Memorial Day Weekend

Lately life has been interesting, and not just pandemic related. 

My elderly dog, Ella, is now nearly completely blind.  It means that this weekend will involve a project adding more boards to the railings on my deck in order to protect her from falling off the edge.  She's still pretty spry and independent, but those edges come up quickly and the fall (I'm sure) hurts each time it happens. 

Another project this weekend is DAR related.  I have to try to work ideas for how we can "keep the lights on" at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters.  The Surgeons Quarters is owned by the Wisconsin Society Daughters of the American Revolution.  It's a small museum that is run mostly by volunteers (and one staff member).  With no tours currently happening, there's no income being generated.  So, we've taken on the project of coming up with creative ways to bring in some extra cash.  I'll be brainstorming a lot this weekend, but I'm sure the best ideas will come randomly as I work on other things!

With a three day weekend coming up, I'm looking forward to some time to organize some areas around my house.  I've always wanted to arrange all of my books by author, and then by publication date and series order (keeping the series together).  It would take a while, but I think it would feel so rewarding when it's complete.  Another organizing project I need to tackle is going through some of the older totes and boxes that have been through multiple moves with me.  These items either need to be unpacked or removed from the house (through donations, sales, or trash).

What will you be working on this long weekend?

Review: Dead Silence

Dead Silence by Robin Caroll
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dead Silence by Robin Caroll was a great story of suspense and mystery.

Elise Carmichael "overhears" (via lip reading) a conversation that someone is about to kill her mother in law. She gets some news that throws that conversation out of her mind until she turns on the news the next morning and learns that her mother in law has been murdered.

I admit I figured out "who done it" pretty early in the story, but I was kept enthralled with the story of how it would be solved and what the outcome would be.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for a free Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review. 

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Review: The Kiss Quotient

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the story, but it was definitely not what I was expecting.

Based on the cover and the description, I was expecting a chick lit love story. What I got was some extremely steamy sex scenes. They were well written and pulled me more into the story.

While I couldn't completely relate to Stella, there were definitely parts of her that were totally something I feel at times. I liked getting to know her and Michael and the issues they were both working through. I also really enjoyed being introduced to additional characters that will go on to be featured in future books!

I can't wait to read the next one.

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Quarantine Thoughts

During this time of "shelter in place" and "safer at home" during the Covid-19 era, I have to wonder how previous generations would have handled this.  Without the 24-hour news cycle, internet, cable, multi-generational families... I tend to think they would have done it better than we are.

While I've continued to go to work each day, I know many who are staying home and doing their best to stay safe from the virus.  They're going stir crazy, I'm sure, but they're staying home.  I go to work and come home.  I only stray from that path for a trip to the grocery store.  I've even started having dog food delivered.  It's so much easier!

I struggle when watching people who clearly think that this virus is "no big deal" or a hoax.  The ones I really struggle with though are those who say we should just go about our business and we should just accept death from this as a part of life.  I've seen way too many people not following social distancing expectations, not wearing masks in crowded stores, not properly wearing gloves, etc.  If you're going to wear a mask, don't touch it.  If you're going to wear gloves, change them between customers!

I've noticed it's harder to focus on anything while we're forced to stay home and contemplate what is going on outside in our communities.  I can't binge watch TV or watch a movie without getting distracted.  Even reading a book has been pretty tough lately.  I just can't concentrate long enough to get into the story.  My goal for the year was 150 books, but currently I'm about 13 books behind schedule.  I've been trying to find books that were something I thought I could get sucked into or finish quickly.

Review: The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones

The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones by Daven McQueen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones makes you stop and think... about family, relationships, race, and racism. While set in the 1950s, the story line could easily be transposed into current times with only a few tweaks. When Ethan is sent to live with his aunt and uncle, he doesn't truly understand the impact the color of his skin will have on what happens in Alabama. No one has talked to him about race in America. He is shocked to learn of the laws in 1950s Alabama and what it means for how people in the small town will treat him.

He makes a friend in Juniper Jones when she, as another outcast in town, decides she wants a friend and Ethan it will be! They have their struggles, but their friendship sees them through some rough patches that summer. Juniper makes sure that Ethan sees the good things in her town. She's there for him during some tough decisions and events in his life.

While the ending was not what I was expecting, I think it brings more meaning to the story.

Thank you to Wattpad Books and NetGalley for a free Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Back to it?

For a while there, I was posting regularly.  I had all sorts of plans for this site, but nothing really to share.  I'm going to try to utilize this to share a little of what is going on in my life, but mostly reviews of books I've read.  Hopefully you'll get some great ideas for books YOU can read.

Michigan!

I'm headed to Michigan this weekend. I want to see the maize and blue lose a terrible loss!! :) It's my birthday, and I demand it of my Hawkeyes. It's my right, right?

Oh, and on the job front, I've had many interviews.... a few 2nd round interviews... 1 "better luck next time".... and 1 "we're still considering you" without an interview yet.