvWRJeuJ9C42WKkOVDkTRvnWX75Nxxy6t7DeGPicC6ftLA_jP2gmBll5ij6cc7Sqys/w249-h400/serpenttide.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><p><i>Serpent Tide</i> <i>(Wesley Mackey #1)</i>, by K.L. Fogg</p><p>4 stars: A search for identity, with lots of action!</p><p>Wesley Vandergrift is the son of one of the richest women in the United States--maybe even the world. Everyone at school envies him and also give him a rough time because of it.</p><p>What they don't know is that Wesley feels trapped. He can hardly do anything, ever. The only times he gets to do normal kid stuff, it's because the head housekeeper, Maria, aids and abets him--and doesn't tell his mom. He and his mom think so differently on every topic that he doesn't see how they could even be related.</p><p>By some chance, he is allowed to go to a horse-riding camp for a couple of days. When he meets the owners of the ranch, and their family, they all seem strangely familiar to him. Then he sees some pictures in their family room, and wheels in his head start turning. Could it be possible that this is his true family? </p><p>So many questions, so few answers. </p><p>* * * * *</p><p>One thing you have to know about these books is that there are several coincidences that are a bit far-fetched. You just have to roll with it, all right? That's probably me as an adult reader talking--I don't know if my daughter noticed or even was bothered by it. If you can get past the "it just so happens..." aspects of the story, it's an exciting plot, with a good bit of humor thrown in. Imogene Vandegrift, Wesley's "mom" is enough of a villian to keep things moving right along, and the supporting characters have plenty of endearing quirks. </p><p>I think most kids will relate to the search for an identity and a sense of belonging. Well done. As soon as I was done with this one I had to go get the next!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZndrr3WgeeQ7f124OQF83lEq9baLQ8uaTCwdwHtjNxWe2Fukn7Drnyfkw7NQcqweU0-8mipnNXuPxfNIotCeog1NbCP8p_4e81ctjuOoMF2CfCGlVHpfjCJS5UpZz-7uFKa6JmlMNDbs/s330/widowsrevenge.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="216" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZndrr3WgeeQ7f124OQF83lEq9baLQ8uaTCwdwHtjNxWe2Fukn7Drnyfkw7NQcqweU0-8mipnNXuPxfNIotCeog1NbCP8p_4e81ctjuOoMF2CfCGlVHpfjCJS5UpZz-7uFKa6JmlMNDbs/w261-h400/widowsrevenge.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><i>Widow's Revenge (Wesley Mackey #2)</i>, by K.L. Fogg<br /><p>4 stars: Hang on to your seat, it's an exciting ride!</p><p>Wesley finally gets to live with his Dad and stepmom, and is enjoying some of the perks of a normal (not super wealthy) life. Too bad school can't be as great. He is tired of being bullied at school, particularly by Dylan. So he finally does something about it. Unfortunately, that "something" gets him suspended from school for the rest of the year. </p><p>His Dad finds him a tutor, who turns out to be this ultra-geeky guy named Harrison. He's all right, though. The real problem is that Wesley's grandma, after some digging into Dylan's background, has decided to give Welsey's tormentor a chance to change his life. That's right. Dylan's coming to live at the ranch. Grandma! C'mon!</p><p>Meanwhile, terrible news on the Imogene front: she survived the storm at sea and is lying in wait for her chance to reclaim Wesley, while wreaking revenge upon all who claim to be his true family.</p><p>It's going to be hard to know who to trust and even harder to come out of all this in one piece.</p><p>* * * * *</p><p>A strong second installment! Wesley and Co. have their work cut out for them for this time. As the cover would suggest, a certain black widow spider named Black Betty plays an important role in this story and yes, there quite a large forest fire as well. That's not even the half of it. There are adorable twins, more kidnapping, a senile old lady... What are you waiting for? Find this book and dive in!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_8nUNVSyn8GRrIRnszTFd8dyXOuIlqM4gWISE9s10B2emHx5w0CUAZyyM-jB2Fj8XBRI-WOxlJKn8ohGSxdjGeycTUdvyTfYriKALYHKhUWBA7hK7-b82MxhbQtEFmbfCvL7qjvkClQ/s200/diamondbackcave.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="130" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_8nUNVSyn8GRrIRnszTFd8dyXOuIlqM4gWISE9s10B2emHx5w0CUAZyyM-jB2Fj8XBRI-WOxlJKn8ohGSxdjGeycTUdvyTfYriKALYHKhUWBA7hK7-b82MxhbQtEFmbfCvL7qjvkClQ/w260-h400/diamondbackcave.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><i>Diamondback Cave (Wesley Mackey #3)</i>, by K.L. Fogg<br /><p>4 stars: Diamonds and rattlers! </p><p> Some people just can't stop! Imogene Vandegrift is one of those people. She has a plan forever. Plans within plans. None of her evil plans include going to prison. They all include a certain stash of diamonds that she has hidden in a secret underground vault.</p><p>Well, you know that Wesley is going to get mixed up in all of this. He has to, because his friend Amanda's soon-to-be-stepdad is missing, and the grown-ups aren't doing anything about it. He and Amanda and Teddy the dog set out to find the missing man (I don't want to say his name because it would be a spoiler if you haven't read the other 2.)</p><p>Their search takes them into the depths of Diamondback Cave. Are there diamonds in there? Maybe. Are there snakes in there? Most definitely. Will they succeed in making it out alive? Well....that remains to be seen.</p><p>* * * * *</p><p>This premise is one that made me cringe as a parent--2 kids going off by themselves to search for the missing/kidnapped person. Of course it's a big secret, of course they run into trouble. Just--turn down the helicopter blades for a moment or two and get into the story!</p><p>In addition to the main plot, this one had a couple of side plots that added interest. There was an exploration of judging people by what you see, rather than who they really are, and some relationship stuff between Wesley's Dad and stepmom that were interesting to me. I don't know how my daughter felt about those parts! </p><p>Satisfying character growth, and even a bit of a twist at the end. Good ending to the trilogy.</p><p><br /></p><p>Have you read this trilogy? What did you think? </p><p></p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-24064574394040372392021-05-26T20:00:00.001-07:002021-06-06T23:36:35.771-07:00Flower Arranging Class <div style="text-align: center;">I was asked to teach a flower arranging class to the young women of our church.<br />I was delighted! My oldest daughter helped every step of the way.<br />We were planning for 15: 12 girls and 3 leaders. My budget was $130, of which I spent $107. Yeah!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We bought flowers from Costco and Safeway for this one.<br />Costco provided us with mini carnations, mixed mums, and large spider mums.</div><div style="text-align: center;">From Safeway, we got lilies, roses, some bigger carnations, and snapdragons.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We cut a whole bucket of vetch from the dunes, and some other greenery just from around our yard for that, so we didn't spend any money on the greenery.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Each girl made an arrangement in a pint jar. I provided flower food, and a laminated "recipe card," along with clippers, and a large vase or pitcher at each place to put their flowers in while they were working. (Some of the supplies were brought by the leaders as well.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After we bought the flowers, we got them home and prepped them all--removed plastic sleeves and lower leaves, re-cut stems and put back into water.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was great having buckets of flowers in my garage and car again!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuXdZhH3zeqAXwkruxhuVklFiOOgkSdIMOiR0ohvQiTsQb795tsIoqs9E9o1x-r_-V_KPMG-3N9pjtgIw4XYSawqeYsyvxuLavK7nbYAswrtAKxFypkMpitmfTv2KcMqJrzYRHGIOm-A/s2048/20210526_121404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuXdZhH3zeqAXwkruxhuVklFiOOgkSdIMOiR0ohvQiTsQb795tsIoqs9E9o1x-r_-V_KPMG-3N9pjtgIw4XYSawqeYsyvxuLavK7nbYAswrtAKxFypkMpitmfTv2KcMqJrzYRHGIOm-A/s320/20210526_121404.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLEb2UU4-c2hxKBbU-XyNnBRaMT3-nraSQ1lhlyk0t_mpT2_DZ_IPmGAIOqI6Qd2J0H62st1bVJ0wnLm1q6yev1KKZFp4I6QJFTNRDu7Y9eqEpERj5SawXfGdrdgv5-5RncZ4K-iMohw/s2048/20210526_181549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLEb2UU4-c2hxKBbU-XyNnBRaMT3-nraSQ1lhlyk0t_mpT2_DZ_IPmGAIOqI6Qd2J0H62st1bVJ0wnLm1q6yev1KKZFp4I6QJFTNRDu7Y9eqEpERj5SawXfGdrdgv5-5RncZ4K-iMohw/s320/20210526_181549.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a lot of fun at the class itself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think the girls enjoyed it as well.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3082GVrghqPa4-5hRLZzS5-mx-E0HLaA536-Iaz_HxB3fhXx1B1LR11xYrujRNETXKFjw37bRq8Up6EYvO9hX6Iuh4pAGm4hROMKzdvQQ8tzsEAdEK_lWgOKnAudU4JUueaApUwj6qM/s2048/20210526_194420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3082GVrghqPa4-5hRLZzS5-mx-E0HLaA536-Iaz_HxB3fhXx1B1LR11xYrujRNETXKFjw37bRq8Up6EYvO9hX6Iuh4pAGm4hROMKzdvQQ8tzsEAdEK_lWgOKnAudU4JUueaApUwj6qM/s320/20210526_194420.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I will add in the recipe we came up with, once I track it down. I can't find where we saved it at the moment. We had laminated cards for them and everything!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-88783444132437216302021-05-20T18:37:00.000-07:002021-05-23T18:52:01.622-07:00Flowers for Friends<div style="text-align: center;"> Sometimes it's fun to pretend that I'm still in the farmer florist business. <br />Coming out of a rough week, I needed some flower therapy!<br />My husband took the kids--school, swimming, other fun stuff--and I had a flower day!</div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk9rfEptk4J2do1hsVRZoVJxLJH9ShIX5RsIY7mfE8y_Cj-TZkcCISrqSUQW9z_l9fPb3QXRkBtGOr5c8UXkxsPU9O7tlWTMw2XcQzacT1sxNTcI-ZWX3vA6L6I-rSFAldjllvn-1mrE/s2048/20210517_075216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk9rfEptk4J2do1hsVRZoVJxLJH9ShIX5RsIY7mfE8y_Cj-TZkcCISrqSUQW9z_l9fPb3QXRkBtGOr5c8UXkxsPU9O7tlWTMw2XcQzacT1sxNTcI-ZWX3vA6L6I-rSFAldjllvn-1mrE/s320/20210517_075216.jpg" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;">My older daughter and I went out first thing in the morning and cut wildflowers on the dunes: lupine and vetch. It was cool and misty--perfect flower cutting weather! <br />Not sure if that's actually allowed, but no-one stopped us.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDtgDpCH8uSRjA3jQMqEOxrSns_2LexhUHiD66ieyQWcInZIQ0JCJJANBupO42Itd0GbKUFySIGZCAcI943Zg0ofAVlQLbfHwuF0SPNfBYim7MFbIm8S8A93cicGjfx-cROR6aegV_pw/s2048/20210517_115403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDtgDpCH8uSRjA3jQMqEOxrSns_2LexhUHiD66ieyQWcInZIQ0JCJJANBupO42Itd0GbKUFySIGZCAcI943Zg0ofAVlQLbfHwuF0SPNfBYim7MFbIm8S8A93cicGjfx-cROR6aegV_pw/s320/20210517_115403.jpg" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;">Then I bought flowers from a couple different stores.<br />I came home, processed them, and put them all into 5 bouquets--just wrapped with paper.<br />It seems that it's easier to give flowers away if they're not all fancy in a vase.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or I should say--it seems like it's easier for other people to accept a gift of flowers if it's not done up all fancy, for whatever reason. So, paper-wrapped. Check.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Filled up 2 buckets with my bouquets. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It made me really happy to have buckets full of flowers again!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This time I didn't really find a bigger flower to be my focal, so I went with the green hydrangea, filled in around the sides with alstromeria, mums, mini carnations, tulips, and snapdragons. Then I put the lupines and the vetch around the outside; I really liked the little bit of wildness that they added.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was so happy with the way they turned out!</div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXovk9EqzLn59XPiLQ-YaXIvl3wA2ZEsC3dwghp91V7PulgLkP5Jwh3BpUncOqGeA3cixZHzoLb2Vo59oFjI-shBiojVrRWkCytSuJYIyCVTapZeYY1VwlqA9iQs0H9dJ22H_hVhtxUj4/s2048/20210517_130709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXovk9EqzLn59XPiLQ-YaXIvl3wA2ZEsC3dwghp91V7PulgLkP5Jwh3BpUncOqGeA3cixZHzoLb2Vo59oFjI-shBiojVrRWkCytSuJYIyCVTapZeYY1VwlqA9iQs0H9dJ22H_hVhtxUj4/s320/20210517_130709.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Top view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskDBZ016URdi65XA3Vo0Cruol5DzyTlFbQ8xN0UR_7pxlNiYcHsVcAoUWeWKFFLdt8fJBuVjrBAXkXWTU92z_hb6UoK9VhgW3RvIkxH6ZKPpxavkCx_9WWHN3Np-T_iAIsoGY5VKDrlE/s2048/20210517_130654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskDBZ016URdi65XA3Vo0Cruol5DzyTlFbQ8xN0UR_7pxlNiYcHsVcAoUWeWKFFLdt8fJBuVjrBAXkXWTU92z_hb6UoK9VhgW3RvIkxH6ZKPpxavkCx_9WWHN3Np-T_iAIsoGY5VKDrlE/s320/20210517_130654.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRWR2Cm8dGLTS_vR8sHcYimE20kux7AgYuimHGaT6sXePejjBX6SdgdsZeVzVGv67-UBnMFVpFFl5kiRpTU_nTmRppaxan8RkmPFXvsTBB5kErHnOsMmVGJB5xKObtSebF8bVK2sRETs/s2048/20210517_121645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRWR2Cm8dGLTS_vR8sHcYimE20kux7AgYuimHGaT6sXePejjBX6SdgdsZeVzVGv67-UBnMFVpFFl5kiRpTU_nTmRppaxan8RkmPFXvsTBB5kErHnOsMmVGJB5xKObtSebF8bVK2sRETs/s320/20210517_121645.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took them to 5 different ladies that I'm becoming friends with, or hoping to become friends with. :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had the time to stay and chat, so I did at a couple of the stops.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was such a good day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Flowers + friendly connections = healing for my soul.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My husband and kids were home before me. They had a good day too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Swimming, a new 3-D movie at the museum, and lunch from the taco truck.</div><p></p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-2867857311329009512021-05-16T08:21:00.006-07:002021-05-23T18:37:11.939-07:00Garden Update<p style="text-align: center;"> I haven't taken very many pictures of our community garden plots, because so far they are still full of tiny seedlings and weeds, which don't make for very good pictures. I'll get some the next time we go over and add them to this post.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm happy to report that our gardens are coming along! </p><p style="text-align: center;">We have been asking around as to when is the best time to plant warm-weather stuff, like tomatoes and peppers. Everyone has said around Mother's Day, which--as you know--was last week.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So even though the weather has been almost identical every day since the first of May (60 during the day, 48 at night), we waited until this past week to go get our plants. Truthfully, we've been busy with other things too, otherwise we would have just gotten them in earlier!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbFG5lxtRa7u6gqenU8WYl_QLRmtT0DL5Y2SslvAYSx7NAFYsdx2LlWP4Q-DcZgGOvvq7YVSulm6H3CPXY4A6ubmVLNI_iCtw-ln1naOmwrv7AiAlePd95_mFAhuDRAiAe_UuDnKqQ6A/s2048/20210516_153409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbFG5lxtRa7u6gqenU8WYl_QLRmtT0DL5Y2SslvAYSx7NAFYsdx2LlWP4Q-DcZgGOvvq7YVSulm6H3CPXY4A6ubmVLNI_iCtw-ln1naOmwrv7AiAlePd95_mFAhuDRAiAe_UuDnKqQ6A/s320/20210516_153409.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We put in 4 varieties of tomatoes: Sweet 100, Oregon Spring, Black Krim, and Roma. I still want to look for Sungold, as those are my favorite. Another tip from the locals: the tomatoes that do the best here are the smaller, earlier varieties, because it just doesn't get very hot during the summer. </div><p style="text-align: center;">They put marigolds between the tomatoes. We didn't get any peppers, which was an oversight, so we may be going back this week and looking for peppers to plant.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RhjltUDVNRVu8zu9h8j_vMe3S039OfhSubI9VDE9TcvuYcgLvTg_yimNmaID9iO1IRpVz0JHWBghUh9b9aaFXmvTAEamOCnljkP4qtDhg-Kr9QaBeibtPLiioWBJjVMMWcja3vio1GE/s2048/20210516_153520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RhjltUDVNRVu8zu9h8j_vMe3S039OfhSubI9VDE9TcvuYcgLvTg_yimNmaID9iO1IRpVz0JHWBghUh9b9aaFXmvTAEamOCnljkP4qtDhg-Kr9QaBeibtPLiioWBJjVMMWcja3vio1GE/s320/20210516_153520.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, the yard-long cucumbers are finally start to sprout some true leaves, and the cantaloupe, gourds, and mini pumpkins are trending in that direction, as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWFsTagwrKsJ5m2hO4wq-ZiXFnUJjUIwKpUbQekaFpidGNbAVGefiM_XR6H-L36SvKRKpG5SfeTazYQ5-3OmIOyBQe1hmBfzj5xTkaqktUHuLMiBnNERgitrO-uUrz1hsz_vpROyT8X4/s2048/20210516_153344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWFsTagwrKsJ5m2hO4wq-ZiXFnUJjUIwKpUbQekaFpidGNbAVGefiM_XR6H-L36SvKRKpG5SfeTazYQ5-3OmIOyBQe1hmBfzj5xTkaqktUHuLMiBnNERgitrO-uUrz1hsz_vpROyT8X4/s320/20210516_153344.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You get two pictures of the carrot patch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what we're sorting through to find the actual carrot seedlings!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7qSKQcpzWqBqqFKC2IOHblvXb0hSk9fs2ajlvJdFkMMfFCeb0S8k98opZxzAFsCyceprslRNBcbaIvHXsPfFQUWsy8Ed1tyq6B9EjP7ja22IwrJR3s4ij8k2ak-YN3cfjWoB5zoVVkk/s2048/20210516_153348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7qSKQcpzWqBqqFKC2IOHblvXb0hSk9fs2ajlvJdFkMMfFCeb0S8k98opZxzAFsCyceprslRNBcbaIvHXsPfFQUWsy8Ed1tyq6B9EjP7ja22IwrJR3s4ij8k2ak-YN3cfjWoB5zoVVkk/s320/20210516_153348.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I think we've finally figured out which seedlings were carrots, too, which is a big breakthrough. We've had so many weeds coming up, many of them "gifts" from neighboring garden boxes that let their plants go to seed over the winter, that we've had an interesting time figuring what's what. </p><p style="text-align: center;">In amongst the carrots that we planted, we also have had volunteer fennel, cilantro, swiss chard, and lettuce coming up. Plus all the ones we know for sure are weeds. Oh, and something bright pink that we think might be either a type of spinach or possibly kale. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The kids transplanted all the cilantro into one little patch, to give our carrots some more room.</p><div style="text-align: center;">Adam's spinach patch is looking good, too, and starting to produce some edible leaves.<br />He's reluctant to thin it, however, so not sure how big they'll get.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WI1TM3xY0euC9KdiC5Bc_aJnKUr8mn8fELvuQzR9t9iRF69h0F3XXAnREYextE3MPKfLIvHZnraOfLiKbX_hDpqseWeiXcBGHh_4RF3fC2r3EEJ1eNrRvXQOSRRxAxb_kH_PpdBF62w/s2048/20210516_153417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WI1TM3xY0euC9KdiC5Bc_aJnKUr8mn8fELvuQzR9t9iRF69h0F3XXAnREYextE3MPKfLIvHZnraOfLiKbX_hDpqseWeiXcBGHh_4RF3fC2r3EEJ1eNrRvXQOSRRxAxb_kH_PpdBF62w/s320/20210516_153417.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The peas are getting tall and sort of climbing up the trellis.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq8Cq8Cs0V8bsIekT8fa9S_GhTyLApVOvaM8nlYiNUjrjhSVeBneXPYkh_nLvaqgdcjmqOyMiFT99jJhgPXaBJLovugOQPAZHSkBeoC610Waw3-0su3tJSQUvhpMD6dpRQsAf4jO3Vk4/s2048/20210516_153356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq8Cq8Cs0V8bsIekT8fa9S_GhTyLApVOvaM8nlYiNUjrjhSVeBneXPYkh_nLvaqgdcjmqOyMiFT99jJhgPXaBJLovugOQPAZHSkBeoC610Waw3-0su3tJSQUvhpMD6dpRQsAf4jO3Vk4/s320/20210516_153356.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Over in the flower box, my bachelor's buttons are doing fantastic.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've thinned them a couple of times, but now I'm just letting them grow a bit crowded.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was excited to find 'Madame Butterfly' snapdragons for sale at the nursery, so I bought three 6-packs, and planted them out in a block right next to my bachelor's buttons. This is the type of snaps I had last year, and I loved their frilly, open faces. They're a mix of colors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gEsvRFoKQ7BfmaKs1MUZ3fJseOlJiA3I7Tl3mQQGXA4vZSENAuZXoNkY4tyqmGgPqF0lfDGINxc9NB66ZkeotoSv1mIvk-DwtCiHpfYA8_TbzwLDMF0MfnYQzggdNvfmwgLSJ65cex8/s2048/7-02+frilly+snaps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gEsvRFoKQ7BfmaKs1MUZ3fJseOlJiA3I7Tl3mQQGXA4vZSENAuZXoNkY4tyqmGgPqF0lfDGINxc9NB66ZkeotoSv1mIvk-DwtCiHpfYA8_TbzwLDMF0MfnYQzggdNvfmwgLSJ65cex8/s320/7-02+frilly+snaps.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here you go--I found a picture of last year's.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The snapdragons were all about 10 inches tall, and I gave them the chop--cut them off to just above the lowest sets of leaves. It will set them back by a couple of weeks for bloom time, but instead of one main stalk, I'll get 4 or 5 per plant. It's hard to pinch them when they're doing so well, but it will be worth it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7q1WFv5EjT78ZiJUv8i0LKVIgyPyhzgHp3Weh1_VM2_kpcL-StukQzr6Kib-2F5fZl4X_bTGknGh2iuXq_UN19PrN8pFNuw8YnU-q3p8UpLynxrlMO_4naTpU_qK7c3xVw6l4DNmmk8/s2048/20210516_153425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7q1WFv5EjT78ZiJUv8i0LKVIgyPyhzgHp3Weh1_VM2_kpcL-StukQzr6Kib-2F5fZl4X_bTGknGh2iuXq_UN19PrN8pFNuw8YnU-q3p8UpLynxrlMO_4naTpU_qK7c3xVw6l4DNmmk8/s320/20210516_153425.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've got cosmos coming up next to that, and I'm still waiting on zinnias to pop up. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure it's been warm enough for the zinnias to come up yet. In warm weather they will sometimes pop up in 3 days--it's been 10 so far and no sign of them yet. They're sulking.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So in the picture are all volunteers: potato plant, swiss chard, lettuce, and something else.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQ6bWT44NtW2bSFu8d83jLSbERjZS5d_NGSF3vJw7vqUdTlWTC8X-I16ysjcoh-65j3EvW5SZH5rzJHLbq_CFQBRJnfX0d16Avpb8ThIUg_Ruh2_Pp4jylz3gHwfk6GCDrDpx4jiOY4g/s2048/20210516_153458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQ6bWT44NtW2bSFu8d83jLSbERjZS5d_NGSF3vJw7vqUdTlWTC8X-I16ysjcoh-65j3EvW5SZH5rzJHLbq_CFQBRJnfX0d16Avpb8ThIUg_Ruh2_Pp4jylz3gHwfk6GCDrDpx4jiOY4g/s320/20210516_153458.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, and I bought 6 dahlia tubers from a roadside stand and put them in on the end of the box (behind the parsley there in the middle.) </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm actually really excited for those! </div><div style="text-align: center;">They haven't come up yet either.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If I have any extra room, or things don't come up, I'm going to fill it in with sunflowers. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm looking forward to having a box full of color and beautiful flowers!</div>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-61983353202969117922021-05-11T12:00:00.001-07:002021-06-06T23:21:44.481-07:00Beautiful Rhododendrons<div style="text-align: center;">The rhododendrons in our backyard have been slowly opening up, and they are just gorgeous!<br />I'm usually not a big fan of the lipstick pink, but what can I say--this tree/shrub is rocking it!<br />So, so beautiful. <br />They don't have scent, which is probably just as well. It would be overwhelming!</div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi5Vz18kHhsQ5gjfIEc-rcUaeNpsnHMvscghAwSONf_yCW5IH_bV4aU-jcAonp1am8ciVzzr311bWznLmLPqHtrNMdjtbIisa0VYEmgH7DGjzG1OTJp7osEatSUH5ZI84uYtHbtLLf94/s2048/20210505_102725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi5Vz18kHhsQ5gjfIEc-rcUaeNpsnHMvscghAwSONf_yCW5IH_bV4aU-jcAonp1am8ciVzzr311bWznLmLPqHtrNMdjtbIisa0VYEmgH7DGjzG1OTJp7osEatSUH5ZI84uYtHbtLLf94/s320/20210505_102725.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Just starting to open.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmUD-RanZnS_n-UVJ7Jo68L5_AXWrqOqBGZSZuCwVZuhXqlNSJrOMziFOB-GJPlZEB-ETg8YH5RLfgP4BHiUO7e8_s_xksAY6HgGaj091A1fPdrve_VXljWPmd2OncEqF-eB6QcE3JIY/s2048/5-16+just+a+glimpse+down+the+side+yard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmUD-RanZnS_n-UVJ7Jo68L5_AXWrqOqBGZSZuCwVZuhXqlNSJrOMziFOB-GJPlZEB-ETg8YH5RLfgP4BHiUO7e8_s_xksAY6HgGaj091A1fPdrve_VXljWPmd2OncEqF-eB6QcE3JIY/s320/5-16+just+a+glimpse+down+the+side+yard.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Peeking out from the side yard.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VLOIkg805GVUvvSsNo68PS0pd_W7szCsGWC3FuNsA0LtAkdlQTJ-aAaArSByRdB4B9mrUeoDaz_uUFeM0mdZibO3KSfY0O9475JCEr0Ztiz4u-rtPfwgqnnJC-XEdRuEu2Vz-o-c0fk/s2048/5-11+rhodi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VLOIkg805GVUvvSsNo68PS0pd_W7szCsGWC3FuNsA0LtAkdlQTJ-aAaArSByRdB4B9mrUeoDaz_uUFeM0mdZibO3KSfY0O9475JCEr0Ztiz4u-rtPfwgqnnJC-XEdRuEu2Vz-o-c0fk/s320/5-11+rhodi.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fJZO_yBbWwjMAuTcbm6tLyhfM-l1oLqXLUHTcPSpRAQW1Oh_Ouv_5OT3wCd6TnAHVAn6CO-Eqqjoh3DuSRKoXS38JItokfKS7Og6skusAnwsS6o8Ps2LXDe6ULxt6xLGqLPc9v__VR8/s2048/5-11+covered+in+blooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fJZO_yBbWwjMAuTcbm6tLyhfM-l1oLqXLUHTcPSpRAQW1Oh_Ouv_5OT3wCd6TnAHVAn6CO-Eqqjoh3DuSRKoXS38JItokfKS7Og6skusAnwsS6o8Ps2LXDe6ULxt6xLGqLPc9v__VR8/s320/5-11+covered+in+blooms.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-wS1XIwL1XZkRF6x9OLz3SN-OSgufVY37NbhBVLiFTrv1cm-3or0ROvD7h66c7SLjZO8suR1N2Aa2vQxMuV7PA93ZLhcc-RmCUQq6Y7vMzWFE6KicY-GNUDFHfFRr_RRF0zGoyA7RQA/s2048/20210505_153640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-wS1XIwL1XZkRF6x9OLz3SN-OSgufVY37NbhBVLiFTrv1cm-3or0ROvD7h66c7SLjZO8suR1N2Aa2vQxMuV7PA93ZLhcc-RmCUQq6Y7vMzWFE6KicY-GNUDFHfFRr_RRF0zGoyA7RQA/s320/20210505_153640.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNx31SWFYqT13UOmwtaE_iwW84RgW3lvyBobeYZxcfYlFsXSByYIeMzHMd35S-nbNGTZgnliyEfN3HmAHQtuku-laTR5HQ_sV-_RJhPJIr_7jmjqRmjT1aY-UDBOi98wRE67YCkUXZzs/s2048/20210505_102313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNx31SWFYqT13UOmwtaE_iwW84RgW3lvyBobeYZxcfYlFsXSByYIeMzHMd35S-nbNGTZgnliyEfN3HmAHQtuku-laTR5HQ_sV-_RJhPJIr_7jmjqRmjT1aY-UDBOi98wRE67YCkUXZzs/s320/20210505_102313.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-1877407494738397012021-05-01T23:28:00.000-07:002021-05-01T23:28:07.000-07:00All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team, by Christina Soontornvat<p><i><br /></i></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtCl6UQJ9CptyzggNfTjWaxrcG7eSGoUsP9TE2MiAuKm8JPheC5ppdbrcyUEpIOEGpuApGs_C5N9jh4G9xVSNehfK6PIq4zeYQG25wSqae1ip0b5-qUDXk47kH7_H19NMTzVj-1ENju4/s400/allthirteen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="301" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtCl6UQJ9CptyzggNfTjWaxrcG7eSGoUsP9TE2MiAuKm8JPheC5ppdbrcyUEpIOEGpuApGs_C5N9jh4G9xVSNehfK6PIq4zeYQG25wSqae1ip0b5-qUDXk47kH7_H19NMTzVj-1ENju4/w301-h400/allthirteen.jpg" width="301" /></a></i></div><i>All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team</i>, by Christina Soontornvat <p></p><div style="text-align: left;">* 2021 Newberry Honor<br />* 2021 Robert F. Sibert Honor</div><p>5 stars: Excellent writing, on this incredibly high-interest topic. Very well done.</p><p>I remember when we first read the news articles about the Thai boys' soccer team that was trapped in a flooded cave. We were riveted, and horrified. From then on, we searched out any articles we could find and eagerly read the latest news and attempts to rescue them. We prayed for them as a family, every day. We were so worried about them. When we heard about the successful rescue, we were so happy and thankful. </p><p>As soon as I heard about this book, I knew we needed to get it. I was not disappointed! I read it first, in one sitting. Then my oldest two children took turns reading it. This had all the answers to the questions we had asked each other those long months ago. It filled in the details that the news story didn't know or didn't share. It had pictures and background information on the boys, their coach, the rescuers, and other pivotal people involved. We learned how the cave flooded so quickly and why they couldn't just wait until the water drained away. We learned how they survived, physically and mentally, for so long. We learned about the rescuers, including the Thai Navy Seal who lost his life in the cave.</p><p>The sheer number of people involved in the operation was incredible to read about, especially all those who took it upon themselves to help in any way they could, with no thought of reward. And the way they finally came up with to bring them out, sedated. It was truly a miracle that it worked.</p><p>It was everything I could have hoped for in a book about this incident. We are going to buy this book for our own library. </p><p>* * * * *</p><p>Were you as invested as we were in this story? Have you read the book? If so, what were your thoughts? </p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-12457092390919028312021-04-02T22:45:00.000-07:002021-05-01T23:28:21.418-07:00Companion Reads: Longitude, and Carry On, Mr. Bowditch<p> We read two books back to back in our morning reading time (for homeschool), which proved to be great companion reads. They both had to do with sailing and in particular, navigation at sea. <i>Longitude</i>, by Dava Sobel, was nonfiction, while <i>Carry On, Mr. Bowditch</i>, by Jean Lee Latham, was historical fiction. We understood the troubles of Nat Bowditch so much better, having just read an entire book about finding "lunars" vs. other means of calculating longitude, and even knew some of the technical terms.</p><p>If you have access to both of these books, give it a try and let me know if you liked it too!</p><p><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdwpw0TkAnPUFjIdtfZO7_6U1xhlBadBFk_qWqdrgV_RpfB3EOdfuY9AiusfAb6sYYerPBo3V_GUL9eaBAJetpbRlCS_sKdCkyEl1NaQO6OKxa1LyxRNBhu9vwfGDTsoTv_8GO-PGkvQ/s475/longitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="289" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdwpw0TkAnPUFjIdtfZO7_6U1xhlBadBFk_qWqdrgV_RpfB3EOdfuY9AiusfAb6sYYerPBo3V_GUL9eaBAJetpbRlCS_sKdCkyEl1NaQO6OKxa1LyxRNBhu9vwfGDTsoTv_8GO-PGkvQ/w244-h400/longitude.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><i>Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Kind</i><span style="font-style: italic;">, by Dava Sobel</span><p></p><p>3.5 stars: Thorough and meaty. </p><p>This one has been on my shelf for at least 5 years. I finally decided to read it to my kids as a way to make it first priority for me as well. Ha! It worked! We made it our way through it, a little each day.</p><p>For hundreds of years, the "longitude problem" was the bane of every sailor and captain's existence. It was easy enough to determine which latitude your ship was at, while at sea, but longitude was a whole different beast. Many, many ships sunk and thousands of lives were lost over the centuries due to mistakes in calculating longitude.</p><p>Finally the British throne came up with a competition, complete with a hefty award for whomever could solve this problem in a satisfactory way. There was a board overseeing the competition, which ended up going on for a couple of decades. The board members not only received the entries, but they were in charge of testing their accuracy and viability, and perhaps most importantly--doling out the prize money.</p><p>For a very long time, prevailing opinion was that the longitude problem would be solved by astronomy. Calculating "lunars" and/or the positions of certain stars became the basis of that school of thought. Then there was another idea completely: using a clock. It would have to be a clock like no other, however. It would have to keep nearly perfect time at sea, despite the constant motion of the ship, and have to be impervious to moisture and salty air.</p><p>As far away from astronomy as the workbench from the observatory, this idea was looked down upon by the Board as being almost too practical. Longitude was the realm of mathematicians and scholars, not something that could be solved with raw materials and rough hands--no matter how intricate the arrangement of gears and springs. It took the clockmaker in question--John Harrison--most of his life to perfect his creation and receive his just rewards.</p><p>* * * * *</p><p>This was actually a good read aloud for school mornings. I mean, I definitely felt smarter after reading it each day! Ha! Truly, though, it gave us some great fodder for discussion. We took it in smaller chunks, and although my kids weren't necessarily clamoring to keep reading each day, it got our minds working first thing in the morning, which was a good thing. That being said, this is definitely geared towards adults. I am fairly certain none of my kids would have picked it up to read on their own--or stuck with it, for that matter. It's well written, but it's got a lot packed in there.</p><p>Fascinating subject, really. There's so much that we take for granted about our modern life. GPS systems, anyone? Amazing how one person can make such a difference. One person approaching a problem differently, seeing a unique solution to the problem, then using his skills toward the solution, persisting through setback after setback. </p><p>That was the biggest takeaway for me: do what you do best, persist through failure, and you will make a difference. It may not be solving the biggest problem of your time, but then again, maybe it will be. </p><p>Now we want to take a field trip to go visit the sea clocks! </p><p> </p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsR3jgkSaLaTyjqka5_JJtHDvvTaLr1Y9uKTWertKKbtDPKh4YXFsLq1D6oPY4KcnY-4e4qDxAR2pWI3haSBUDbfgLRrUy1r6I7lyeSohBbKaoayBnTRsvjnI4Sy6xtf742zcsTyllJM/s472/carryon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="318" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsR3jgkSaLaTyjqka5_JJtHDvvTaLr1Y9uKTWertKKbtDPKh4YXFsLq1D6oPY4KcnY-4e4qDxAR2pWI3haSBUDbfgLRrUy1r6I7lyeSohBbKaoayBnTRsvjnI4Sy6xtf742zcsTyllJM/w270-h400/carryon.jpg" width="270" /></a></i></div><i>Carry On, Mr. Bowditch</i>, by Jean Lee Latham<p></p><p>* Newberry Medal winner in 1956</p><p>3.5 stars: Great way to visualize and bring to life the history we read about it <i>Longitude</i>.</p><p>Nat Bowditch grows up in a family that has fallen on hard times. His father, Habbukuk, used to be a sea captain until his ship was dashed into pieces. Since then he has become a cooper, but has never gotten past his failure at sea. There are many children and only just enough food and clothing to go around. He learns early (from his big brother Hab) to pretend like he doesn't feel the cold in the winter when he doesn't have a coat to wear.</p><p>Nat loves mathematics, which makes him unique in his family and at his school. His mind just takes to it, and he can understand and work out complicated problems from a young age. He has dreams of going to Harvard after school. Then his father indentures him to the ship chandlery in town for 9 years. Nine years! His life is over! Or so he thinks. He doesn't realize it is the start of a lifetime of learning and opportunities. Also, he finally gets enough to eat and warm clothes to wear.</p><p>* * * * *</p><p>We read this book right after <i>Longitude</i>. It was a great tie-in to all the history we learned about in that book. The problem of finding longitude is one of the central themes of the book. Apparently this was the time period when chronometers (sea clocks) were available, but still very expensive, so most ships still used lunars--which involved taking the position of the moon in relation to certain stars and calculating longitude based on that. Nat's mathematical skill enables him to work "lunars" with extraordinary accuracy, and he even ends up teaching all the men he's sailing with how to work them as well. We highly appreciated the digs at Nevil Maskelyne, who was the rival and enemy of the clockmaker in our nonfiction book. So that part was fantastic.</p><p>I feel like the book was probably as accurate as historical fiction can be, so it was good to get a feel for what it would have been like to live back then, in a sailing town.</p><p>Here's the thing: so many people died! At first, it was a bit of a blow as we read along. By the end, my kids were taking bets on who was going to go next. It was so bad! I will not name names, but I will just say--do not get overly attached to any of the characters, particularly those who are closest to Nat. Since it was the story of a good portion of his life, the deaths are mentioned in a rather abrupt or cursory manner, then after a paragraph or two we're moving on.</p><p>Edited to add: We are not as heartless as we may seem. None of us realized as we read that Mr. Bowditch was a real person. That poor man! Wow. He overcame a lot of suffering. I can't imagine the author would have included all of those deaths if they hadn't really happened. It makes his accomplishments that much more incredible.</p><p>Favorite sayings: </p><p>"sailing by ash breeze" --this comes up throughout the book, but it's explained early on. When a ship is becalmed, the only way to move forward is by "ash breeze," meaning--get out the oars and row! The oars were usually made of ash wood. Nat spends most of his life sailing by ash breeze, finding his own chances for learning, and studying on his own--everything he can get his hands on--as his hopes and dreams take a very long time to realize.</p><p>"she has eyes in the back of her heart" </p><p>"I'm just like a chair you stumble over in the dark," Elizabeth said. "It isn't the chair's fault, but you kick it anyhow." ... "Your brain. It's too fast. So you stumble on other people's dumbness. And--you want to kick something." </p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-8364914891649215162021-03-13T15:44:00.007-08:002021-03-13T15:45:34.797-08:00A Couple of Novels: Missing Pieces, & Grave Secrets<p style="text-align: left;"> I have read a couple of novels over the past few weeks. They've been a good break from some stress I've had going on. It's funny--sometimes when I'm stressed I need the fiction, fun books to escape for awhile. Other times, especially if the stress is related to feeling like I have a lot to do, then I tend to gravitate more towards the nonfiction, because I can just pick it up for a few minutes at a time. It's easier to disconnect with, I guess. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUubqfQm50gQXJqKtt839uXUhvmJ-TS_BVBHgbwqnlBxJdeEncYGx-tHCHQ1SVyGUkW-8k80eV38hnzgoZQE8X8XSr82dmCg0jBobPbF9OhFJ61PxqzO9NNIv6sqiFp8QjpvcUGoB9TzM/s240/missingpieces.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="164" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUubqfQm50gQXJqKtt839uXUhvmJ-TS_BVBHgbwqnlBxJdeEncYGx-tHCHQ1SVyGUkW-8k80eV38hnzgoZQE8X8XSr82dmCg0jBobPbF9OhFJ61PxqzO9NNIv6sqiFp8QjpvcUGoB9TzM/w273-h400/missingpieces.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><i>Missing Pieces</i>, by Jeni Grossman<div><br /></div><div>4 stars: Fit in very well with what we're learning in history right now.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Dulcey Moore is a seasoned reporter for CNN and has taken an assignment to the Middle East, specifically Turkey. There is a magnificent golden statue that is supposed to be unearthed from an archeological dig and she's going to be the one on camera as it is broadcast live to school children and others around the world. </div><div><br /></div><div>She doesn't realize going in that the statue has more than just historical significance. Al Queda wants the statue for the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy, a pawn in their scheme to consolidate power. As Dulcey tries to navigate cultural differences, it becomes clear that more than just the broadcast is at stake.</div><div><br /></div><div>* * * * *</div><div>We've been learning about the civilizations of the Ancient Middle East, in our homeschool history class. This dovetailed so perfectly with those lessons. The setting felt authentic--I appreciated reading afterword that the author had spent some time in Turkey, herself. I was very interested in the cultural exchanges between the American TV crew, the ex-pat archaeologist, and the other people of modern day Turkey. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also really liked how there was so much history that even common-place looking homes could have a wealth of ancient treasures inside them, just picked up from the surrounding areas. I realize that was fictional, but I could see it happening. That sense of deep history is something that I don't have any experience with, but I was drawn to it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The plot thread of Al Queda and the statue's potential significance kept the story moving along briskly. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was well-written and gave me much to think about.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIP2r-QkS69VXYPMKAHvc3RVH3J8Ts277o9BVqUEcyUMIWKAEWRTXOxTAkjfWxMcOlS3DT51AkAPnSk_SGATS6s8pUAjF8Yf5tqyPgyAG49jU1wlXPCxZGwTrhKl66CQL_J1qTiOLCdt8/s200/gravesecrets.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="133" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIP2r-QkS69VXYPMKAHvc3RVH3J8Ts277o9BVqUEcyUMIWKAEWRTXOxTAkjfWxMcOlS3DT51AkAPnSk_SGATS6s8pUAjF8Yf5tqyPgyAG49jU1wlXPCxZGwTrhKl66CQL_J1qTiOLCdt8/w266-h400/gravesecrets.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Grave Secrets</i>, by Marlene Austin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 stars: Slow starter, but a satisfying conclusion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bethany has been looking forward to spending the summer after her graduation with her grandmother Amelia--not because they've been close, but because they haven't been. She's counting on them finally having a chance to connect and hoping to finally win her grandmother's love and approval. Then, on the day of her graduation, she finds out that her grandmother has died. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Along with her grief and anger, there is a good deal of confusion, as well. Bethany has inherited a run-down cottage in Maine, with the stipulation that she live in it and take time to write a book. Nothing like vague edicts from beyond the grave to give a girl some purpose to life! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So off she goes to Maine, but meanwhile, there seems to be someone after her--little "accidents" that don't add up, and threatening messages. It's all very peculiar. She's not sure who to trust.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* * * * *</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was a lot I liked about this book. I liked the ties to family history and finding out what happened to the people who lived in the cottage before her. The "slow start" I mentioned does not include the Prologue, which was actually quite exciting. The suspense surrounding Bethany's project and stalker (?) was a very slow build-up, though. I didn't particularly like the love interests either.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bethany's issues with her grandmother dominated the book more than I would have liked. That seemed to be mostly what Bethany's entire life revolved around, so that got to be a bit tiresome. The ending was predictable, but satisfying.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, it was fine, but probably not one I'll re-read. </div>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-84837665892932528822021-02-16T11:16:00.002-08:002021-03-13T15:33:48.986-08:00For the Armchair Adventurer<p> Two of the books I've read recently have been about daring and adventurous escapades: <i>Mystery of the Nile</i> and <i>Mountain Rescue Doctor.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoDMsOWyZGZaaUp_gGj65VqlU_nOY_BR274MG76VLZxHAIbSh8_gEJb55HPRy3TaL32SH3MlradvrZEzTAmgkuKQEkpeLaRSus9PxPTF7j96GgaRGTUuOnsp-anvWV_1TvCIUh55Zr4A/s475/mysteryofthenile.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoDMsOWyZGZaaUp_gGj65VqlU_nOY_BR274MG76VLZxHAIbSh8_gEJb55HPRy3TaL32SH3MlradvrZEzTAmgkuKQEkpeLaRSus9PxPTF7j96GgaRGTUuOnsp-anvWV_1TvCIUh55Zr4A/w265-h400/mysteryofthenile.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><i>Mystery of the Nile: The Epic Story of the First Descent of the World's Deadliest River</i>, by Richard Bangs and Pasquale Scaturro<p></p><p>4 stars: My inner armchair adventurer was satisfied.</p><p><br /></p><p>Many people have attempted to go down the entire length of the Nile River, and several have died in the attempt. Pasquale Scaturro and his little band of explorers finally made it!</p><p>They started way up in Ethiopia, where it was really just a trickle, down spectacular and dangerous waterfalls and rapids, and past crocodiles, hippos, bandits, and soldiers.</p><p>* * * * *</p><p>This was a great read, especially coming on the heels of our homeschool study of Ancient Egypt, and the surrounding regions. The adventure wasn't all exciting rafting through dangerous waters. A good portion of it was baking hot and boring, with the main threat coming from Sudanese militia and river side bandits. </p><p>It was interesting to get a glimpse of the interpersonal dynamics of the group, as well. Shared danger doesn't necessarily bring about close friendships, and Bangs pulled no punches discussing the problems that came up between Scaturro and his fellows. Satisfying ending, though--realizing that reaching an enormous milestone like that is as much a mindset as anything else. Preparation and the right equipment can only get you so far. At some point you may need a "fixer" to get you signatures or the needed paperwork, or just the wife of a inn owner that knows a general. It wasn't all just physical skills needed, is what I'm saying. People skills, negotiation, keeping your team from throwing each other to the crocodiles--all of that was part of it, too.</p><p>Content: Some language.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XLex0O2klTkyZMIcqPZKoslWVvQq9FjFEpyp6wLyPwYnW2PU3uNJe3PZWhDHWCHpCyjJwPvC6B7xuf1autojMHGwr7YgdisE05pFh4pzeyxuf3rEeLo0iN-pkg-vwFivBXl3mybdbCI/s475/mountainrescuedoctor.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XLex0O2klTkyZMIcqPZKoslWVvQq9FjFEpyp6wLyPwYnW2PU3uNJe3PZWhDHWCHpCyjJwPvC6B7xuf1autojMHGwr7YgdisE05pFh4pzeyxuf3rEeLo0iN-pkg-vwFivBXl3mybdbCI/w264-h400/mountainrescuedoctor.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><i>Mountain Rescue Doctor: Wilderness Medicine in the Extremes of Nature</i>, by Christopher Van Tilburg<br /><p>4 stars: Stories to talk about with my teenager.</p><p><br /></p><p>Tilburg has forged his own path in the medical community, combining a love of outdoor sports with opportunities to help people in trouble. An ER doctor as his "day job," plus an avid hiker, biker, and skiier himself, he is well prepared physically and mentally for the rigors of rescuing those who have slipped or strayed off the beaten path. </p><p>Exciting stories of his work up in the mountains. Extremely challenging situations and dedicated volunteers at the ready for those who get hurt or sick or lost. Reading this, I was so grateful for Tilburg and others like him, who are willing to risk so much to help people that cannot help themselves.</p><p>My oldest son read this at the same time as me, and we had a good time talking about the various stories. </p><p><i><br /></i></p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892751680998801705.post-92181514690967865532021-02-05T21:35:00.002-08:002021-02-15T00:09:45.564-08:00Playing with Flowers<p style="text-align: center;">I had a hard day a while back, and my sweet husband went to the flower shop in town and talked them into selling him a big bunch of loose flowers. </p><p style="text-align: center;">He came walking in the door with them, and said they were to help distract me and bring me joy.</p><p style="text-align: center;">He knows me well!</p><p style="text-align: center;">They did both jobs very well. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I gave the one on bottom to a friend and kept the purples to enjoy here at home. </p><p style="text-align: center;">It felt good to arrange flowers again!</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0C9kRmZery6UmLhyaBYnklJowWB7vK2_0yHYcTyu4hB0J_5czgmAWVpVq4vCpW9uF0Tf8JqLMY6yON3P1iMhZY5eKDENlVCxVC_BC9ffYyzgC3a3y49nXpfa2Y8vOgIq8SRvRQ4XvTw/s2048/20210203_094400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0C9kRmZery6UmLhyaBYnklJowWB7vK2_0yHYcTyu4hB0J_5czgmAWVpVq4vCpW9uF0Tf8JqLMY6yON3P1iMhZY5eKDENlVCxVC_BC9ffYyzgC3a3y49nXpfa2Y8vOgIq8SRvRQ4XvTw/w300-h400/20210203_094400.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fR2dv3rpdThyFqCD3oWQuXn940C81gpE0VULSmt1iloX7MmJHbdJbYlWLA47crY2CH6TEkbbsiXjI-l_p8_OR_B9qgg5R0Z5Fs6L4hH-pX5Rfv8m7pbLMOijw7tRIQgmdpqXsEZ58WY/s2048/20210202_102816.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fR2dv3rpdThyFqCD3oWQuXn940C81gpE0VULSmt1iloX7MmJHbdJbYlWLA47crY2CH6TEkbbsiXjI-l_p8_OR_B9qgg5R0Z5Fs6L4hH-pX5Rfv8m7pbLMOijw7tRIQgmdpqXsEZ58WY/w300-h400/20210202_102816.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1o-wT6lxO8NVwwEdiF-mpPUMYGtCxn0PPXjX2dRyI01yC12uYZqhpAI7n3QISiPW1tGLR3NlzkRkRgur4OcK2-v1tiZfBdhlgUcqZj71kwxEe3LJpTtsk_mZMiZIyUIljewrEYAYexQ/s2048/20210201_164630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1o-wT6lxO8NVwwEdiF-mpPUMYGtCxn0PPXjX2dRyI01yC12uYZqhpAI7n3QISiPW1tGLR3NlzkRkRgur4OcK2-v1tiZfBdhlgUcqZj71kwxEe3LJpTtsk_mZMiZIyUIljewrEYAYexQ/w300-h400/20210201_164630.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Linnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500189741421518061noreply@blogger.com0