If you're looking for Olson family updates, then visit our family blog, I Love You Same.

The rants and recipes found here are solely mine.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The Five

Sight

I've got some catching up to do with my book reviews. Here are just a few.

Lumby Lines by Gail Fraser

Wouldn't you sometimes like to just dump your current life and take off on a new adventure with your spouse? That's exactly what the main characters of this book do. Pam and Mark stumble upon an old monastery that is for sale while on their annual vacation to Oregon. On a whim, they decide to buy it and restore it, transforming it into an inn. The small town of Lumby is filled with characters and it's newspaper is filled with hilarious articles. The Sheriff's report is reminiscent of the one in my hometown paper. This is the first book in the series and I'm sure I'll read every one. Just a happy story. We need those!

Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian

This one really got me. In fact, I couldn't tell what end was up by the end! Love Bohjalian's work. This story centers on Laurel, a social worker who works with homeless clients. As a young woman, she was brutally attacked and survived a near-rape. Bohjalian intertwines characters from The Great Gatsby, so well that you almost believe that they were real people. Laurel is saddened to hear of the death of one of her clients and becomes obsessed with the photographs that he left behind and how they tie in with her life. I couldn't put this one down.

Look Me in the Eye by John Elder Robison

Robison explains Aspergers Syndrome, part of the Autism spectrum, from the inside and it's fascinating. It reads as the story of his life, but intermingled with tales of his life, there are glimpses of just what it's like to have Aspergers Syndrome. Aspergers and Autism affect so many people, I wanted to learn more. While this isn't a textbook to be followed, it does give you a better idea of just what Aspergers is. I loved this book because it focused on how people with Aspergers can lead a "normal" and valuable life just like anyone else, something I think gets forgotten anytime we label someone.

Perrennials for Minnesota and Wisconsin by Don Egebretson and Don Williamson

Spring has sprung and I've got a lot of planting to do this year. This book is an invaluable tool to help with the planning.

In Gratitude

~For a 75 degree, sunshiny day just when I need it most.

~For low WW Points Cheeseburger Soup simmering in the crock pot

~For Big Love, the HBO series, my new obsession. Got to love loaning these DVD sets from the library

~For good neighbors. We don't see them much in the winter, but once the weather is warm, we all reconnect.

~For teachers who dedicate themselves to be more than just educators. Thank you to Young One's high performance math teacher for Pi(e) Day. Celebrate Pi with Pie! How fun.

Monday, April 7, 2008

In Gratitude

~For Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Gene Wilder's version is still the best!

~For school nurses, teachers, and staff that care so much about our kids that they tolerate incredibly unfair student to teacher ratios and horribly low salaries.

~For TiVo. I just don't have time for commercials.

~For remote control cars. They're fun at any age.

~For a point friendly version of Baked Mostaccoli.

The Five

Sight

Mercy by Jodi Piccoult
Do you love your spouse enough to kill them if a terminal illness is slowly, painfully taking them away from you? What if they asked you to do it. This difficult topic is the focus of this novel by Piccoult. A definite page turner, this one will get you thinking.

Sound

Firecracker by the Wailin' Jennys
Great harmonies are their signature sound. Try not to sing along.

Scent

Fresh air through the windows. As much as I can, I'm trying to let the Spring air in. Too bad the temperatures won't always cooperate!

Taste

Pudding Pops! Remember the 80s when Bill Cosby touted Jello Pudding on almost every commercial break. When he started pushing the pops, I was hooked. Love the vanilla ones. I'm going to have to try to make these myself.

Touch

Garden seeds. Can't wait to dig in the dirt this year.


Friday, April 4, 2008

It's Been too Long!

In Gratitude
~Rainbows after Spring showers.
~Fresh pineapple
~John and Kate Plus Eight
~Warm enough weather to play outside!

Taking a little time to play with words, to play with food, and just to play!