It’s been almost a month since my sister died. Right before her death, I had started a menu plan for the month of September but had not completed it.
Continue reading “Mom, What’s For Dinner? – Week of September 25”
Dear Tanya (9/22/16)
Dearest Tanya,
How is Heaven? Have you seen both grandmas and both grandpas? If you have, please tell them how much I miss them. Give them hugs and kisses for me.
Is Heaven like a family reunion? Have you had any of the Hudnall traditional potluck foods of white salad or pecan tarts? How about deviled eggs or olives? Enjoy them for me please.
I read the list of fifty boyfriends to Aunt Missy and mom. We just laughed and laughed at that list. Then I read the brief descriptions we wrote for three of the men. We decided that Laslo Lazzarine no longer works at the Kiss at Hershey Park. Instead he has decided to be a Elvis impersonator. He got tired of waiting on mom. He’s given up on love since mom keeps rejecting him.
I saw him in Hollywood Studios back in 2014.
Today is the first day of fall. You’ll get to see the beautiful brilliance of the leaves changing from Heaven. You are so lucky because I love when the leaves change color.
My pastor has been talking about bucket lists at church. Did you create one? If so, I wish you had the chance to cross things off your bucket list. Todd and I created one this summer. Ours is simple. We want to visit one or two zoos in each state. Okay maybe Hawaii and Alaska might be more challenging. I also have a Disney bucket list. In November, I am going to cross out some of the items off that list. I want to visit the Animal Kingdom Lodge to photograph it and eat at 1900 Park Fare. Both are being done. You might be rolling your eyes right now because you know how I am about Disney.
I miss you dearly.
I love you!
Happy first day of fall!
Your annoying sister,
Traci
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Sauteed Zucchini (Simple Side Dishes)
This recipe is simple to cook up and is also delicious. To me that is what makes a recipe a winner.
Continue reading “Sauteed Zucchini (Simple Side Dishes)”
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The Time I was Rick Rolled (Before Rick Rolling was a Thing)
When I was about 13 or 14 years old, I got money for a Christmas or my birthday. I can’t remember why I got the money. So I decided to buy George Michael’s Faith album. I had liked George Michael since his days with Wham! My favorite song when I was my youngest son’s age was “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.”
On the Faith album, there was a song called “I want Your Sex.” I was so naive so I didn’t think anything of that song. Well, soon after I bought the album the tape in the cassette tape decided to break. We went back to return the tape.
Grandma had not seen the tape when I bought it but when we got to the store she had seen the names of the songs. Boy was she mad at me. I was not suppose to be listening to songs about sex at my young age.
I was not allowed to buy another Faith album. I was allowed to return it and get a different album by a different artist.
So what did I get instead? I ended up with Rick Astley’s “Whenever You Need Somebody.” I can remember opening that cassette tape and my grandpa playing it on the radio of his Astro Van.
I was Rick Rolled by my grandma. To be honest, I liked the album at that point in my life.
I think the Faith album was the first album I ever bought. If my boys bought something like that I would be so upset. It was not an appropriate album for my age.
This was the time I was Rick Rolled.
Let’s connect on social media:
Instagram – @Believeinthemagictraci
Facebook – @imhungry15
Pinterest – @imhungry75
Yummly
I hope you have a great day. Thanks for reading my blog post.
Happy eating,
Traci
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Dear Tanya (9/13/16)
Dearest Tanya,
Since I can’t call you, I’ve decided to write you another letter.
Did you see the Celebration we held for you? So many of our Rainbow friends came to remember you. Did you see that Amy got us a cake with the picture of you and I on it? Family came to the Celebration even our family from Pittsburgh. Mr. and Rev. B.even came. Jamie decided Mr. B. looks like the E Harmony man. Too funny!
Did you hear us singing to you and see the purple balloons we released in your memory? Doug came from Nashville for the Celebration. He decided that he was going to release his balloon first. You probably got a big laugh about it from Heaven. Todd decided he was going to take the string off first and then release his balloon. He ended up releasing his balloon last.
Cindy from church gave a beautiful frame that says sisters on it. I’ve placed it on my desk at work. My students have said we looked like twins. Can you believe that? Do you remember the year mom had us get the same haircut. Then for picture day she dressed you and I up in green turtlenecks. We really looked like twins.
Today I’m extra sad. Do you remember my student who drowned back in 2009? It would have been his 26th birthday today. His mom reached out to me when she heard the news that you had gone on to Heaven. I got to talk to the mother of another young man who was touched by the news. Anthony is still broken up about Renier’s death just like me. It’s been 7 years but I am still heartbroken over the news.
On Saturday after the rain, Todd and I decided we were going to chase the sunset. We got up to the Huffman Interpretive Center 10 minutes prior to it closing. I captured a gorgeous shot of the sunset. However what was more impressive was the small little rainbow to the west. Was that you letting me know that you are okay? Please tell me that it was you.
I miss you so much! I miss being able to call you so I could annoy you with stupid details of my life. I miss asking you to go on adventures with us.
Until next time!
Your annoying big sister,
Traci
P.S. I still think Jon Knight is the best New Kid on the Block. Yes, I know he’s gay but when we were still teens he had not come out of the closet.
Whenever I hear “Step by Step,” I’ll think of you.
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Cajun Chicken Pasta – Secret Recipe Club (September 2016)
A year ago, I made the decision to restart using my blog. It’s been a roller coaster year but I am glad I made that decision.
#Secret Recipe Club
Every month, I’m assigned another blog to check out. After checking out their blog, I’m to find a recipe to make, photograph, and then post. Since I’m in group B of the secret recipe club, I post my Secret Recipe Club on the second Monday of each month.
This month I’ve been assigned to Lemon and Cheese. Nicola is a librarian in London. She enjoys lemon and cheese hence the name of her blog.
Nicola has a list of books that are related to cooking. The list contains both fiction and nonfiction books. So if you want to read a book related to food or cooking, check out her list.
The Recipe that I Choose
I enjoyed looking through Nicola’s blog. I finally decided on a Cajun chicken pasta dish. My mom is currently staying with me so I’m trying to find dinners that everyone will enjoy. While I was cooking up the chicken, she was cutting up the bell peppers and onions.for me. The Imaginative One only wanted to eat the plain pasta and the Wee One wanted to eat only the chicken. The three adults in my family ate and loved the dish.
I made a few small adaptations from the recipes. I added some cheddar cheese to the dish before serving it. Since my mom was helping with cutting the veggies, I had her dice the onions and peppers instead of cutting them into slices. I also left the second pepper out because Hubby is not a big bell pepper fan.
Thank you Nicola for a great recipe!
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Stars of the recipe:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes
- 2 oz. cream cheese
- 1 box small pasta
- 1/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Steps:
- Place the chicken in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. of the Cajun seasoning. Toss the chicken to coat.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta as directed on the box.
- Meanwhile, heat the pan over medium heat. Add the oil.
- Saute’ the chicken until lightly browned and cooked through. Set the chicken asie.
- Add the onions and peppers to the the pan. Cook for 5 minutes. Set the onions and peppers aside.
- Turn down the heat to medium low. Add the tomatoes, 1 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning, and the cream cheese cut into smaller pieces.
- Stir the sauce until the cream cheese has melted into the tomatoes and had created a creamy sauce.
- Add the chicken and veggies back into the pan. Stir until combined.
- Add the pasta into the sauce. Stir until combined. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve!
Other Recipes
Other recipes that I found interesting on Nicola’s blog.
White Bean, Mint, and Lemon Dip
For more Secret Recipe Club recipes, click on the blue frog.
Let’s connect on social media:
Instagram – @Believeinthemagictraci
Facebook – @imhungry15
Pinterest – @imhungry75
Yummly
I hope you have a great day. Thanks for reading my blog post.
Happy eating,
Traci
This post has also been linked up to Miz Helen’s Full Plate Thursday.
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My 9/11 Story
It was a Tuesday morning. I had just finished teaching at the middle school and was on the way to Westbrooke Village Elementary School (WBV).
I was listening to Mix 107.7. After I turned on Olive Road, I heard the news. At first I thought it was a joke but then I realized it was the truth just as I was passing a Baptist Church about 3 minutes from WBV.
Once I entered WBV and went to the classroom I was going to be working in, I informed the teacher what had occurred. We turned on the tv’s in the classroom. The fourth graders didn’t pay attention. Meanwhile the adults realized life was changing. I can remember that at one point, one of the adults said “That’s not New York City. That’s Washington D.C.”
When it was time for me to go back to my room. I was going to be putting the radio on but was informed not to do that. We were told not to let the students hear what was going on. There was no outdoor recess on that September day. Fortunately we were able to tell the children, the playground equipment was being worked on because at that time they were fixing the playground.
Later in the evening, I was supposed to go eat dinner with my grandparents and then spend the night at my mom’s house. I had brought baked mac and cheese to share with my grandparents. So I went over there and ate with them. As I was going to leave, we heard the sonic boom from them clearing the air space for Air Force 1. In a panic, I made a decision to spend the night with them. I remember sleeping on their blue couch and being tucked in by my grandma. I was 26 years old but I that night I needed to feel safe and secure.
Whenever I think of 9/11, memories flood into my mind and tears roll down my face. It’s truly a moment in time that changed my life. I will never forget.
I live by one of the biggest Air Force Bases in the nation. I can remember for months afterwards the lines at the Air Force gates. Security was amped up in my area.
Tanya refused to come over to my house because she was afraid of the base being bombed. You could see the base from one of my windows in my townhouse.
It was a scary time in American history.
I’ll never FORGET!
What’s your 9/11 story?
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Tanya’s Celebration of Life Photos
Last week, we had a celebration of life for Tanya. A week after her death was what would have been her 39th birthday.
We had people visit from all over. Our relatives came in from Pittsburgh, PA. My aunt traveled down from Albany, New York. My youth leader/ father figure and his wife traveled from Columbus, Ohio. One of the young men from my youth group traveled from Nashville. We also had people from all over the area.
It was a wonderful way to celebrate a life that was cut short. She didn’t realize how loved she was when she was here on Earth.
We also released purple balloons in her memory.
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Boston Creme Poke Cake
I have been neglecting posting recipes during this difficult time in my life. I’ve been lucky that I made crock pot freezer meals or food left over from our picnic we had last week. So we have not been eating out. I have not had to do any grocery shopping. With an extra person at our house, this is amazing.
Continue reading “Boston Creme Poke Cake”
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Why??
I’m hit with the question why while dealing with my feelings about losing Tanya.
My father was not a nice man especially when it came to dealing with me and my stubborn streak.
When we lived with my grandma, I was often the one to be in trouble instead of my sister. She was often not impressed with whatever mischief I could get myself into on a daily or weekly basis. I was either grounded or yelled at a lot as a teenager/ young adult because of my behavior. (I still love and miss her.)
Then when I was in college, I was told by two of my professors that I should not be a teacher. They didn’t think I had it in me to be successful.
In all of those situations, I had to overcome the obstacles that stood in my way. Which at times were a lot. I dealt with abuse and being told “you cannot do it.” I had to pay my own college bills so I worked 35 to 40 hours a week at McDonald’s while taking a full class load at school.
With faith in God, I was overcame those obstacles to make me a stronger person.
Tanya was unable to overcome her obstacles. Towards the end of her young life, she shut herself off from the people who loved her the most. We had so much fun when we were younger traveling from place to place, exploring the world. I may have gotten mad at her from time to time because I’m one who wants to experience as much as possible.
We had fun visiting places around where we lived. We had fun exploring the Columbus Zoo with the boys. We would speak to each other on the phone.
But then something changed, the demons she was experiencing in her life overwhelmed her. Instead of allowing people into her life who truly loved her, she began to shut them down. If she had only spoken to our mother about how she was truly feeling, she might still be here.
Why was I able to overcome those obstacles in my life? I could have surely shut myself from the world because for a long I felt as though the world was against me. One thing I know for certain is that it was because of God and for me allowing people into my world. God also sent me a man that has stood by me during those difficult times.
So even tho I feel as the world is against me, I need to remember the words of the song “Overcomer.”
You’re an overcomer
Stay in the fight ‘til the final round
You’re not going under
‘Cause God is holding you right now
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it’s hopeless
That’s when He reminds You
That you’re an overcomer
You’re an overcomer
God has something special planned for me. He wants me to overcome the obstacles that come in my way.
However, I’ve got to question. Why didn’t Tanya overcome her obstacles? Why didn’t she trust the people who loved her the most? Why couldn’t she tell mom how bad she was feeling? Just Why? Those answers wouldn’t be answered. However, they will haunt me. Why? Oh, God, why?
I love you Tanya. I miss you so much. I just wish you could have trusted us enough to tell us that you were not feeling well.
Dear God,
No matter how many curve balls you throw at me, I need to remember to trust in you. You will help me over come adversities that I am facing. You will remind me that Satan cannot win. You will remind me that you have a plan for me. All I need to do is trust in you.
In Jesus name,
Amen
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A Review and the Top Recipes of August 2016
Here are the recipes I shared during August:
- Peach Iced Tea
- Chocolate Almond Overnight Oats
- Snickerdoodle Bars – Secret Recipe Club (August 2016)
- Skillet Corn
- Asian Cole Slaw
- Very Berry Green Smoothie
- Cheesy Orzo Pasta (Simple Side Dish)
- Honey Ginger Carrots
- Pineapple Ginger Smoothie
Plus I shared 6 More Breakfast Ideas and Lunch Ideas. I also shared two Sunday prep plans. #1 & #2
The top recipes of August 2016:
#5 – Snickerdoodle Bars
#3 – Baked Spaghetti
#2 – Ginger Pineapple Smoothie
#1 – Sausage, Peppers, and Onions – Pressure Cooker or Slow Cooker
Let’s connect on social media:
Instagram – @Believeinthemagictraci
Facebook – @imhungry15
Pinterest – @imhungry75
Yummly
I hope you have a great day. Thanks for reading my blog post.
Happy eating,
Traci
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God’s Presence?
Have you ever felt God’s presence in your life? With the tragedy of my sister passing, I feel his presence in my life. He has something big planned for me. And even though I have an inkling of what it might be, I don’t know how it’s going to go down.
One of my dreams is to be a writer. It’s not a dream that I share with people. I’m afraid that my grammar or poor spelling at times will get in the way so I’ve tucked that dream away. I also have a fear that no one would want to read what I have to say. I’ve always had a lot to say. Sometimes people just tune me out because I can ramble on FOREVER.
Then I wrote the letter to Tanya, straight from my heart. I know there was problems with my grammar but everyone got message I was trying to get across.
People are also calling me the historian. I have a lot of memories tucked into my heart and mind. I need to share those stories to the world instead of keeping them locked away. One day I won’t be here to share them anymore. My words will live on if I write them down.
As I said, I know God has big plans for me. What they are and how they work themselves out is unwritten. It’s up to me to trust in him to lead him down that path.
It’s been said to collect moments, not things. I have both. Some of the things I have are memories of moments that I have collected along my journey of life.
Jesus and God have heard my struggle through this difficult time.
As Robert Frost wrote
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.
I need to take the road less traveled during this difficult period of time in my life.
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The Day I Told My Grandma that the Rubber Broke
Since my sister passed, I’ve decided I needed to share family stories.
When I was a child/ teenager, our family would go to my grandpa’s sister’s house; aka the Farm. We would have potluck dinners with my grandpa’s family. The potluck dinners often had Aunt Janet’s baked goods, white salad, deviled and a tray of pickles and olives. Aunt Janet also would have a big pitcher of sweet ice tea.
One night, my grandma brought a crock pot full of yummy food to the potluck. It was one of those round crock pot. The lid was held on by two rubber bands. When grandma brought in the crock pot, I noticed one of the rubber bands had broke. So I announced loudly in the presence of all of my family, “grandma, the rubber broke.”
Then I realized what I said.
I retracked my words and told her that the rubber band broke holding the lid onto the crock pot had broke.
That is the day I told my grandma that the rubber broke.
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Dear Tanya
My sister died unexpectedly on Sunday the 28th of August. I have been asked to give the memorial or remembrance about her at her simple graveside funeral. My mother-in-law suggested I write it as a letter.
Dearest Tanya,
It’s with such sadness that I’m writing this letter to you. You are now in Heaven shining down on me. I’ll miss so much about you. I don’t know if you realize how loved you were when you were here with us on Earth. So many people have left remembrances of you and your kind heart and sweet soul.
The way I remember you is so much different. I have lots of memories of us growing up and then as adults. In Philippians 1:3, Paul wrote “I thank God upon every remembrance of you.”
I can remember the RTA trips to downtown to either play Putt-Putt, shop at the Arcade, or visit the Salem Mall.
I have memories of us traveling by bus to Charlottesville, VA as children. We would stop in Washington, D.C. on the way there or back. Also of us traveling to Walt Disney World in 1990. One of my favorite memories was of us telling mom that the Big Thunder Railroad was a simulated roller coaster. We ended up in the front seat of the Railroad. Boy was mom mad at us afterwards. Mom should know that the back is far worse than the front of the coaster. Do you remember those Boy Scouts from California that were on the train back to Ohio from Orlando? We spent a lot of time in their railroad car.
We went on three Mission trips with the Clayton United Methodist Youth Group – Over-the-Rhine area of Cincinnati, South Carolina, and Athens, Ohio. The South Carolina trip was the most memorable. From Ambo, the train traveling hobo, to people stealing from us, to you being a fake girlfriend to Doug, to traveling to Myrtle Beach, to the Chinese buffet, to losing power at the church we were staying at. I will always keep those memories in my heart. Your life was one of Service, one of your favorite bow stations in Rainbow.
For 7 years, we were in Rainbow together. Traveling from here to there – Making friends and memories. I know you got amused with me when I could mess up a room during a weekend away at Grand Assembly. We were only there for three or four days and the room would look like my clothes threw up in it. All the dances and installations we attended. The friends we made who have stepped up to offer condolences or help during this time. They are not just friends but family. Family that just hasn’t seen each other in a while. If you see Mom Gray up in Heaven, please tell her I miss her dearly.
You and I traveled so much to Pittsburgh to visit family. When we stayed at grandma’s house, one of us had to be the unlucky one and get the bed with the mattress covered with plastic. If you were that sister, you had an unsettled night of sleep because the mattress would move every time you rolled around. Do you remember grandma getting on us about going to church or her telling us about all the boyfriends she had before grandpa? I will treasure our pictures at the Overlook in Pittsburgh.
Do you remember the one Easter eve that I called you? I said you have an hour to pack because we are going on a road trip. We ended up in Illinois for the night before traveling up to Chicago and then onto Kenosha, Wisconsin for the other night. We went to the Kmart in Kenosha to get our Easter candy. Such memories.
Our super trips in 2001 and 2002 with mom will remain in my heart. Listening to Backstreet Boys at their concert, visiting with our grandma in Pittsburgh, and driving through Gettysburg. Do you remember changing the calendar in grandma’s house with Jamie? I don’t think grandma realized we did that. My favorite picture of the two of us is from that trip. We also created a list of 50 boyfriends for mom on the trip in 2001 – one in each state. There was also descriptions of a few of the fake boyfriends. Do you remember how we actually ran into a guy who looked like one of the fake boyfriends?
Thank you for your help with Nick when Will was born. Do you remember how Nick slept for 12 plus hours the night Will was born? We didn’t need to worry about Nick and were able to concentrate on our new baby boy.
Thank you for all the times you watched our house while we were traveling. I’m sure Dobby will miss you. He does love you so.
I know that I was an annoying big sister. I was the first one to tattle on you when you did wrong. I was the one who made you do math problems at Melody Pool. You were not allowed to swim until you got them done. Then I allowed you to get the pool. You thanked me later for tutoring you since you were able to understand the math while in middle school. I made you help me pack for my Disney College Program on your 18th birthday. Boy, were you upset with me. Hey, at least you got rid of me for 4 months after that.
I think most of all I am going to miss calling mom’s house. If she was unable to talk or was gone, we made up excuses to why she could not answer the phone. Most of the time it was that she was on a date with some made up random guy. That random guy always had a Latino name like Raul or Julio.
When I see a rainbow in the sky, I will think of you. As it written in Genesis 9:13, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” You will be my rainbow in the sky.
I love you so very much. Teasing mom about her fake boyfriends won’t be as much fun.
Give a kiss to both grandmas and grandpas for me.
One day I’ll see you again but until then I’m going to be homesick and miss you so much. As the song “Homesick” from Mercy Me says “You’re in a better place, I’ve heard a thousand times. And at least a thousand times I’ve rejoiced for you. But the reason why I’m broken, the reason why I cry is how long must I wait to be with you.”
Love your annoying big sister,
Traci
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Ginger Pineapple Smoothie – Back to School (Secret Recipe Club)
#Secret Recipe Club
Every month, I’m assigned another blog to check out. After checking out their blog, I’m to find a recipe to make, photograph, and then post the recipe with the photograph of the recipe. August has five Mondays so we are posting a family friendly meal for the fifth Monday.
Continue reading “Ginger Pineapple Smoothie – Back to School (Secret Recipe Club)”
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Books I Read This Summer – Part 2
Here are the remainder of the books that I read this summer.
Death by Tiara by Laura Levine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Trouble at High Tide by Jessica Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. Jessica was invited down to Bermuda for a week of relaxation. On her first night there, her plans were derailed when there was a murder. Jessica investigated the murder while enjoying what suppose to be a relaxing vacation.
Even though there weren’t too many suspects, Jessica had to work through all of the tension within the victim’s family. It made for a good read.
This was the first Murder She Wrote book but it won’t be the last. I really enjoyed the pacing of the book. With Donald Bain’s description of the area of Bermuda, I was able to create a picture of the beach Jessica’s cabin was located on.
Destination Murder by Jessica Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this book.
Jessica was on a trip with her friend Reggie. They were traveling with his Train and Rail Club to Vancouver, British Columbia. Once in Vancouver, they were going to take a three day train ride through the countryside of British Columbia. However tragedy occurs while they are on the train. Jessica helps investigate the murder of one of the members of the Train and Rail Club.
After reading this book, I want to travel in British Columbia. The scenery sounds absolutely gorgeous.
Lowcountry Boil by Susan M. Boyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved this book. Liz is a Private Investigator who has moved from her hometown years ago. When her grandma is murder, she moves back to Stella Maris, South Carolina to help solve her grandma’s murder.
She gets help from her friend Colleen, a guardian of the island. Colleen had died 14 years previously. I thought this was an interesting twist to the story.
I ended up listening to the story rather than reading the story. The narrator had a Southern accent which made it a pleasant listening experience.
The author takes the reader/ listener through so many twists and turns that makes the reader want to know more. I highly recommend this book.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Judith’s husband’s ex-wife is back in town. You never know what Vivian, aka Herself, is going to be up.
The reader is given some background information about Herself in the book. That background information can be confusing at times while reading. Renie, Judith’s cousin, at one point told Judith that a family tree was needed when discussing Herself’s marriages and children. That is so true for the reader.
I would suggest reading this book when you have time to actually concentrate on the book so you are not confused by all the characters introduced in the book.
Oh, Joe frustrated me at times because he seemed to be at Herself’s beck and call. She’s your ex wife. Judith is your current wife. I felt as though he needed to grow a backbone at times.
Cloche and Dagger by Jenn McKinlay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Scarlett is down on her luck in love. Her cousin asks her to come to England to help with their grandma’s hat shop, Mim’s Whims. When she gets to the shop, Viv is nowhere to be found. Then there was a murder of one of their customers. Scarlett needs to get acclimated to England while dealing with the murder, wondering where her cousin is, and staying out of harm’s way because someone is trying to harm her.
This was such a good book. I enjoyed the pacing of the story. I also enjoyed Scarlett and Harrison’s relationship. Harrison helps with the financial side of the shop. Is there going to be a relationship between Scarlett and Harrison or are Harrison and Viv a couple? I want to read more books in the series to find out.
A Deadly Cliché by Ellery Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. Olivia lives in Oyster Bay, North Carolina with Captain Haivland, her standard poodle.
Oyster Bay has been plagued by murders and robbers by the Cliche’ Killers. Olivia and her friends are helping figure out who these killers are before more people are robbed or killed. There is a secondary mystery involving a mysterious letter.
The main character seems in control of her life. She thrives on being an independent lady.
I’m wondering if there is going to be a relationship with Olivia and the police chief.
I am loving this series of books. For me, they are quick reads with just enough humor to keep me interested.
Emily Andrew is on a Halloween cruise around the Hawaiian islands. A professor who specializes in James Cook fell off the side of the cruise ship. Emily and her trusty tour group of senior citizens are up to the challenge of finding out what happened to Dorian Smoker, the professor.
Notable highlights of the story:
There is something to do with extra size condoms in the book. It’s hilarious.
Also the treasure hunting is very interesting.
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Books I’ve Read During the Summer – Part 1
I did a lot of reading this summer. Since I have 17 books that I’m going to share with you, I’ve broken the list into 2 parts. The first part is going to be 9 of the books and the second part is going to be the final 8 books.
Foreign Éclairs by Julie Hyzy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Julie Hyzy has declared this book as the last book in the series. The last few words of the book is like a fork in the road. She can either continue with the series or the series has ended. There is no clear answer.
Once again Oliva, aka Ollie, Paras is in trouble. At first, she thinks her mugging is just that a mugging but then discovers a previous enemy’s brother blames her for what happened to his brother. The brother will stop at nothing to eliminate what he believes to be a threat.
This book reminded me of CSI at points in the book. I’m a big fan of CSI so maybe that is why it appealed to me. Foreign Eclairs is a heavier read than what is considered to be a cozy read.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was hilarious. Jaine, with an i, gets into one mess after another while on the cruise. The emails from her parents and her gay friend, Lance were the best part of the book.
Killer Cruise is the first book I’ve read from this author. I really enjoyed her writing style.
Here Comes the Bribe by Mary Daheim
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
To Cache a Killer by Karen Musser Nortman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Frannie and her friends are camping in Iowa. While they are camping, they are geocaching. There is a murder and a mystery involving travel bugs.
I gave it a 3 because there were parts I felt that dragged in the story. I’m not really into geocaching like my husband. If he read the book, he might have given it a higher rating. I know the basics of geocaching but don’t fully understand it.
The Chocolate Frog Frame-Up by JoAnna Carl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lee’s boyfriend has been accused of murder. It’s up to her and Joe to figure out who the real murderer is without getting hurt or killed themselves.
I really liked this book especially the chocolate tidbits the author provides.
The Chocolate Clown Corpse by JoAnna Carl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Clue for the Puzzle Lady by Parnell Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book took me a long time to complete. Well with the way I read, it took a long time to read. It was broken down into 60 chapters which made it seem longer.
The premise is good but it took me a long time to really get into the book. Once I got into the book, I finished it within a day. So what was the premise of the book? Clues that looked like crossword puzzle clues were left at two murder scenes. Were the clues truly crossword puzzle clues or something else? You need to read to find out.
Dutch Me Deadly by Maddy Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book. It was entertaining and allowed me to travel without having to leave my living room.
I loved Maddy Hunter’s description of the Red Light District. If I ever get there, I need to remember not to go into a coffeehouse. You need to read the book to find out why.
I also learned that you need to be careful about bicyclists instead of cars when you are in Amsterdam.
Alpine for You by Maddy Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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Honey Ginger Carrots
These carrots are made using the same process as my brown sugar carrots. However, I changed the recipe just a little bit because we were eating an Asian main dish. Continue reading “Honey Ginger Carrots”
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Cheesy Orzo Pasta (Simple Side Dish)
The Imaginative One turned 13 last month. A tradition in our house is for me to cook one of the birthday boy’s favorite meals for their birthday. We had the Imaginative One’s dinner the day after his birthday because we had planned to be out on his birthday. Continue reading “Cheesy Orzo Pasta (Simple Side Dish)”
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Very Berry Green Smoothie and Sunday Prep #2
Here’s a tasty smoothie. Continue reading “Very Berry Green Smoothie and Sunday Prep #2”
