Saturday, April 9, 2011

Flashback by Nevada Barr

Flashback (Anna Pigeon Mysteries, #11)Flashback by Nevada Barr


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I think I want to give this a higher rating but not.


It is a good book braiding two stories together...one in the present, one in the time just after the Civil War but both taking place in the same location and both involving murder.


"Anna Pigeon takes a post as a temporary supervisory ranger on remote Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, a small grouping of tiny islands in a natural harbor seventy miles off Key West...


...Here, on this last lick of the United States, in a giant crumbling fortress, Anna has little company except for an occasional sunburned tourist or unruly shrimper. When her sister, Molly, sends her a packet of letters from her great-great-aunt who lived at the fort with her husband, a career soldier, Anna's fantasy life is filled with visions of this long-ago time." *


In the present, another Ranger is missing and a boat has exploded.


It's not the fault of the narrator who does such a good job!


So why can't I give this book a 4 or 5 star rating? I just don't know. Maybe you should read or listen to it and tell me where you would rate it.


*This is a quote from the book summary.

Ashes to Water by Irene Ziegler

Ashes to Water
This is a perfect "patient" books. A "patient" book is one you take with you to help you forget how long you are having to wait...wait to be called into the room where you will see the doctor...wait for the doctor to come in...wait to have your blood drawn...wait for to be called for this test or that test...wait for the van to get its fill of gas...wait for... 



My Kindle doesn't care if how windy it is, it's ready to open to the page I want. 



The story is easier to pick up than to put down. I'm already 24% into it in just one day of hurry up and wait. 

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, #1)Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We have watched the ongoing series based upon this series and enjoyed it. But I gotta tell you, having found this audio book, we (hubby and I) agree this much better! I do love fantasy mixed with paranormal!

Friday, April 1, 2011

New York Dead

New York Dead (Stone Barrington, #1)New York Dead by Stuart Woods

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What is this world coming to! A well educated man who would rather be a cop than a lawyer? And then a lady falls off a balcony several floor up and lives? And then he has to become the lawyer he never wanted to be? Audible.com caught me with this one! I think I have become a follower!

Don't Make Me Choose Between You and My Shoes

Don't Make Me Choose Between You and My ShoesDon't Make Me Choose Between You and My Shoes by Dixie Cash

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I don't know that you need to be a Texan to enjoy this as my Scottish born husband and I had to stay up until it was finished! Maybe you just have to enjoy laughing.

What we have is two lady investigators/beauticians who have been invited to New York City as guest speakers at a conference for professional investigators or those who think they might want to enter the field. And in the city, we have a killer of prostitues.

Now how can you mix this up to be funning? I won't tell but I will recommend you get a copy! ('just beware of drinking while consuming or you may spew!)

ps I changed editions just so you can see the cover!

A Bone to Pick

A Bone to Pick (Aurora Teagarden, #2)A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I do so enjoy this author's works and this series of mysteries---no vamps or ghosts, just good characters and a good story.

Dog on It

Dog on ItDog on It by Spencer Quinn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


OK, I love dogs and observing them so this one is dear to my heart. Why? Because this mystery is from the dog's point of view and Quinn seems to have really gotten into the strange workings of doggie brains. If you have a muttly you will recognize our primary character as he tries to help his best friend solve the mystery without getting himself into too much trouble. It's a light, fun read!

Lust, Loathing and a Little Lip Gloss

Lust, Loathing and a Little Lip Gloss (Sophie Katz, Book 4)Lust, Loathing and a Little Lip Gloss by Kyra Davis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The story is very good BUT the reader is not; which is why I cannot give this a higher rating....soooooo, get the book in any format you can find but skip the audio! A different narrator could make this fun mystery such a verbal joy!

The Lovely Bones

The Lovely BonesThe Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


after seeing the movie and listening to the book...i like the audio best. someone said they had a problem with the reader which i did not.

The Bone Doll's Twin

The Bone Doll's Twin (The Tamír Triad, #1)The Bone Doll's Twin by Lynn Flewelling

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


OH dear! Looks like I need to add 2 more books to my wish list!

The Chase

The ChaseThe Chase by Clive Cussler

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


kept my mind on its toes!

Across the Nightingale Floor

Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori, Book 1)Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Excellent but keep hankie nearby!

Orchid Beach

Orchid Beach (Holly Barker, #1)Orchid Beach by Stuart Woods

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


From the military to small town chief of police searching to find out who killed the man who hired her---This is a goody!

The Target

The Target (FBI Thriller, #3)The Target by Catherine Coulter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I do love this series! As per usual, a really good mystery with lots of romance (clean) and action with enough twists to keep you occupied!

The Nazi Officer's Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocust

The Nazi Officer's Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the HolocustThe Nazi Officer's Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocust by Edith Hahn Beer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It is absolutely amazing what people will do to survive and live! And so far, no two stories are the same with the exception that some will live and some will not. But it does make you think...what would I do in similar situations? could I survive? could I even handle the daily stresses?

Wizard's First Rule

Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, #1)Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


We have watched the ongoing series based upon this series and enjoyed it. But I gotta tell you, having found this audio book, we (hubby and I) agree this much better! I do love fantasy!

Soulless

Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate, #1)Soulless by Gail Carriger

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What great fun entertainment with ghosts and weres and a fun mystery! I found myself needing to finish it!  And don't you just love the cover?

Monday, March 28, 2011

O, HI

How are ya?

Me, ok.

My mom just finished her last chemo treatment and now we have to do some more tests and see where we are. They say the "chemo brain" should start going away in a couple of weeks. She's 92 as of February. And that "older" dog she was going to get resulted in a red poodle (Rett Butler) who is not even a year old. Mothers! They are so hard to bring up properly.

My work on Ancestry.com is engrossing. I got stopped with my mom's father's side after the initial grandfather arrived from Scotland. Her mother's side is not that much better. I think I have found a brother of her grandfather who fought in the war between the states ('can't say civil war without my mother's eruption: "THERE WAS NOTHING CIVIL ABOUT IT!") Anyway, he was caught and imprisoned, exchanged, and when back to Richmond for new orders. After the war, he and his wife went to Argentina (as did many confederates at the invitation of that government). Some stayed but some came back to their native soil. In his case, he came back with his wife and a child only to eventually get shot by some "carpetbagger".

While I have found many who fought for the new country, I have finally found a Tory who with one of his sons was thorting the rebels any way he could by stealing horses and making counterfit money. His story does not end well as he was spotted, caught, and hung. All of his sons (but the one) are recognized by the DAR for their war efforts.

Well, looks like it is time to put on another book and go back to see who else I can dig up.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Y E A H

Snowing like all buggery in the Dallas/Fort Worth area! Those beautiful fat snow flakes are racing to the ground!

Testing, 1, 2, 3, 4, Testing

SEMI-OLD PEOPLE'S MEMORY TEST

This is not a pushover test. There are 20 questions. Average score is 12.  This one will be very difficult for the younger set Have fun, but no peeking!  

1. What builds strong bodies 12 ways?

A. Flintstones vitamins 
B. The Buttmaster 
C. Spaghetti 
D Wonder Bread
E. OrangeJuice 
F. Milk 
G. Cod Liver Oil


2. Before he was Muhammed Ali, he was...

A. Sugar Ray Robinson 
B. Roy Orbison
C. Gene Autry 
D. Rudolph Valentino 
E. Fabian 
F. Mickey Mantle 
G. Cassius Clay


3. Pogo, the comic strip character said, 'We have met the enemy and..

A. It's you 
B. He is us 
C. It's the Grinch 
D. He wasn't home 
E. He's really me an 
F. We quit 
G. He surrendered


4. Good night David.

A. Good night Chet 
B. Sleep well 
C. Good night Irene 
D. Good night Gracie 
E. See you later alligator 
F. Until tomorrow 
G. Good night Steve


5. You'll wonder where the yellow went...

A. When you use Tide 
B. When you lose your crayons 
C. When you clean your tub 
D. If you paint the room blue 
E. If you buy a soft water tank 
F. When you use Lady Clairol 
G. When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent


6. Before he was the Skipper's Little Buddy, Bob Denver was Dobie's friend...

A. Stuart Whitman 
B. Randolph Scott 
C. Steve Reeves 
D. Maynard G Krebbs 
E. Corky B. Dork 
F. Dave the Whale 
G. Zippy Zoo


7. Liar, liar.

A. You're a liar 
B. Your nose is growing 
C. Pants on fire 
D. Join the choir 
E. Jump up higher 
F. On the wire 
G. I'm telling Mom


8. Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Superman fights a never ending battle for truth, justice and...

A. Wheaties 
B. Lois Lane 
C. TV ratings 
D. World peace 
E. Red tights 
F.. The American way 
G. News headlines


9. Hey kids!  What time is it?

A. It's time for Yogi Bear 
B. It's time to do your homework 
C. It's Howdy Doody Time 
D. It's Time for Romper Room 
E. It's bedtime 
F. The Mighty Mouse Hour 
G. Scoopy Doo Time


10. Lions and tigers and bears...

A. Yikes 
B. Oh no 
C. Gee whiz 
D. I'm scared 
E. Oh my 
F. Help! Help! 
G. Let's run


11. Bob Dylan advised us never to trust anyone...

A. Over 40 
B.. Wearing a uniform 
C. Carrying a briefcase 
D. Over 30 
E. You don't know 
F. Who says, 'Trust me' 
G. Who eats tofu

 

12. NFL quarterback who appeared in a television commercial wearing women's stockings...

A. Troy Aikman 
B. Kenny Stabler 
C. Joe Namath 
D. Roger Stauback 
E. Joe Montana 
F Steve Young 
G. John Elway


13. Brylcream.

A. Smear it on 
B. You'll smell great 
C. Tame that cowlick 
D. Grease ball heaven 
E. It's a dream 
F. We're your team 
G. A little dab'll do ya


14. I found my thrill...

A. In Blueberry muffins 
B. With my man, Bill 
C. Down at the mill 
D. Over the windowsill 
E. With thyme and dill 
F. Too late to enjoy 
G. On Blueberry Hill


15. Before Robin Williams, Peter Pan was played by...

A. Clark  Gable 
B. Mary Martin 
C. Doris Day 
D. Errol Flynn 
E. Sally Fields 
F. Jim Carey 
G.Jay Leno


16. Name the Beatles....

A. John, Steve, George, Ringo 
B. John, Paul, George, Roscoe 
C. John, Paul, Stacey, Ringo 
D. Jay, Paul, George, Ringo 
E. Lewis, Peter, George, Ringo 
F. Jason, Betty, Skipper, Hazel 
G. John, Paul, George, Ringo

 

17. I wonder, wonder, who..

A. Who ate the leftovers? 
B. Who did the laundry? 
C. Was it you? 
D. Who wrote the book of love? 
E. Who I am? 
F Passed the test? 
G. Knocked on the door?

 

18. I'm strong to the finish...

A. Cause I eats my broccoli 
B. Cause I eats me spinach 
C. Cause I lift weights 
D. Cause I'm the hero 
E. And don't you forget it 
F. Cause Olive Oyl loves me 
G. To outlast Bruto

 

19.. When it's least expected, you're elected, you're the star today..

A. Smile, you're on Candid Camera 
B. Smile, you're on Star Search 
C. Smile, you won the lottery 
D. Smile, we're watching you 
E. Smile, the world sees you 
F. Smile, you're a hit 
G. Smile, you're on TV

 

20. What do M&M's do?

A. Make your tummy happy 
B. Melt in your mouth, not in your pocket 
C. Make you fat 
D. Melt your heart 
E. Make you popular 
F. Melt in your mouth, not in your hand 
G. Come in colors


 

Below are the right answers:


1. D - Wonder Bread 
2. G - Cassius Clay 
3. B - He Is Us 
4. A - Good night, Chet 
5. G - When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent 
6. D - Maynard G. Krebbs 
7. C - Pants On Fire 
8. F - The  American Way  
9. C - It's Howdy Doody Time 
10. E - Oh My 
11. D - Over 30 
12. C - Joe Namath 
13. G - A little dab'll do ya 
14. G - On Blueberry Hill 
15. B - Mary Martin 
16. G - John, Paul, George, Ringo 
17. D - Who wrote the book of Love 
18. B - Cause I eats me spinach 
19. A - Smile, you're on Candid Camera 
20. F - Melt In Your Mouth Not In Your Hand


So I scored 100...kski, you started this! Does this make me an antique?

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Spew Alert

Ok, still reading and not writing but kski sent me another one to share...it's a bit naughty so think before reading after the first one~

PENSION SEX
  
Two men were talking. 'So, how's your sex life?'
'Oh, nothing special. I'm having Pension sex.'
'Pension sex?'
 'Yeah, you know; I get a little each month, but not enough to live on!'
_____ 

LOUD SEX
 
A wife went in to see a therapist and said,
'I've got a big problem, doctor.
Every time we're in bed and my husband climaxes,
He lets out this ear splitting yell.'
'My dear,' the shrink said, 'that's completely natural.
I don't see what the problem is.'
'The problem is,' she complained, 'it wakes me up!'
_____
 
QUIET SEX
 
Tired of a listless sex life, the man came right out and asked his wife
During a recent lovemaking session,
'How come you never tell me when you have an orgasm?'
She glanced at him and replied, 'You're never home!'
_____
 
CONFOUNDED SEX
 
A man was in a terrible accident, and his 'manhood' was mangled and torn from
his body. His doctor assured him that modern medicine could give him back his
manhood, but that his insurance wouldn't cover the surgery since it was
 considered cosmetic.
 
The doctor said the cost would be $3,500 for 'small,
$6,500 for 'medium, and $14,000 for 'large.'
 
The man was sure he would want a medium or large, but the doctor urged him
To talk it over with his wife before he made any decision.
The man called his wife on the phone and explained their options.
The doctor came back into the room, and found the man looking dejected.
 
'Well, what have the two of you decided?' asked the doctor.
She'd rather remodel the kitchen.'
_____
 
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY SEX
 
A husband and his wife had a bitter quarrel on the day of their
40th wedding anniversary The husband yelled, 'When you die, I'm getting
You a headstone that reads:
'Here Lies My Wife - Cold As Ever'.'
'Yeah,' she replies, 'when you die, I'm getting you a headstone that reads:
'Here Lies My Husband - Stiff At Last.' '
_____
 
WOMEN'S HUMOROUS SEX
 
My husband came home with a tube of K Y jelly and said,
'This will make you happy tonight.'
He was right. When he went out of the bedroom,
I squirted it all over the doorknobs.
He couldn't get back in.
_____
 
ELDERLY SEX
  
One night, an 87 year-old woman came home from Bingo and found
Her 92 year-old husband in bed with another woman.
She became violent and ended up pushing him off the balcony
Of their 20th floor, assisted living apartment, killing him instantly.
Brought before the court on the charge of murder,
The judge asked her if she had anything to say in her defense.
 She began coolly, 'Yes, your honor. I figured that at 92, if he could have sex...
He could also fly.'

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

No eating or drinking while reading the following

I HATE INSURANCE COMPANIES....THEY CAN CONFUSE EVEN 2 COLLEGE GRADS!

Ok, now that I have released that tantrum, here's the fun part:


To Be 6 Again!  

A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching his
  wife, who was
looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not
far off he asked what she'd like to
 
have for her birthday.

'I'd like to be six again', she replied, still looking
 in the mirror .

On the morning of her Birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of 
Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park.
What a day! He p ut her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall
of Fear, the Screaming
 Roller Coaster, everything there was.

Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was
reeling and her stomach felt upside
down. He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a 
Happy Meal with extra fries and a
chocolate shake.

Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite
  candy, 
M&M's. What a fabulous adventure!
 
Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed 

exhausted.


 

He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, 'Well Dear, what was it like being six 

again?'


Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed.
 
'I meant my dress size, you f---ing retard!!!!'

The moral of the story: Even when a man is listening, he is gonna 

get it wrong.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Hiding out in Argentina?

No.

So where have I been?  Right here. Why so quite? I've been unwell physically and mentally.. Also, my mom, who is soon to turn 92 has been diagnosed cancer and is undergoing chemo.

But I have been escaping in books and need to write up a huge bunch of reviews. But not tonight.

I am (and have been for a week) fighting with people about bills and insurance and other stuff.  (It's enough to pull one's hair out!)

O, I also need to knit a prayer shawl and hat for mom (her hair is falling out....she wants it to come back in red but   it's not likely and I can't afford to get her a wig.)

I have some funnies for you too.

The Pillars of the Earth

The Pillars of the EarthThe Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was an audio book (I brought in from Audible.com). It is very long but is a great listen. Lots of good history about the time.

I would try to only listen to a bit before going to sleep but ended up listening longer than I should.

The reader was good!

I loved all the recurring characters as well as the known ones like Thomas Becket.

Does everyone get their "just deserts? Mostly.

I will probably listen to it again.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

What's up?

This is a bad time of year....figure skating started and I've started PT and there are all these bloody books lurking about....o, and I've been working on getting a van.

I love figure stating....probably because I can't stand up on shoes with blades or 4 wheels. I tried for puppies years but decided cement and and wood they using in roller rinks are hard on your butt so after 5 years, I decided to give it up! Then I went to join my dad in Germany where some friends took me to and ice skating rink. They convinced me that ice skating was way, way easier than roller skating. (14yo are so gullible!) So off we go with a friend on either side. Those skates seemed to have minds of there own! Next thing I knew they were crossed! I asked my friends what to do in such a situation. They let go of my and started laughing hysterically. Lesson: some friends are either big fat liers or don't know what they are talking about. Lesson: falling on ice is just as hard as wood or concrete do hurts the same BUT it is also very cold and wet. I don't remember how they got me off the ice but I can tell you that was a lesson learned quickly....my last attempt to try ice skating! It took me 3 years but I did finally manage to ride a 2 wheeler.

PT, what fun (sarcasm). It's early days so not much to show but I'm going.

I've figured it out. I borrow a Kindle to read to and from and while waiting for PT.  I have a paper back to read at home. Audio books are listened to at bed time. So far this is working well except I can't read and watch the skaters at the same time! AND then there are the book reviews I need to write (lots!!!) I haven't figured out exactly how fit in this later as it seems I am in a reading frenzy but not mush into sharing. It's not to worry, things will get figured out!

O, VAN! One other owner (paralyzed vet from first gulf war). He passed and his mother asked the people they got it from to sell it for her at a really reduced price. It's a 2002, White with grey interior. Power just about everything especially the lift which will lift me and chair up and in and lock us down. I hope to have it in about 2 weeks. Randy, sales guy, if off this week so it will have to be next week before we work out what little changes need to be made for me. So, hopefully I will have a van before Thanksgiving! Thanks to all who held good thoughts about me getting it!

Well, today was PT day and I am pooped! Later friends~