Wednesday, September 30, 2009

A Yummy Day Review

DH took Mystery Pup for a walk and on his return, he checked the mail. Among the bills and junk mail, I received a package from Fiber One. What a propitious arrival, because when I opened the wee box, I found a coupon for any one of the other Fiber One products.

But even better was a Fiber One snack bar and a box of cereal!!! The snack bar disappeared in no time (I was hungry). The flavor was "Oats and Chocolate". It was wonderful; chewy and crunchy! It was just what I needed to satisfy my hunger pains until we could fix dinner. I guess I will have to buy some more as at 140 calories, it will be good for snacks.

This morning I had the Fiber One Honey Clusters cereal. It contains 51% of the daily requirement of fiber. It was quite good. Not too sweet and nicely crunchy. No taste of the cardboard box it came in. I ate it without milk because some times I just like cereal that way, like a fun snack. Now here's the deal. Not all cereals, while still good, can be eaten this way; they just need milk to complete them. This Fiber One cereal tastes very nice all by itself with no after taste. The lovely thing about eating Fiber One without milk, is you don't eat it in a hurry for fear it will become all soggy.

These two items will go on the shopping list.

Thank you FIBER ONE for a lovely breakfast and a much needed snack!

Monday, September 28, 2009

EEK


DH washed the Oscar Wild! Yea, clean dog. EEK, how does washing a dog cause his ears to become lighter?

What, you want a picture? OK but this was take a bit ago...at least he is dry. I'll try to get a newer one so you can compare.

If you read that expression as "ya got me", it was because he was caught in the act of mischief!

Review: American On Purpose (Audio)

American on Purpose:
The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot




PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY:

In American on Purpose, Craig Ferguson delivers a moving and achingly funny memoir of living the American dream as he journeys from the mean streets of Glasgow, Scotland, to the comedic promised land of Hollywood. Along the way he stumbles through several attempts to make his mark - as a punk rock musician, a construction worker, a bouncer, and, tragically, a modern dancer.

To numb the pain of failure, Ferguson found comfort in drugs and alcohol, addictions that eventually led to an aborted suicide attempt. (He forgot to do it when someone offered him a glass of sherry.) But his story has a happy ending: in 1993, the washed-up Ferguson washed up in the United States. Finally sober, Ferguson landed a breakthrough part on the hit sitcomThe Drew Carey Show, a success that eventually led to his role as the host of CBS's The Late Late Show.

By far Ferguson's greatest triumph was his decision to become a U.S. citizen, a milestone he achieved in early 2008, just before his command performance for the president at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. In American on Purpose, Craig Ferguson talks a red, white, and blue streak about everything our Founding Fathers feared.

©2009 Craig Ferguson; (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

I have vague memories of Steve Allen and Jack Parr. Mostly Johnny Carson entertained me. Johnny was warm and funny and enjoyed his guests. His was quick and bright and funny. But you never felt like you knew him. Here in is the difference, I think the man you see on the TV, this Scotsman from Glasgow, lets you in on his reality. That is why I wanted to hear him read his words; to see if I was right. I am so I was!

No one's life is easy, surely not his, but he makes no apologies for it...it is what it is. He said something like, his son and he grow out of their mistakes. Isn't that lovely? His explanation of what addition was/is like for him is probably one of the best I have heard.

Oh, don't doubt it, he is really glad to be an American.

Is it a "tell all" book?

Yes, about himself. No about others, he changes the names of people where he feels appropriate.

Who is this for?

If you are listening to it, those who like the Scottish burr. People who like memoirs. People who like a bit of a giggle. People that like him on TV and want to know more about the man; like did you know he wrote a novel before this book?

Oh,all of you who like a good story told in the first person, read the book! For you vampire lovers, he likes them and likes to play them.

What more can I say? I love this story and will listen to it again in future...just to make sure I didn't miss anything the first time. That is my story and I am sticking to it!

(Oh, if you have have watched the program, you know Craig does have to be bleeped something....he is not bleeped here but it is not excessive and is part of who he is. Just do a mental bleep and go on.

Of course I now have another book to add to my evergreen and growing list...yes, I gotta read that first book!)

Sunday, September 27, 2009

They are talking to me

Audible books, that is. I had 3 credits burning a hole in my brain. The problem is not one of lack on inspiration. The problem is which to chose. After much deliberation, I picked out these:
That's one memoir, one historical fiction, one satirical, modern novel. See face of contentment (sigh)

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Do you need a new car but think you might need help?


matrix
I hate buying new vehicles. I am never sure if I am doing this right! So what's a woman to do when she know she is out of her league?

My friends, it is time to introduce you to my friend, Gail Dunn. But first, you need a bit of background.

Gail and I graduated from Fort Knox High School, Fort Knox (KENTUCKY) back in...never mind...let's just say, it wasn't yesterday. After many moons, we caught up with each other through other high school friends who wanted to reunite (you can't image what that is like for army brats). And then, come to find out, she is smart in an area where I have admitted ignorance.

Gail is the President of Women's Automotive Connection. This is what is posted on the WAC site:
Gail Dunn
Gail Dunn, President

Well, that didn't work (except for the picture). Now for plan B, click here and it will take you to what I was going to post.

When I found out what she was doing, my first thought was: "YEA, finally, someone I can trust to give me good advice who I know I can trust!"

How can I say that after all these years?

Because she was brought up the same way I was. It's an honor thing, a caring thing, that you have by the time you graduate or you don't. She did. (Some of us are just stubborn that way.)

So, summation: if you are concerned, ask Gail questions. She is still the nice, caring, smart lady she was "back when". Her blog as lots of good tips!

Don't let the salesmen get you crazy!

Review: My Name Is Will : A Novel of Sex, Drugs, and Shakespeare

My Name Is Will by Jess Winfield: Book Cover
My Name Is Will : A Novel of Sex, Drugs, and Shakespeare

I don't know what is wrong. I have tried listening to this book. I have tried reading this book and I just cannot get into it. I've even tried different times of the day and night. I do wish I could tell you what is wrong but I can't. I wish I could give this first time author some constructive critism, but I can't.

Maybe it is just not my cup of tea. Or maybe I am stuck in William's time and not ready for Will's time. (Also, though I was in college in the 60's, I was a real square... not tuned in at all!)

So far, I am this is the only negative review I have read. So go find a good excerpt, read it, and then decide for yourself. And, Jess, if you see this, I'm sorry I can't give you more.

Thursday Thunks

Welcome to the September 24th version of Thursday Thunks!
(which we always seem to post on Wednesday)
Where we make you think
a little bit before you blog!
This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Kimber, the number 1172007 and the color of the walls in an asylum.

1. Does soap or shampoo have to really lather up for you to feel that it cleaned thoroughly? yes, but it is probably from being brain washed by parents and teachers and television.

2. Do you have a long standing joke with someone that you still laugh about every time you talk to that person? no, at least not that i can think of at this moment.

3. Share something that happened to you this past week that was unusual. my body decided i had been treating it disrespectfully, so it put me to sleep for something like more than 12 hours! what's with that?

4. If you dropped a purple crayon and a green crayon off a roof, which would melt faster in the sun? neither, i don't get on roofs. you see you have to climb up on a ladder and they are really not wheelchair accessible.

5. You are standing in line (grocery store, bank, etc.), and someone gets in line behind you that stinks. The stink is so bad that people in line in front of you turn around and look to see if you are the one causing the stink. Do you cover your nose, hold your breath, breathe through your mouth or just get out of line altogether? Herbert Tarr said in THE CONVERSION OF CHAPLIN COHEN, "it says in the talmud, it is better to throw oneself on a burning bush than to humiliate another publicly. however it is not written in the talmud what to do if there is no burning bush handy."

6. If you dropped your cell phone in the toilet, would you fish it out? If so, how much soap would you use to wash your hands afterwards? i think that would depend on when i dropped it...before or after. and yes, it would involve lots of soap and water...hot water.

7. Sydney Australia dust storm (link). How long do you think it would take you to clean your house after that sort of dust storm? have you every been to west texas or the panhandle of texas? i know that was why my mother had daughters...with everyone assigned a task, it just take a really good vacuum and lots of cleaning cloths and hands! (or a lot of money to get a good cleaning crew in.)

8. Do you think you can dance? no. but after watch Tom Delay, i don't think i should worry much.

9. You are out to eat and someone across the room is staring at you. Do you get paranoid, try to ignore them, or go find out why they are staring at you? the last time it happened, i was in panama, 19 or 20, eating dinner with my parents and younger sister. it was a lady. i was telling my dad about it when she suddenly got up and rushed to the table. when she arrived, she called me by name and said she would have recognize me anywhere. she said nothing to my little sister (2 years my junior). after she left, i asked my dad when she would have seen me last. "oh, you were about 5." talk about deflation! and i was/am a fairly buxom lady.

10. Come up with a crazy, wacky Thursday Thunk question. have you ever colored your hair and had to live with the disaster? or any other such hair raising experience?

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We Can Take It! Spew Alert

This was sent to me from our dear friend, Christopher, in Britain. We really broke up over many of these:

One day my housework challenged husband decided
to wash his Sweatshirt.
Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room,
he shouted to me, 'What setting do I use on the
washing machine?'

'It depends,' I replied..
'What does it say on your shirt?'
He yelled back, ' OHIO STATE ! '
And they say
blonds are dumb....

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
A couple is lying
in bed
. The man says,

'I am going to make
you the happiest woman in the world.'

The woman replies,
'I'll miss you.........

------------ --------- -------
'It's just too hot to wear clothes today,'
Jack says as he stepped out of the shower, 'honey, what do you think the
neighbors would think if I mowed the lawn like this?'

'Probably that I married you for your money,' she replied.
------------ --------- --------- --------- ----
Q: What do you
call an intelligent, good looking, sensitive man?

A: A rumor
------------ --------- --------- --------- ----
A man and his wife,
now in their 60's, were celebrating their

40th wedding anniversary. On their special day
a good fairy came to them and said that because they had been so good that each one of them could have one wish.
The wife wished for a trip around the world with her husband.
Whoosh! Immediately she had airline/cruise tickets in her hands..
The man wished for afemale companion 30 years younger....
Whoosh...immediately he turned
90!!!

Gotta love that fairy!
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --
Dear Lord,
I pray for Wisdom to understand my man;
Love to forgive him;
and Patience for his moods.
Because, Lord, if I pray for Strength,
I'll beat him to death.
AMEN
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------


Q: Why do little boys whine?
A: They are practicing to be
men.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --
Q: What do you
call a handcuffed man?

A: Trustworthy.
------------ --------- --------- --------- ------
Q: What does it
mean when a man is in your bed gasping

for breath and calling your name?
A: You did not hold the pillow down long enough.
------------ --------- --------- --------- ---
Q: Why do men whistle when they
are sitting on the toilet?
A: It helps them remember which end to wipe.
------------ --------- --------- --------- ----
Q: How do you
keep your husband from reading your e-mail?

A: Rename the
email folder 'Instruction Manuals'

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Send this to at least five bright,
funny women you know and make their day! And send this to five
bright men who have enough sense of humor to take it!

Book Visitor Missy Lyons

This is my first time doing this so if it seem awkward, bear with me. Let me explain. While reading my email, I came across what I am about to share with you. It drew me in quickly. So naturally I asked if I could share the email with you. Give said permission, this will be sort of a guest posting.

A Warrior's Woman
by Missy Lyons
Whispers Publishing
Price $2.95

Blurb:

Kivra was bound by her honor to live as Kona's woman for one month. For one month she was to please him in every way, become one of the lowest class of women, but finding herself under the Barbarian's masterful body, she knew she would be begging to be used. She wanted nothing more than to seduce him and have him beg for more. Even though she surrendered her body, it was something altogether different to surrender her heart. Kona was the second son of the King, and as second son, he had no inheritance, no lands, and no title. When he hears that the ruling Shirkan of Kanaha has died, leaving an only child, a daughter, he decides it's an opportunity to find his own fortune. He knows he isn't welcome in Kanaha. He knows and yet, he goes anyway. He meant to kidnap Kivra and run away as his brother had done with her sister, but the moment he laid eyes on her warrior spirit, he knew she would have to be conquered to be won over, and he wasn't about to accept anything less than compete surrender.

Excerpt:

"Well if you feel so badly about it, you can fight me now." Kona's arrogant smile nearly incapacitated her.

Surely he was jesting?

"Fight you? I think not. I am not giving you that kind of satisfaction. " She looked over his strong male body. Too male for her, she would appreciate him from afar, but she knew better than to play with men like him--men who played with women and then tossed them aside. Kivra knew his type, the biggest warriors who were the most handsome could have any woman eating out of their hand, and they often had several women.

"Well if you won't issue the challenge then I will." He moved towards her. He stopped when he was only a breath from her. "I challenge you to a battle, Princess."

"How dare you challenge me?" Kivra curled up her lips, a nervous energy invading her body. The words still hung in the air, stinging her ears. Kivra sounded a little childish even to her own ears. The man was just goading her into making a stupid mistake, something she could not afford to do, if she were to accept such a rash offer.

She looked nervously to his waiting men. All of them warriors. All of them there to support their leader, who came here to challenge her, a woman. What kind of man would do such a thing?

Only a man with no honor.

Only a barbarian who did not care anything for treating women any different from men. She answered her own question.

In her country, women may not have the same rights as men, but they were protected. Women were known as the weaker sex, yet they were respected. Women were treated with honor and always with respect as mothers and as wives. They could never physically equal a man's physical power, and so they were never allowed any real power. Even the right to own land was not allowed to a woman.

She was still flummoxed that Kona would even consider fighting her. Even the barbarians of Kapomo had ethics, or so she had thought. This personal challenge made her question those morals. It was not like she had any males left in her family to fight for her honor or her cause.

Kapomo must be a land full of thieves and kidnappers.

"Do you accept?" He grinned down at her. They were standing on even ground, but the man towered over her by a good foot. All the warrior men of Kapomo were large men, but he seemed exceptionally large and exceptionally powerful. A muscle pulsed in his neck as he awaited her decision.

Kivra looked at him for a moment, letting her gaze trail over his well-muscled warrior body. It would be no contest. She let her fingers feel the reassurance of her sword at her hip, feeling the engraving well worn on the handle. His was a body that would soon overpower hers within minutes. But with her skill and experience, she could give him at least a little challenge. If he'd miscalculated her skills before offering the challenge, that might give her an edge against his strength. Perhaps if the fight were short, she could end it as the winner.

"Why would you challenge me?" Of course she already knew why in her heart. He wanted to usurp her power. Her father had been the Shirkan, the unquestioned leader by strength. He retired, because of age, and had not accepted a fight for years. When he died three months ago, he left her the sole survivor of the clan. No other man had dared to fight her for her leadership in her own clan. With no brothers or any other men in the family to fight for her, Kivra would have to fight for her own honor.

"Perhaps, because you have something I want..." his words may have been innocent but his eyes were insinuating something wicked. The way he let his words trail off, Kivra had guessed he had bed play on his mind, like most men. But unlike most men, he figured out she would only give herself to the strongest of the lot. She needed a man who was stronger than she; a man who had something to offer her, like himself.

"I am just trying to say that there is nothing I have to offer you." She wanted nothing more than to put an arrogant man like him in his place.

"Oh but I disagree, you have much to offer me. You will have to let me be the judge of that, Princess..." There was no doubt what he was alluding to when he stared her down with that hungry gaze. His eyes stayed far too long on her chest for her liking.

Buy now at Whispers

http://www.whispershome.com/book_pages/a_warriors_woman.html

Buy now at All Romance Ebooks

http://www.allroman ceebooks. com/product- awarriorswoman- 8561-144. html

Buy now at Fictionwise

https://www. fictionwise. com/ebooks/ b64669/A- Warriors- Woman/Missy- Lyons/?si= 0

Thanks for reading!

Lots of love,
Missy Lyons
www.misslyons.com

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

I got it!!


Vegetarian Cookbook Giveaway
Be jealous, be very jealous! Not only did I get it, but it was autographed!!! I got way behind on mail just reading recipes!!! Yummmmmm!! If you love cooking and/or reading cookbooks, you gotta get this one! Thank you Mrs. Bindu Grandhi!

Who doesn't like Sara Lee?


MomStart
Not me...I love Sara Lee...especially her cinnomin bread. So, guess who was excited to receive an email from Louise Bishop of Mom Start saying: You won the Sara Lee coupons! I know this is silly but I love her button! It is so pretty. When I first found her blog, I added it to my blog without ever being asked. I love her blog too. Very easy on the eyes and she gives away lots of good stuff?

Monday, September 21, 2009

Review: The Last Queen: A Novel of Juana la Loca by C W Gortner

I just finished listening to The Last Queen: A Novel of Juana la Loca by C W Gortner (unabridged). The narrator, Margarite Gavin, did an excellent job of reading the book and interpreting the characters. She has a lovely voice that makes listening easy.

This is what the publisher said about the book:

One of history's most enigmatic women tells the haunting, passionate story of her tumultuous life. Juana of Castile is just thirteen when she witnesses the fall of Moorish Granada and the uniting of the fractured kingdoms of Spain under her warrior parents, Isabel and Fernando. Intelligent, beautiful, and proud of her heritage, Juana rebels when she is chosen as a bride for the Hapsburg heir - until she comes face-to-face with Prince Philip the Fair, a man who will bring her the greatest of passions, and the darkest despair.

When tragedy decimates Juana's family in Spain, she suddenly finds herself heiress to Castile, a realm prey to scheming lords bent on thwarting her rule. The betrayal of those she loves plunges Juana into a ruthless battle of wills - a struggle of corruption, perfidy, and heart-shattering deceit that could cost her the crown, her freedom, and her very life.

In case you didn't understand the title, she was called the "crazy" by many people. We are lead to believe that may have been mostly the based on rumors spread by her power hungry husband and his group and, after his death, furthered by her own father, whose need for power was equally as great as he wished to out shine the accomplishments of his dead wife. Was she crazy? I will let you decide.

Was she mad? As in angry? The life of strong, smart, educated women during this time of male dominance was never easy. Women were expected to be docile, marry who they were told to, and bear children (she had 5, only 2 of which for male). How does one stand up for her rights and those of her country, to be a QUEEN, in such an atmosphere?

This is a face paced, fascinating autobiographical novel, which drew me in quickly and kept me riveted to her story. Looking through her eye, you clearly see all the different characters, while feeling her reactions.

(My husband's comment: "The characters are well formed and developed. Its only flaw is that it reflects a modern woman's perspective of a vastly different time and I wonder if women 500 years ago area accurately depicted int it?)

I expect this will be one I will want to read and/or listen to again.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

British humor

I do love it so! And if you do, you will enjoy this...if I have finally figured this out! and I can't so just click on the exclamation mark....especially if you like Alan Rickman and Eddie Izzard. (O, I think if you click on the title of this posting, you will also get there.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

And now for a word from our sponsers (SPEW ALERT)

Things have gotten too calm around here and it is time for you to laugh! We can all thank KSKI for this (who end with KNIT ON!)

Pregnancy, Estrogen, and Women

PREGNANCY Q & A
Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q : I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q : What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?

Q : My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q : Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word 'alimony' means anything toyou.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q : Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q : Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

'ESTROGEN ISSUES'

10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE 'ESTROGEN ISSUES'

1.. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet.
3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
5. You're using your cell phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says:'How's my driving-call 1- 800-'.
6. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.
7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from 'outer space.'
9. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.
10. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

TOP TEN THINGS ONLY WOMEN UNDERSTAND
10. Pets' facial expressions.
9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors.
8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds.
7. Fat clothes.
6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.

5. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell.
4. Cutting your hair to make it grow.
3.. Eyelash curlers.

2.. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.

AND,the Number One thing only women understand:

1.OTHER WOMEN

WE ALL NEED A SMILE!

Books at forty percent off???

Why do I subscribe when I know they are going to put temptation right there in front of my nose? Maybe I am a masochistic! BUT, if you are a fiber freak, like me, and you don't know about KnitPicks, you just gotta go visit! Clicking on the posting title with get you right on over there.

Have you ever

been reading a book and thought, "Am I missing something?" I mean you want to write a fair review but??? Or you are thinking you might like to get a book but being on a book budget, you really have to be careful of where your money goes so you'd really like to know what other bb's think of the book?

Well, land of goshions, Ms Fyrefly of Fyrefly's Book Blog has done it with Book Blogs Search Engine! I have used it and I love it! So scoot on over there through either the link in the title or the link in this paragraph for all the details!

WHAAAHOOOOO

Did that sound like screaming? IT WAS!!!! If I could skip, I would be bouncing off the walls. God bless Mamma's Money Savers and her little random generator!!! (Didn't I tell you this was a great site? Listen to me when I am talking to you!)

Why???

Because I won !!!! Not only is she, Bindu Grandhi, the wife of one of my favorite writers (Dr.Grandhi of Circle of Souls) but while scoping this book out (I mean you don't want to try and win a book you wouldn't like), I got to watch her prepare some of her recipes and they look sooo easy! AND I WON IT!!!
Cover Image



Meme: BBAW – You and Your Reading Habits


BBAW Celebrate Books

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack? sometimes...fruit or a sandwich.
Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of
writing in books horrify you? very, very rarely do i mark them.
How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? no dog earring! i will use whatever is handy as a book mark...yarn, bookmark, a bill...i don't care.
Laying the book flat open? only in a absolute emergency
Fiction, Non-fiction, or both? both but lean heavily to fiction
Hard copy or audio books? both...audio books are great when driving or knitting one of those boring patterns.
Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you
able to put a book down at any point? i try to finish a sentence before falling asleep.
If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away? if i can, i look it up. if it is a foreign language, i pray i figured it out.
What are you currently reading? A SEPARATE COUNTRY
What is the last book you bought? THE MERLOT MURDERS
Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can
you read more than one at a time? i can but generally it is read one, listen one
Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read? uh, yes, all day and any place....never could understand people who say they just don't have time to read.
Do you prefer series books or stand alone books? i like books that can stand alone because it may be a year before the next book comes out and if it is not self contained i get frustrated.
Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over? for people dealing with long term illness, Herbert Tarr because you can not, really, you can not read any of his books without laughing out loud.
How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?)