Just One More Page

I've been telling myself that all morning. I have a lot to do today, but with just a few pages of The Book Thief left, I'm having trouble concentrating on the work at hand. This book has absolutely consumed me and, unfortunately, I've had little time lately for concentrated reading.

This morning, I rationalized that I could read until my coffee was gone. I stretched that out almost half an hour. "Yes, there was still some left," I kept telling myself. There's always some left, lining the cup, right?

Then, after working out, I fit in a few minutes while I uninstalled some software and tried not to curse at my laptop that has been limping along for several months now. Sick laptops should never be left without someone sitting at their side, right?

If I don't get dinner in the crock pot, then we won't have dinner tonight, so I must dash. And then, I suppose, I should, for quality assurance and appliance safety, make sure that the crock pot is heating. I could sit at the counter stools, with book in hand, and just wait a bit...

My book reviews are all over at Good Reads. So, if you miss them here, you will find them, and a great community of book addicts, there.

*If you haven't figured this out, The Book Thief is a must read. Love it.

I'm sitting here watching Castaway. I'm not feeling well, still in the denial stages of having the flu. Lounging on the couch between flipping the laundry from the washer to the dryer is pretty much all I can muster. I suppose I should soon move on to the acceptance stage, but I'm fighting it!

(Update, I never did develop full blow flu, I guess instead of Swine, I just had a slight case of Piglet.)

Castaway. Remember that movie? Tom Hanks, plane crash, stranded on a deserted island for years. Well, all I can think of is not what would I eat or drink, but how much I would miss books.

Now, I suppose that if one was stranded on a deserted island, your time would mostly be consumed with survival. Gathering food and water, tending your fire, trying to make clothing from palm trees,fish hides, and coconut shells (now I know you know where those would go). Remodeling your shelter and muttering to oneself would probably occupy the rest of your time.

I think after I got over the fact that I would be denied Buffalo chicken wings and cold drinks with lots of ice for a while, I'd probably start dreaming of books. I'm a reader. As a kid I would get up in the wee hours of the morning, several hours before school started, just so I could settle in with my feet on a heat duct, all wrapped up in my Holly Hobby bathrobe and read. I read The Hobbit, and the Sweet Valley High series. I read romances, Jane Austin, and James Herriot. I read mysteries, bodice rippers, and just about anything I could get my hands on.

Reading saved me. I got lost in the words and escaped a stressful childhood and school experiences that were less than joyful. The words helped heal my first broken heart and they helped me to see that the world was a much bigger place than I could possibly imagine.

I had to get special permission from my parents in order to read beyond the youth section of my public library. My mom doesn't remember that, but I do, vividly. Seems small town kids aren't supposed to rock the boat. But, I was a boat rocker alright--and I had already read through the few shelves of the young adult section. I knew our librarian by her first name and I loved how she would stroke the cover of the books as I checked them out, smile gently, and say, "Ahh, another good one." Then she'd stamp the due date (remember that?) and remove the card to file it in that magical place that only librarians knew about.

My house smells wonderful, I'm making a roast and root veggies, it's warm and dry and Tom Hanks is launching his first attempt at getting off the island. I'm so thankful to be on my own little island, Couch Key, and I'm thankful that I haven't been tried nearly as terribly as Hanks' character. I'm thankful that I've never had to be without my precious books.

They saw me through bad times, and they're still here for the good.

I'm reading 31 Hours by Masha Hamilton. It's a fascinating peek inside terrorism. The language is amazing. I'm savoring every word.

What are you reading? If you're not reading at all, why not?

Castaway Roast

Cause I just have a feeling that Tom Hanks craved comfort food while stranded on his island.

Sprinkle a rump roast with white pepper, black pepper, a smidgen of Cayenne, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Be relatively liberal with each. Sprinkle with a little soy sauce, sprinkle with salt, and rub it all over the roast. Put about 1/4 inch of water in the bottom of a roasting pan that's been sprayed with nonstick spray. Place roast, fat side up in pan.

Roast at 325 until desired doneness. 25 to 30 minutes per pound for rare, 28 to 33 for medium rare, 31 to 36 minutes for medium, and as long as you want for well done (well, not quite, but you know what I mean). Measure temp with an instant read thermometer. Let roast stand at least 10 minutes before carving.

Roasted Roots

Visit your local farmers market or grocery store and buy some of those weird looking veggies that end in 'ip. You know turnIPs and parsnIPs. Buy some big carrots, not the weird nubby ones in the bags. Buy the ones you actually have to peel. Really, it's not that hard, you can handle it. If you're really feeling brave, buy beets. Honestly, they're good. Try them. Then peel them all, chop into big pieces, toss with olive oil, seasalt, pepper, whole garlic cloves and your favorite herbs. I used rosemary this time and roast them until their tender. They'll get odd and wrinkled and unphotogenic, but that's ok, because what you're after is taste . And they taste divine. Young One still thinks the "white things are potatoes, right?" Sure they are.

The Five

It's been a long time since I've discussed what my five senses have been up to. I've been reading a ton because I've been willing to give up precious sleep time to do so. I love being the only one up at night. I just know I can't be interrupted! I've been swamped with tons of great books from my library request system. I love that the books have been on my list so long and that I've waited so long that I'd forgotten that I'd requested them. These are just a sampling. Sadly, my mom mind can only hold so much, I've forgotten many of the books that I read. But, they were good and maybe someday I'll remember them enough to review here.

Sight

Songs for the Missing by Stewart O'Nan

This book puzzled me. Just when I thought I knew where the author was going with it, he didn't, but then he did. Ugh. I don't want to tell too much of the story because I don't want to give it away.

Fran and Ed are happily married with two daughters. This is the story of what happens when one of their daughters disappears. This book kept me up late reading. I took it with me on carpool duty (not to read while driving, but for those 10 minute waits here and there). I read every word and went back to reread parts just to hear the language. What a gifted author and once again, I am struggling with how I let this guy's books slip under my radar.

I was so struck by how the family and all its members handled the situation. Not only did O'Nan provide insight into their thoughts, but he really made me empathize with people who did not react as I would. This story, a mother's worst nightmare, has become so commonplace in our society that we sometimes just briefly pause when we hear it, yet again. This book did more for me than make me pause. It made me think about just what I would do if the same happened to me. As a mother, I've only thought about the initial crumbling that would happen to my soul. The broken, instant, terrifying fear that would begin and never end. I never really thought about all the rest of it.

A must read, for sure.

Infected by Scott Sigler

This is a book I wouldn't normally pick up, but I was reading about the author on the Internet and decided to give it a try. Part Stephen King part John Grisham, it's a thriller with a Sci Fi spin. I thought it was a good summer read, a bit too gross in parts, and a little predictable. But, enjoyable and an easy read. Would I recommend? Only if you're into that sort of thing.

City of Thieves by David Benioff

I loved this book and I don't usually gravitate towards war stories. Set during the siege of Leningrad, this book is the story of two unlikely friends sent on a nearly impossible mission. I figured out how it would end long before the finish, but I still enjoyed every bit. The glimpses into this part of history were fascinating.

As a child, we used to visit a Russian couple who's land we had to drive through to get to some family hunting land. I don't know their history except that they came from Russia in pursuit of a better life. One of us kids complained about being, "Starving!" and I remember Fedor saying, "Ah, but have you ever eaten grass?" I'll never forget that. I've never known hunger. This book paints a picture of true hunger that will remain with me a long time.

Sound

Thriller by who else? Michael Jackson

This was the first CD that Young One downloaded onto his iPod and I've been listening to it humming down the stairway for the last couple of weeks. (And on every channel in their endless reselling of this man's soul) OK, I'll admit, I listened to it on MY iPod just once right after Michael died. Cried a little and no, I didn't do the Moonwalk. I'm still struck by what a sad, lonely, tragic life he had. And how we're all just a little bit responsible for his imprisonment. My hope is that so much about the stalking of celebrities and the abuse of children entertainers changes because of his life story. And that his children are given the gift of a relatively normal life.

Scent

Roses. The deer have left my roses alone this year and I've been thrilled with the results. Imagine, full blooming roses and not stumpy, thorny stems!

Taste

Sugar and Spice Coffee Cake

1 1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup white sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 egg whites
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup skim milk

Topping:
5 TB brown sugar
2 TB white sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare an 8x8 pan by spraying with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Mix batter ingredients and spread into prepared pan. Mix topping until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of batter. Using a knife, swirl topping into batter. Bake for 25 minutes. Cake is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Touch

Food. I'm sorting through our pantry and making a run to the food shelf. I have many things that we cannot use and so many families are struggling right now, I just can't keep them here at home and feel good.

The Five

Here's what my five senses have been experiencing...

Sight

Eve: A Novel of the First Woman by Elissa Elliott

Somehow, I managed to read a review of this book early enough that I was one of the first at my library to request it! Score! This was a great book. If you liked The Red Tent, you'll love this one. This novel takes the Garden, Cain and Abel, and Adam and Eve and puts them in a perspective that you've most likely never thought about before. They were real people, with real emotions, thoughts, actions. I found this book fascinating and an easy read. Once I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down.

Picture yourself as Eve, mother of all, and the one that everyone blames for the banishment from the paradise of the Garden. The angst! The guilt! I think this is where all our mother guilt comes from. (Yes, dear Eve another thing for people to blame on you. As if painful labors weren't enough!)

Would make for great discussion for a women's group or church group.

Candles Burning by Tabitha King and Michael McDowell

I thought this book would scare the crap out of me. The manuscript was found in McDowell's effects after he died. Apparently, I was too scared to read any of his work before. His genre is horror and while I will delve into the occasional Stephen King, somehow this guys work scared me. I picked up this book at a library book sale. I thought D would enjoy it, but somehow it worked it's way into my hands.

And I loved it.

Written from the perspective of Calley Carroll Dakin, the unfortunate daughter of Roberta Ann Caroll Dakin and Joe Cane Dakin. Calley can hear the dead, but according to her, they aren't really worth listening to. But, they are. Calley's father is murdered and her horrible mother takes her to live in Pensacola Florida where they live in a small inn on an isolated island with a cast of odd characters. Calley's gift of hearing the spiritual world helps her to solve her father's murder, but the justice that is found isn't what you might expect.

Mesmerizing, with characters that stick with you long after the book is done, you have to wonder how Tabitha King was so well able to seamlessly end the book that McDowell left unfinished with his death.

The Duggars: 20 and Counting!: Raising One of America's Largest Families--How they Do It by Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar

I'm fascinated by this family. I think, because they are the absolute opposite of me. Eighteen kids and I have one. Extremely conservative and I'm liberal. She's a subservient wife and I'm a full partner in my marriage.

I think the title would best be changed to Blind Faith. For that's what the Duggars live on . I admire that wholeheartedly, for I'm often the Doubting Thomas. No, not doubting in the sense that Thomas was, but I'm much more likely to use the free will and thought that God gifted me with. I often wonder how they can so blindly follow. I've found using scripture for your own needs to be quite dangerous and controlling. Any church or person that asks for blind faith is frightening.

I've studied both the Old and New Testament at the college level. Both of these classes were some of my most difficult (until nursing school, chemistry, etc.) My Bible is dog eared and written in. It's well used. So, I could match verse for verse just about anything that these people hand out. That's not my point, though. My point is that I've noticed that they pick and choose scripture to fit their needs. That they isolate themselves and their children from the world, which they consider evil and filled with temptation.

That's fine, I guess, to each their own, but I often wonder which one of those children will be the one to escape the confines of their family and venture out on their own. I wonder what will happen when they realize that the world really isn't this evil place after all. I wonder if their family will shun them. I wonder how they would see their parents through these new eyes.

If we raise our children up to be good, decent people then they must be challenged. They must be out in the world, evil or not, to find out if our guidance has led them to the right path. If you don't allow them that, then that's your issue. Not theirs.

Like I said, I'm fascinated by these people. I enjoy watching them on TV. I enjoyed reading their book, for to me, it was eye opening. This is important for us all to do. Reach outside ourselves to try to learn more and understand more about others. Unfortunately, I doubt that the Duggars would ever step outside their world to look into mine.

As a side note, the recipes contained within the book are an unbelievable tribute to the power of the can. Cream of whatever soup, pasta, heavy cream, ground meat, canned vegetables. Heavy, rib sticking food, but not necessarily healthy. I'm sure that the point is to fill aching stomachs, but my hope is that these kids are getting more than just filling. I'd love for the Duggars to touch on that in future episodes. Man cannot live on cans alone.

Sound

Books on my iPod and the vacuum. I hate to vacuum, so listening to books on helps keep me motivated.

Scent

Pansies. I planted my Spring planters last week. Pansies were my Grandpa Hank's favorite flower. It takes me almost an hour, every Spring, just to decide which ones I want to bring home from the garden center. Their little faces are very endearing to me and as I plant them and watch them grow, I remember my Grandpa. His sweet smile and gentle manner still guide me.

Taste

Experimental brownies. I'm trying to make a mix more Weight Watchers friendly. I'll post as soon as I get it right.

Touch

Lots of junk in the basement. I'm clearing out in preparation for a garage sale. Yuck. I can't believe how much stuff we need to pitch or sell.

The Five

Here's what my five senses are experiencing...

Sight

A ton of books that I requested from the library have suddenly come available. So, I'm reading in the car (not while driving, I promise!), reading late into the night, and trying to fit in "just a chapter" here and there. Young One laughed as he watched me stirring a pot while deep in a book. These two books were fantastic and I couldn't wait to talk about them.

The Hour I First Believed: A Novel by Wally Lamb

Remember the Columbine school shootings? Do you remember where you were and how it affected you? April 20, 1999.

This book delves into the massacre, not so much detailing the actual events, but how that day changes the lives of a couple. Caelum is a teacher at Columbine. Maureen is a school nurse. The story wraps around this couple, their imperfections, their past, and their struggles as they try to survive the aftermath of Eric Harris' and Dylan Klebold's rampage. Interwoven in this story is the story of Caelum's family and his troubled past.

I don't want to detail too much of the story. There were several pages where I just stopped and couldn't believe where the story was going. At over 700 pages, this book is hefty, but it was compelling and called to me whenever I had a spare moment.

This book touches on really deep subjects. Broken childhood and post traumatic stress syndrome are focused on, but not in ways that have been heard before. Quite honestly, I never really thought about the aftermath of this horrible tragedy and how it's victims, the survivors are never going to heal, but merely march on through life, scarred.

The history of Caelum's family struck a chord with me. I remember someone once saying to me, "Must have been nice growing up behind that picket fence." That comment literally stopped me in my tracks. I said to her, "Every family is dysfunctional. We all have our problems." She was shocked. I suppose from her take, from the outside, things did look that way. I, like Caelum have shattered family histories. Who doesn't? We all have alcoholism, mental illness, sadness, unanswered questions, and possibly violence in our past. It's how we come out of it that matters. Caelum gets some answers to questions he's lived with his entire life. It isn't always as it seemed. We all know this truth, don't we?

The 19th Wife: A Novel by David Ebershoff

This book. I loved it. Loved it.

Two intertwining stories of polygamy, the modern day and past, mingle to create a fascinating look at this controversial subject. I've always been fascinated by this topic. Last year's Texas polygamists and their children was riveting to me. Who knew such an other world existed?

This book focuses on modern day Firsts who differ greatly from Latter Day Saints mainstream members. You'll find out these differences in detail, which, although this is a novel, seemed very enlightening. This book was researched extensively, and although still a novel, it rings with truth.

There has been a murder in the First's community and Jordan's mother is the suspected killer. Jordan had been outcast as a child and somehow has floundered around and figured out how to live on his own. He's determined to help his mother get out of jail and has returned home to do so. I won't tell you how it comes out, but I will say in the process you get a closer look at the hidden life of modern day polygamists. The welfare fraud, tax fraud, and abuse of this sect are examined in frightening detail.

Intermingled with this story is the story of the LDS church as it forms and their journey across the country to Zion in Utah. This part of the story focuses on Ann Eliza, Brigham Young's supposed 19th wife, although it's later revealed her number is much higher. This story is written with a fascinating combination of letters, research documents, personal diaries, Wikipedia entries, and excerpts from Ann Eliza's book.

The author is quick to point out that this is a novel and that, while some parts are truth, others are stretched or maybe it's best to say that he fills in for unknowns. I found his style of writing to be deeply compelling. I honestly couldn't stop thinking about this story and the plight of women in polygamist sects.

I think that perhaps it's because I'm a strong, vocal woman, that I find the polygamist life so fascinating. There's no way I could or would share my husband, nor could I be part of a religion that takes away my ability to have free thought. I suppose if one is born into such a society you become accustomed to this life. The abusive lives of these women, their courage to escape , well, I can't even imagine those challenges. The boy children that are outcast because they would compete for wives, are the lost boys of our country.

I strongly recommend this book. Be prepared to carry it with you everywhere.

Sound

Toddlers and Tiaras

I'm listening to this show as I'm typing. Pageant parents. Kids with false teeth and shaving their legs and highlights in their hair at 7 years old. Spray tans on their kids and unbelievable credit card bills, these families are unbeliveable. For the first time in my life, I'm glad I don't have a daughter. Nope, that's not it. It's that I would never, never, do this to a child.

As I type, they're trying to shove a two year old into a ruffly costume and the teaser for the after the commercial break hints at Mean Girls behavior. Yikes.

Scent

Chocolate Fudge Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting. Recipe coming. I don't want to share it because D is a sneaky peeker.

Taste

Chopped veggie salad. One must cleanse before one eats cake.

Touch

Homemade birthday celebration presents, cards, balloons, and cake.

The Five

Here's what my five senses have been up to:

Sight

When Will There Be Good News?: A Novel by Kate Atkinson

I realized half way through this book that the reason I was having trouble following parts of it was because this isn't the first time Ms. Atkinson has written about some of these characters. Duh. Oh well, it was a great read nonetheless.

This book centers around several characters and how their lives intertwine. Joanna Mason is the only survivor of a brutal attack that leaves her mother and siblings dead. Thirty years later, Joanna is now married and is known now as Dr. Hunter. Reggie is Dr. Hunter's nanny. She's the only one that seems concerned when Dr. Hunter disappears. Jackson Brodie (the character that Atkinson has featured in two other novels), is almost killed in a train crash. Reggie saves him and in the process it's discovered that he now has the identification of the person who attacked Joanna's family thirty years before and who was just released. Brodie helps Reggie search for Dr. Hunter while at the same time, his former love, Louise Monroe begins to investigate as well. Amazingly, all these story lines intertwine and you're able to keep them straight thanks to the brilliant writing of the author. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Atkinson surprises you.

Great read. I will definitely read more of her work, hopefully in the order with which they were written.

Sound

I Tunes Originals--Alanis Morissette

Alanis, oh how I love your angry lyrics. These tracks are interspersed with interview tracks explaining the songs and how they were written. Great insight into this artist. And the new recordings are fantastic. If you love Jagged Little Pill, you must get this one too.

Scent

Dr. Bronners Peppermint Castille Soap I love these products. I can't remember how long I've been using them. Either it's been a long time or I'm getting old. Or both. Dr. Bronners products are fantastic. Being a cheapskate, I love that a little goes a long way. I use a tablespoon plus water to fill foaming hand soap dispensers. I use a tiny dab to wash my hair or put on a body puff for my shower. The scents are natural and delightful. Peppermint is my favorite and I use it in the shower as much as I can. It really wakes me up! A 32 ounce bottle lasts forever at my house. Visiting their website, I see that their gallon jugs are a few cents cheaper per ounce than what I've been purchasing. I'll have to try that next.

I do like their bar soaps too. All in all, you can't go wrong with their products. There are so many uses.

Taste

Leftover Sausage and Peppers.

Really, this is another of my recipes that is not a recipe. Chop stoplight peppers (red, green, and/or yellow. I suppose you could use an orange one if you want, but then what would I call them? Hazard light peppers?) Chop a big onion. No precision needed here, the more rustically you chop them, the better (and the easier). Heat a big pan over medium high heat, spray with nonstick cooking spray. Add veggies. Add Italian turkey sausage, hot or mild. And saute until veggies are tender and sausage is cooked through. 4 WW Points per serving. Put on light wheat buns if you wish, but be sure to add the Point value of the bun.

Sorry I don't have a picture of the final product, but we were too hungry and Young One refused to wait until I got all snappish with the camera.

The Five

Here's what my five senses have been experiencing!



Sight

The Lace Reader: A Novel by Brunonia Barry

The Whitney women read the future by gazing intently through pieces of lace that they make themselves. Each is gifted with this second sight and each has their own story. Towner Whitney is the central character of this novel. There's something not quite right about her. She's just had surgery and is going home to Salem, Massachusetts to recover. Her Aunt Eva, whom she's been extremely close with and who she plans to stay with, drowns under mysterious circumstances. Towner begins to investigate her death with the help of police officer John Rafferty, and a romantic relationship develops . The story is woven just like lace, with twists and turns raveling and unraveling until the whole pattern is finally seen.

I adored this book. It was one of those that I clutched to my chest and wished for more once I was finished. In fact, I had a hard time letting these characters go and was thrilled to find out that Barry has written another book, Bone Lace, with the same characters, due out sometime this year. I've already requested that my library purchase it and can't wait to read it.

Sound

Elton John - Greatest Hits 1970-2002 by Elton John

It's Elton John. Nuff said.

(I could scrub tile off my shower listening to good music and Elton helps me get it done.)

Scent

French pressed coffee. Really, this is the best way to make coffee. It's so strong it's thick!

Taste

Homemade raisins.

Now don't freak out. I'm not completely weird. Notice I said completely.

I can never buy the right amount of grapes at my house. Either they get gobbled up or they sit untouched. I don't like to be wasteful and we had a big bowl full of grapes that weren't looking their best anymore. So, I decided I would pop them in the dehydrator and see what happened. They're delicious. And they used up the sad, wrinkly grapes that I would have thrown out otherwise.

One of my favorite (and very filling) breakfasts is oatmeal, raisins, pecans, and cinnamon. I usually stir a little raw sugar in before I top it. Yummy.

Touch

Fabric to recover our dining room chairs with. I've been looking at this fabric for a few years (yes, I'm funny that way), but I could never justify $34 a yard for it. The chairs are antique (so is the table). I paid $20 for all six chairs at a garage sale. I love them, but they came with pretty ugly fabric on the cushions. We've lived with them because I was hoping to find antique, needlepoint cushion covers, but I've never found them in a price that I can afford. The fabric matches our living room furniture and I was thrilled to find it in the remnant bin at the fabric store. I paid $14 for 2 yards!

The Five

A little green is needed on a gray Minnesota day.

Here's what my five senses have been experiencing.

Sight

Oxygen by Carol Casella

I expected this book to be a fluff read. You know, a good book to read on a beach. Well, since it's winter here in Minnesota, maybe I should just say, a good book to curl up by the fireplace with. It was definitely much more than that. I request books from my library that I've read reviews of or heard about from friends. This one had so many requests. I've been waiting so long, I've forgotten where I heard about it.

Dr. Marie Heaton is a dedicated anesthesiologist. She loves the technical aspect of her job, yet it's her compassion that makes her an excellent physician. Jolene is a young girl under her care in the operating room for a relatively routine surgery. She's mentally retarded and the daughter of a single mother. Something goes terribly wrong during Jolene's surgery and she dies. All sharply pointing fingers of blame are aimed at Marie.

During the course of the investigation of Jolene's death, much comes out about Dr. Heaton. Her almost estranged relationship with her father is detailed as is her relationship with her friend and former lover. Dr. Heaton goes over and over every detail in an attempt to figure out just what went wrong during that surgery. While the ending wasn't surprising to me, I would imagine anyone without medical experience would miss the give away at the beginning. And, though not surprising, it was still cleverly presented.

Casella is clearly an excellent writer. She's able to convey her medical expertise, blending her technical skill with a talent for mixing words. I hope we will see much more from her.

Sound

Rock Ferry by Duffy

I just love this girl, her voice, her attitude. She's got it all goin' on. I downloaded this from iTunes as a reward for losing some weight. Those little goal gifts really help! She's soulful, her ballads are amazing, and if you don't sing along to Mercy, then there's just something wrong with you.

Scent

It's Not Banana Bread Snack Cake--I made it as cupcakes this time. 24 cupcakes, 3 WW Points each. Young One and his friends love these.

Taste

BBQ Chicken Legs. Chicken legs were on sale last week. Since they come in at about 1 Weight Watchers Point each, if skinless, they're a great option for me. I just drizzled with a little honey BBQ sauce, covered and baked for about an hour with some potatoes. Simple, kid friendly, and delicious. You must allow for the BBQ sauce when you count your Points.

Touch

The new kitchen light switch. We had horrible lighting in the kitchen. D ripped it out this week, creating much more of a mess than anyone should be allowed to make. But, I love the new lighting. Too bad the ceiling isn't finished yet, but I'm so thankful I have a husband that can do these things. I'm very lucky.

The Five

Sight

I've read so many books since the last time I did a review, that I can hardly remember what I read.

Here are just a few.

Joy School (Ballantine Reader's Circle) by Elizabeth Berg

I loved this short novel and read it in one sitting. It brought me back to what it was like to be thirteen years old again. Katie, the thirteen year old heroine of the book, is new in town. Her mother has died and her Army Colonel father is distant and angry. It seems no one likes her at her new school and she's having trouble fitting in. She just wants a friend and so she falls in with a few girls who aren't quite perfect matches for her. She learns a lot from them while also falling love with a much older man. I started this early one Saturday morning and finished it in just a couple of hours. I found it so true to what it was like to be that age again. Excellent book.

The Stand: Expanded Edition: For the First Time Complete and Uncut (Signet) by Steven King

This book is about 1200 pages long, so it took me a very long time to read it. It was great to take along when I was shuttling my mom around for all of her appointments following her knee surgery (although it was really heavy to carry!) I found myself trying to carve out time in my day, just to read it. King does that to me. He gets in my brain and makes me want to read incessantly. It's the version of the story that King originally wrote, adding four hundred pages to the one that was originally published. I read the other version many, many years ago and wanted to see what King had originally wanted to say. This is King's most popular book, according to a review on Amazon. I found it riveting, again. The entire world population is wiped out by a superflu let loose accidentally by a secret military installation. I loved the characters in this book, King gets you right into their minds. Their intertwining stories of what they did immediately after the plague, how they combated the loneliness, and how they found company are chilling. If you haven't read King, this one is intense, but it's a good one.

Multiple Blessings: Surviving to Thriving with Twins and Sextuplets by Jon Gosselin, Kate Gosselin, and Beth Carson

I'm a huge Jon and Kate Plus Eight fan. I've watched this family since their first documentaries filmed a few years ago. The sextuplets are now four years old and I'm still watching. Maybe it's because I have only one child that I find it so fascinating, but I think it's more than that. I'm a lot like Kate. I would have to be as organized and cling to routines like lifelines just like she does. There's no other way you could survive so many kids in one house! The book is delightful. Another one that I read in practically one sitting. It's much more faith filled than I expected. That aspect of Jon and Kate's life doesn't transmit to their reality show. As well, you learn in the book more about their innermost thoughts, fears, and the extreme stress that they went through. It hasn't been easy for them, but God has a plan for them and they've left it up to Him. So far, I think it's working!

I've started several books and put them down again just because they haven't caught my attention. I figure life is too short to try to push yourself through something that's just not doing it for you! I've got a stack home from the library, though, that are very intriguing.

Sound

The Living Room Tour Carol King

Her voice just gets me and her duet with her daughter makes me cry every time. Carol King is timeless. If you don't have any of her work in your collection, you must get some.

Scent

Baked potatoes baking in the oven. I just hate microwaved baked potatoes. They get all wrinkled and ugly and the texture is just all wrong. Bake them in the oven and you have a crisp-tender skin and a fluffy inside. When I can't be home to get them in the oven, I just set my oven timer to turn on at the right time.

Taste

Oven Fried Chicken
This recipe originally appeared in In the Kitchen with Rosie, Oprah's chef. We've loved this recipe since the book came out. I like to marinate the chicken in the yogurt mixture or in a pinch, I'll use fat free buttermilk. Below is the original recipe. Be sure to customize it to suit your family's preferences.

light vegetable oil cooking spray
6 chicken drumsticks, skin removed
3 whole chicken breasts, halved and skin removed
3 1/2 cups ice water
1 cup plain nonfat yogurt

For The Breading
1 cup dried Italian breadcrumbs--I like to use half Panko crumbs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon creole seasoning
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 dash cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with 3 sprays of the vegetable oil.
Put the chicken in a large bowl with the ice water. Put the yogurt into a medium bowl.
Set both bowls aside.
Toss all the breading ingredients into a large, tightly-sealing plastic bag. Seal and shake well to mix.
Remove 2 pieces of chicken from the ice water. Roll each piece in the yogurt.
Put the chicken into the plastic bag, reseal, and shake to coat thoroughly.
Transfer the breaded chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
Repeat the process until all 12 pieces are breaded.
Spray the chicken lightly with the vegetable oil.
Place the baking sheet on the bottom shelf of the oven and bake for 1 hour, turning the pieces every 20 minutes to allow even browning.
Serve hot or at room temperature

Touch

A new haircut and color. I'm trying grow my hair out into a different style. I hate growing my hair out but, it is time for a change. I've been going to the same salon, Rocco Altobelli, since I was in college. When we lived out of state, I would long for a great haircut and miss this salon tremendously. When you move, sometimes it takes a while to find the stylist that works well for you. I had some seriously weird hair experiences moving so much! My stylist, whom I call Hairy Mary, and I have been together for ages now. My colorist is new, but she's fabulous and so kind. I think a really good haircut is worth EVERY penny. I scrimp and save so that we can fit it in the budget.

The Five

Big flakes of snow are falling outside. It's so beautiful. I'm taking a break from cleaning to post.

And in the time it took me to start this post, the clouds have passed, the snowflakes are gone, and the sun is shining. You gotta love Minnesota!

I haven't had much time to concentrate on my Five Senses lately. I'm a little behind posting this!

Sight

The Way Life Should Be by Christina Baker Kline

Angela delves into the world of online dating and meets, who she thinks, is the perfect man. He's a sailing instructor in Maine. She pictures a quaint existence in Maine, matching the little seaside cottage she has tacked up on her bulletin board. Losing her job, she packs her old car with her belongings and heads North to her online love match. Of course, things aren't what they seem. But, she gets the life she's dreamed about, it just doesn't happen the way she expected it to.

I adored this book. Yes, it's chick lit. Yes, it was predictable. But, it was exactly what I needed to read during this busy time in my life. I'll definitely read more of Kline's work.

Sound

The Greatest Hits (Remastered) Crosby Stills Nash

The Best of Blondie Blondie

I hit the first few albums that were on my iPod while cleaning. These two kept me bopping while dusting, vacuuming, and picking up our second floor. I haven't listened to Blondie in years! I still have The Tide is High stuck in my head.

I'm also listening to the Christmas hints that Young One keeps dropping into every day conversation. We don't allow Christmas lists in our house--just screams of selfishness to me. Our goal is to celebrate the season, not the presents. AND to learn that presents shouldn't be asked for, but given. As an only child, he has so much. It's a unique challenge that parents of only children have. Probably doesn't sound like much of a problem from the outside, but we're trying to teach selflessness, not selfishness. So far, it's working very well. He's a very generous and appreciative child.

Scent

Pine boughs. That scent is so delightful this time of year.

Taste

The annual, after Thanksgiving, bowl of Turkey Rice Soup made from the turkey carcass (that word, ew, but what else can you call it). Young One just loved it. I wish I would have made a bigger pot. But, after our dinner, freezing some for my Grandma, and delivering some to my mom, there was only one bowl left--and I enjoyed that for lunch today!

I gave my basic poultry soup recipe here. Instead of dumplings in the recipe, just add, rice and cook until done. I strained out the onions and celery so Young One would eat them. Well, here's the scoop, I made turkey broth by simmering the turkey carcass, onions, celery, carrots, and bay leaf in a big stock pot filled with water. I strained out everything and then defatted (is that a word?) the stock by using a gravy separator (which you really should get if you want to cut the fat out of your diet). Then I returned some of the stock to the pot, added more carrots, some peas, and some rice. I seasoned it and it simmered while I labeled and froze the rest of the turkey broth for future use. (And did a load of laundry, and scraped an unknown substance off the counter tops, and sorted through the mail, and talked to Young One about a video game that I really don't get, but his enthusiasm for it is contagious-- you know, I did Mom stuff.)

Touch

Dried orange and grapefruit slices. I do this every year, just before Christmas. I like to make garlands from them or fill clear containers with them. I love to wrap presents with brown packing paper or use plain brown market bags with string handles (I buy them in bulk online).

The Five

Sight


Time of My Life by Allison Win Scotch


I heard about this book over at Booking Mama, so I put it on my library request list. I guess I was ahead of the herd, because this book arrived very quickly. It now has many more requests, so it must be getting good reviews on the net.


When I picked it up, I thought I was just going to breeze through another Chick Lit read, but this book had so much more to it. The premise is, what would you do if you could go back in time and live your life over again. Would you make the same choices? What would happen if you picked another person to marry? These are the questions facing heroine Jillian. She seems to have everything. A beautiful suburban home, a wonderful husband, and an adorable daughter. She's bored and unhappy, though. Her husband works long hours, their marriage is strained, she's tired of the relentlessness of motherhood, and her high standards and drive for perfection is driving her crazy. Hearing that an old boyfriend is getting married, she wonders what life would have been life if she wouldn't have let that one get away.


Magically whisked back in time, Jillian faces her past life with new eyes. Her choices ultimately lead her right back to where she was, but with some fantastic changes. Yes, I saw it coming, yes, it was relatively predictable, but this book got me thinking about some really serious things. Would I do it over again if I had the chance? And what would I change?


I highly recommend.



Stalking Susan by Julie Kramer


I love local authors. Julie is practically a neighbor, living just a community away from me.


Every once in a while, I need to read a thriller. A quick mystery, something that makes me want to race to the end of the book while savoring every page. This is that book.


Riley Spartz is an investigative reporter for a local television station. She recently had a horrific loss and is just easing herself back into work. While doing a story about a homicide, she begins to piece together the evidence of a serial killer. Once a year, on the same date for many years, women named Susan have been murdered. Riley begins to investigate, building a story with many twists and turns. Her news director isn't supportive of the story and forces her to investigate a pet cremation scandal, that makes an interesting side story.


I loved the inside view of an investigative reporter. The challenges they face are unique; Riley's story is extremely personal. In November, as the deadly anniversary approaches, sweeps means if it bleeds, it leads. As the book comes to it's climactic conclusion, I found myself wishing for more.

It's a page turner. I loved the local references. Loved the story. I look forward to more from Ms. Kramer.


Eat Cake by Jeanne Ray

This is what happens when I wander the aisles of my library (like a kid in a candy store). I bring home stacks of books that sound tempting at a glance. When I get home, I'm always amazed at what I've found. I absolutely adored this book. Maybe it's because it was set, once again, in my hometown Minneapolis, but references to our city were few and far between (or nonexistent). I think it was the title that grabbed me.

Ruth is a busy wife and mother who loves to bake. No, that's not quite right. She's found something meditative about baking. It's her "happy place" when things are falling apart around her. She finds comfort in the exact measurements, the science of baking if you will. She gets lost in recipes and loves to tweak them to perfection. She's doing a lot of baking lately. Both parents have moved in with her, her teenage daughter has honed her hormone driven angst to exquisite perfection, and her husband has lost his job. The story follows the family through some interesting and enlightening weeks.

A must read. I loved it--especially on the eve of my mom's surgery. I could totally relate!



Sound

Funhouse Pink

I adore Pink. I always have. I like strong women with even stronger voices (both musically and personally). Pink says what she thinks and her music is absolutely brilliant. Raw and edgy one minute, provocative the next, she hooked me on the first track. You can hear the emotion surrounding her recent split from her husband. I'd hate to be that guy (or anyone that did her wrong). Pink is one of the most talented artists of our time. Once again, she preaches and I am the choir.

(Please don't censor artists. Purchase the "explicit" version.)

Scent

Toasted Cinnamon Raisin Ezekiel Bread. My favorite bread. About 1 WW Point per slice, it's my go to breakfast when my brain is still foggy. If you're not familiar with Food for Life Baking Company, you must try their products! This is what bread should be: hearty, healthy, and delicious.

When Young One was really little, he visited a friends house and had lunch there. At that point in his life, he had never had white bread. That's what he was served for lunch. I laughed so hard when he came home and said, "Something was wrong with their bread. It was all white and mushy." Ha!

Taste

We eat a lot of salmon at our house. It's one thing that Young One will eat without questioning it or examining it closely to see if there are hidden foods that he hates. I just stocked up on whole fillets for $4 a pound which is such a fantastic deal here in our landlocked state!

Maple Soy Salmon

About 4 WW Points per serving, serves 6.

One whole fillet of salmon

1/4 cup real maple syrup

2 TB soy sauce

as much garlic as you can stand

freshly ground black pepper

In a large, shallow baking dish, place salmon, skin side down. Mix all marinade ingredients and brush on salmon. Let marinate as long as you can in the refrigerator. I didn't have much time (an hour) and it was still delicious. Ginger and sesame oil would be good additions. Line another pan with foil. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. Remove fish from marinade and place on foil. Brush with some of the remaining marinade and toss the rest. Bake at 400 for about 20 minutes or until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

I served with broccoli couscous (don't get excited it was just a box), winter squash drizzled with honey, and steamed veggies. Yum.

Touch

My new keyboard. Thank you Dell. My old laptop keyboard was losing keys rapidly. I think this is my third keyboard on this baby!

The Five

Sight

Land of a Hundred Wonders by Lesley Kagen

Gibby survived an auto accident that claimed the lives of both of her parents. She survived, but she's NQR (not quite right) and now lives with her Grandpa. This book is filled with Southern charm and characters. Set in the 1970s, you get a peek into the way of the world there and then. This novel has a little mystery, a little romance, and a lot of humor. Gibby's inside view of a head injured patient was fascinating to me. It was an easy read, a nice story, and a great way to spend a few hours.

Thanks to Booking Mama for this recommendation. You can follow a link to her blog on the right sidebar of mine.

Sound

Spring Awakening The Original Broadway Cast

Warning, you just might sing along. This isn't one that you want to listen to with the kids around, the lyrics are explicit. This musical is based on Frank Wedekind's scandalous 1891 drama, but kicked up a bit with modern rock music. Teen angst is universal. This musical is filled with "rage, frustration, confusion, excitement, joy, anger, and of course budding lust of those hormone-driven years" (Elisabeth Vincentelli). Unfortunately, this musical is closing on Broadway. I had so hoped I would get to see it.

Scent

Clove oil. I just love essential oils and clove is one of my very favorites. I have some sprinkled on some scentless potpourri and it's making my first floor smell like I'm baking or like those oranges studded with cloves.

Taste

Crustless Pumpkin Pie. So simple and hits that pumpkin pie craving without going overboard. Simply purchase a can of pumpkin pie filling, mix a directed using fat free evaporated milk, and bake in a 9x13 inch pan until a knife comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool and top with fat free Cool Whip. Serves 12 at about 1 Point per serving.

Touch

I got a beautiful hand painted antique plate at a thrift store this morning with my mom. It's muted shades of blue and gold with a Dutch windmill. Very soothing and very well painted. Mom and I love to go antiquing, but we don't like to pay antique store prices, so we go and search garage sales and thrift stores. I also got a great coat for our little dog who gets really cold in the winter and a Puzz3D for Young One.

The Five, Minus Four

I've been reading up a storm lately and it's not that I have extra time, but that I've been reading shorter books (one with Young One and one that I'll review here) and one that I couldn't put down that kept me up late until I finished it. So, instead of my five senses, you're going to get just one.

Sight

Undiscovered by Debra Winger

I fell in love with Debra Winger in her movie roles. Authentic, real, beautiful, raw, and intense, she hooked me as an actress. She's all that and more in this delightful memoir. Part poetry and part short snippets and glimpses into her life, she talks about her career, but from the inside. She's extremely intelligent, sensitive, and delightful in her honesty. I'd like share with you just this short paragraph about motherhood. It literally brought me to my knees. Dead on. Well done, Ms. Winger. Encore.

"Irrevocably imprisoned by a crush of immense responsibility, overwhelming and oppressive; and by a delayed upsurge of love that in the interim had grown so encompassing and so completely consuming that she knew that no matter how long she lived, no matter what she did or how, she would never ever be free again. She was a mother."

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Jacob is either ninety years old or ninety-three, he can't quite remember. He's living out the end of his days in a nursing home and is completely unhappy about his situation. His grandchildren are old, his children even older and they alternate the obligation of visiting him. The circus has arrived in town and he watches from the rest home window as the tents go up and reminisces. You see, Jacob ran away and joined the circus as a young adult. His parents were tragically killed shortly before he was set to take his final exams as a veterinary student and in his grief he hops a train. Turns out it was a circus train and before he knows it, he's caring for their menagerie of exotic animals. There's suspense, intrigue, romance, violence and all of this with the nitty-gritty backdrop of the circus.

I adored this book. It was a really easy read and quite honestly, I had refused pick up of it about a month ago when it came my turn to receive this book through my library request program. I didn't think I would be that interested. i'm so glad I requested it again on the urging of a friend. The story just grabbed me from the get go. I think, because I have worked in nursing homes in the past, that the inside view of what its like as a resident made me remember the fights I had with nursing staff over protecting their dignity. Back up a bit. I was a young, know-it-all nursing assistant who was working herself through nursing school. The permanent nursing assistant staff resented a "golden child" as they called me. They knew I wouldn't be doing this extremely difficult, physically demanding job for long. I loved my job. I loved my little old folks. I learned so much from them and so much of what I learned from them has stuck with me to today. I remember one little old lady who's room had been transformed to look like a parlor, with velvet drapery and luxurious linens on her bed, comfortable chairs and real oil paintings on the wall. She said to me, "Nobody at this point in their life wishes that they would have worked more. Be sure to play and do what you love all your life." She's so right.

If you have time and room in your heart, go visit a nursing home. Don't go on a holiday, those busy times are inundated with well intentioned groups, looking to spread the cheer of the season. Go on a Wednesday or the second Friday evening of the month. Just make a call, ask if you can just come in for conversation with some of the people. Bring your kids and ask if you could bring in your dog sometime. You will meet professors and lawyers, teachers, farmers, people who built the first Ford trucks, former newscasters, nuns, mothers, sisters, dads, and uncles. So many of them are alone most of the time. Many of them have very few family or friends left or nearby. Your kids will learn a lot. You will learn a lot and you will meet some really cool people.

Be sure to prepare your children for some of what they might see, hear, and smell. It's not always easy for a lot of people to overlook those things. These people still have value and are often forgotten. I urge you to take some time. You'll be so glad that you did!