DAMN DIET! and a full plate

I am in a total love/hate relationship with my new eating habits.  Let me give you my issues. 
1.  Ralph and I went to Chili's for a Friday night date...I really wanted some chicken strips and fries (Sarah I think you can relate).  Anyway, by the time I had two small strips and a few fries I felt done and almost too full.  Had dessert anyway and came home feeling just gross!
2.  One of my co-workers brought Banbury Cross donuts in to celebrate her birthday.  I didn't get to them early enough to grab a maple bar - they were already gone, but I probably would have eaten it and then regretted it.  What was left didn't even look good to me.  So I didn't have any.
3.  I hate that I would rather have a protein shake with fruit, than a piece of french toast slathered with butter and syrup for breakfast
4.  I love the way I feel when I eat right
5.  I hate that I can't eat as much
6.  I love the way my clothes fit
7.  I hate not being able to have Halloween candy around the house - I would eat it!
8.  I love setting goals, sticking to them, and seeing the results of my diligence.
9.  I hate not being able to bake.  This is the best time of year for baking -pumpkinney, warm, gooey, cinnamonny goodies.  It's killing me.  I keep tyring to come up with reasons to cook and then give it away - just so I can have a taste.  It doesn't work - the goodies never leave the house. 
Anyway I think you get my point.

Silly me has loaded the schedule again.  This time mostly with stampin projects.  I have 35 table favors to make for my Mothers RS Fall dinner (I volunteered and am ok with it)  I have birthday cards for October to make.  I have a stamp a stack in just a little over a week.  Gotta get moving on that project - so much paper cutting.  We are hosting a dinner next weekend as well. If you know us - we don't do things small scale so that mixed with the stamp a stack weekend should keep me busy.  I also will...with tomorrow being the first post, start the 12 week countdown for Christmas with project samples.  I know you can hardly wait.  (secret...I already have my Christmas card designed - yes I know that is a little ambitious, but that way I get them done in time to send out)

Well - gotta get moving
Ta Ta for now

A Spoonful of Sugar & Weekend Report

Some days I really feel like I need something sweet to deal with the nasty medicine that comes my way.  Bring on the homemade ice cream and peach pie!  Nooooo, that is not quite what I mean although a little bit of comfort food doesn’t hurt – just not everyday which is what I need.

I have another co-worker quitting church employment for greener pastures- which means a lot more work for me.  We have new financial software that doesn’t work-which means a lot more work for me, I am now down 4 staff in primary that need to be replaced-nursery, 2 activity days leaders, and a chorister.  Any volunteers? 

I know that doesn’t seem so bad, and yes I will make it through, but, it seems like this kind of thing doesn’t stop happening.  It seems like we barely get caught up and then somebody else is leaving, or there are problems with the software that need to be fixed and always changes in ward callings.  One thing that is constant is change.  It makes me tired.

Actually – I have a lot of spoonfuls of sugar that help me deal with the hard times.  I am so looking forward to general conference this weekend – should be a spiritual refill.  It always flies by, but so worth it.  My husband and my doggie always help me get through the tough times, as do my family and friends.

I am loving this fall/summer weather.  It means more time to wear my shorts and it means more garden produce.    I love the fresh fruit and the tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, corn etc. The forecast is for more 90 degree weather. 

The football game on Saturday was a blowout.  56 to 3  I actually felt sorry for those San Jose players – they took a beating!  It was still fun to go hang out at the stadium and enjoy the fall weather.  In case you were wondering – no treats.  Gotta be good.  Yes...I did miss the RS Broadcast, but caught it the next day.  Loved the talks.

The primary program went off without a hitch – short of two of the kids not showing up (they didn’t have big parts).  The stake approached me afterward and told me that we were the model of a perfect program.  Yikes!  Don’t put me on that pedestal – too much pressure!  I think my favorite part was during one of the talks when one of the kids was trying to explain how Jesus is our Savior.  He said “God doesn’t want dirty people living in his house”  I loved it.  From the mouths of babes!

Ralph made several quarts of dill pickles – should be ready for Thanksgiving.  He also made a sweet spicy pickle.  Kind of like a bread and butter, but with a little “hot”.  I can’t wait to try them. 

My stamp club activity on Saturday went well – two of the gals had to leave early to make it to other scheduled events and one wasn’t able to make it, but I think it was enjoyed by all.  The projects were cased from my fellow stampers.   Somdays there is just no need to reinvent the wheel.

Friends never fade by Wendybell

Stamps – Friends never fade, fabulous phrases

Ink – More mustard, Cajun craze, old olive,

Paper – Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso

Accessories – 1 3/8 square punch, small oval, more mustard ¼ grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals

Be Yourself – (idea taken from a sample at convention)

Stamps – Extreme elements, Smarty Pants, skateboarder

Ink – Garden green, stazon black, not quite navy, river rock, so saffron,

Paper – Not quite navy, garden green, basic black, whisper white

Accessories – star punch, antique brads,

Halloween Candy Wrappers – ideas all over the place

Stamps – Wicked Cool, All Holidays

Ink – Stazon Black

Paper – Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Spooky DSP, Daffodil Delight

Accessories - black lace, large oval punch, scalloped oval punch, bitty bat punch, smooch accent ink, 1¼ in Circle punch

Book Review and Stuff

Once again the scales have dropped despite the Bugle treats this week...must have been those walks up the hill.  YAY!!!!  I feel like I have broken through a barrier I thought I would never get through. yes!  I have now officially lost more than what I ever did with Weight Watchers.  Every little drop provides just enough motivation to stick with it.

 

Just finished another book titled Restless by William Boyd.  It took a long time to get into it and then for the last third of the book it really kept my attention.  There were parts of the story which really had no relation, I felt, to the true plot of the book.  It is about a Russian woman recruited to be a British spy during WWII.  The job of their team was to get the US to join the war.  It ultimately is about trust and revenge.  It was an ok book, but wouldn't suggest it as a "good read"

Just Now…

• The sun is coming up it is going to be a beautiful day.
• It totally feels like fall and I love it!
• After a cleanse day – I am starving - even a breakfast shake sounds good.
• I lost 3 pounds last week
• And even more inches
• Riley is still not awake
• I have a big day ahead of me lots to do

Ta Ta for now

Happy Birthday & Guilty Pleasures

Well it is another day to celebrate a birthday.  My aunt is having a birthday as well as my SIL who lives in WA.  Here is the card I put in the mail on Tuesday for my SIL.  Hopefully she will get it by today. 

One of her favorite colors is pink - so I thought I would give it a whirl.  Don't you just love this image.   She is so cute.  The inside reads "just thinking of you on your birthday"

This week has been jam packed with "stuff" going on.  Besides having to be at work everyday...

• I had to attend a meeting down at the Tabernacle on Tuesday. The topic was scouting and the new Duty to God program.  The flyers the ward received designated that primary presidents needed to be there.  I tried to get out of going, because I knew based on the other information given on the flyer - I wouldn't need to be there.  Plus - I hate extra meetings.  The counselor in the bishopric guilted me into going saying "that we have been asked to be there and that is why we go".  I went and sure enough I was right - nothing presented was applicable to my calling.  However I don't like to be a "negative nellie" so I found things that would work for me personally that were presented.  Avid scouters can be real scarry sometimes.
• My VT came over last night.  I always enjoy visiting with her.  She is a lot of fun. 
• Tonight I have my presidency meeting - whew the Primary program is Sunday and I have to do a little blurb to introduce it. 
• Date night on Friday as well as finishing my prep for my stamping group. 
• I think Ralph is also planning on doing some kind of pickles on Saturday as well as my stamp club and a football game in the evening.  We are playing San Jose.  Should be a fun time.

Always something going on - I guess that is the way I like it.

Guilty pleasure...last night we watched the season opener of NCIS (comcast on demand) as well as a new Ghost Hunters.  I also worked on getting the paper cut for my class this weekend.  We are going to do a couple of cards and one of those cute candy wrappers, Halloween style.   I love to spend evenings that way.  Another guilty pleasure...most of my Fall/Halloween decorations are up.  I love them.  Ralph allowed it on the condition I get rid of my favorite pair of shorts at the end of "short wearing season".  They are way to big for me, but I just can't seem to part with them.  He wears shorts all year so based on his calendar I should get to keep them right?  Another guilty pleasure...I get to go to lunch tomorrow at Jimmy Johns.  I love their sandwiches.  Hopefully I will be able to make a smart choice diet wise.  Sometimes those Itallian meats call my name!  Maybe I can just put another hour of exercise in.  LOL You are thinking yeah right -when would you do that.

Work to be done so, Ta Ta for now

I feel sick!

Yesterday as I was going about my work assignments, my immediate supervisor told me she would be bringing her bugle mixture for treats tomorrow.  I am thinking to myself..."Self, there is no way you are going to want to stick with your diet tomorrow"  On the way home yesterday, I told Ralph we needed to postpone our diet "cleanse" day because I wouldn't be able to stick to the regimen with the treats hanging around the office.  And...after the treats - I will need a cleanse day.

The salty sweet combo is irresisitable.  Normally - my will power can get me through days with yummy treats hanging around. But my boss doesn't bring the bugle treats in very often.  If I didn't get any the day she brings them in - then I would probably have to wait until Christmas.  There was no way I was going to do that!  So I have planned ahead.  I had my healthy breakfast and I have planned a tomato sandwhich for lunch.  That doesn't seem like much...but I know that after I have a handful of bugle treats I won't want anything else.

Sure enough it has hit 10:00 AM -I have had one good size handfull and I feel gross.  (Serves me right!) I have my big glass of water by my side and I know that my sandwhich and walk during lunch will save me!  The picture isn't that great (taken with my cell) but I am telling you, If you make these - you will have friends for life.  If you don't share them - I guarantee you will feel the sugar overload "sick" feeling. 

Bugle Treats

Cook to soft ball stage:

2 Cups Brown Sugar

1 Cup Butter

1 Cup Light Karo Syrup

1 14 oz. Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour over:

3-4 Small Packages of Bugles

3-4 Cups Peanuts


ENJOY! (Yes Wendy...I am blogging during work hours - just wanted to share)

Silent Sunday

"Delicious autumn!  My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." -   George Eliot

Mom and Me

Mom came for a short visit over Labor Day weekend.  We didn't take any pictures except for this one.  We had such a good time together.  This picture is during our lunch break while visiting the Swiss Days Festival that takes place in Midway, UT.  (notice my beefy arms?) There were loads of people there - busy busy busy.  There were several things we saw that we liked, but not enough to come home with it.   

Actually -  I did come home with with some cute magnets to go on my magnet board.  They are "stinkin"  cute!  My BFF Wendy and I purchased several to highlight different times of the year. 

The Utes play New Mexico State today.  Our quarterback is still out with injury as is our center.  Hopefully the team will have their heads on straight and it will be a great, clean game.  As much as I would like to travel to Albuquerque to watch the game, my couch won't be such a bad place either.  At least there won't be a sun burn to deal with.

Ralph bottled 14 quarts of tomato juice yesterday.  We will be grateful for the cup of hot tomato juice on those cold winter evenings. 
Well - things to do and places to go.
Ta Ta for now

Benadryl and a book review

During my lunch hour yesterday, I took my walk, as always, up the canyon.  What was different today was that three fire engines came up the one way road.  As they drove past, I wasn't sure why they were driving up the canyon. I know the gate is locked at the end of the road and there are easier ways to get where ever they could possibley be going than this particular route.  I did catch up with them, but didn't stand around to gawk at where they were stopped and what they were doing.  I noticed they had climbed down into the creek and up the other side of the embankment...had they found a body?  Crazy thought!  My guess is they were rescuing someone that had hurt themselves on the other side of the creek.  It is quite steep and there are lots of places that you could easily slip and hurt yourself.  On my way back down, I noticed that an ambulence had arrived on the scene as well.  My thought at this point was "did this really warrent 3 fire engines and an ambulence?" 

The other wierd thing was that I started to itch.  Not too bad, but I was itchy all over.  I thought it was because I was hot and sweaty.  By the time I got home and changed clothes - I was covered all over in little welts that looked like bug bites.  Yes, I scratched and they got worse.  I finally took a hot shower, and rubbed cortizone cream all over my welts. That alleviated the itching for a while, but it came back with a vengance.  Ralph convinced me to take a Benadryl to alleviate my skin irritations.  So I had "Drugged" head all evening.  I woke up about 1:30 am itching all over - I reapplied lotion where I could reach, took another benadryl and 2 advil.  It took about an hour to get back to sleep.  Things have cleared up mostly - still itchy on the backs of my legs.  I am tired!  Hopefully whatever has caused the "hives"  will go away.

I have seen this book listed on several different suggested reading lists, so I thought I would give it a try.  It did not disappoint.  At 93 years of age Harry Bernstein starts to write his life story.  There are three books in the series.  The Dream and the Golden Willow follow this amazing story of a Jewish family living in England.  It takes place right around WWI.  The Jews and the Christians live on the same street, but opposite sides.  The story kind of reminded me a bit of Fiddler on the Roof.  Same traditions enforced in their Jewish homes.   With an alcoholic abusive Father and a Mother trying to keep things together living in poverty.  Same issues were dealt with  as outside influences(Socialism) ends up completely changing this family.  This story covers his life from 4 years to 11years of age.  I wonder how much is accurate as it was so long ago?  However - they are his memories and this is his story. I plodded along and enjoyed the story, but it wasn't until the end when I started to think about everything this family went through...I don't understand some of the choices they made, but have no comprehnsion of how hard it was and how this affected the choices they made.  I can't wait to read the other two books. 

May we get much accomplished today...Ta Ta for now
 

Is this card coming to your door?

So last night I felt like a complete slug.  I didn't want to do my exercise dvd (I had already walked during the day - so I did get some exercise in) There was nothing on TV, so I ended up at the stamping table - drawing a blank.  I was tired and my head felt heavy but it was only 8:00 p.m.  If I went to bed at that time - I would end up waking at some unheard of hour of the morning raring to go only to crash at 2:00 pm the next day.  Riley was also very persistent in trying to get someone to throw his toy for him.  Inbetween tossing his red slimy Kong, I mapped out what I needed to do for my stamp club on the 25th and then I decided to make a card.  I had no mojo - so I went to one of my favorite card samples from nitestamper and cased it.  Changing the colors, the bird cage and leaving off the sentiment.  Here is my version.

Stamps - Aviary
Paper - Whisper white, Daffodil delight, Night of navy, Night of Navy DSP
Ink - Daffodil delight, Night of navy
Accesorries - Flower punch from Itty bitty shapes, Basic Pearls, Daffodil Delight 1/8 in taffeta ribbon

While I love to look at my creations and enjoy them, they usually end up in a file.  Although it is hard to part with them, I think someone else should have the chance to enjoy this card.  I mean, really, who doesn't love getting a card in the mail.  Especially one that doesn't remind you it is time to go to the dentist.  So I am putting this in the mail today to one of my most favorite persons.
Have a great day and Ta Ta for now

Walks With Riley

Taking Riley on his daily walks can be an adventure.  We have seen kitties that need to be chased.  Dogs of all breeds which need to be greeted, sniffed and played with.  Trees, branches bushes, childrens toys, piles of poop -all of which need to be marked.  We have seen people sprawled out on their lawn like they were dead which panicked me until I realized they were just cooling off in the grass after a hot July day.  We have seen toys, liquor bottles and guns thrown into the alley way.  Fortunately the gun ended up being a toy, but it looked very life like to begin with.  We have picked apricots, plums and blackberries from bushes and trees no one seems to want to claim.  He avoids sprinklers like the plague, unless he is forced to walk through them.  (Can we say Big Wuss!)  Sometimes he has to be coaxed into walking - sometimes he flat out doesn't want to walk.  Oh yes - he will be the first one out the door if you let him, but sometimes he just doesn't want to move.

Anyway, last night did not disappoint.  There is a portion of sidewalk that we freqent that is overgrown with  sunflowers.  These plants get to be 7 to 8 feet tall and hang over the sidewalk.  It is to the point where I guide Riley into the street to avoid that specific area because you can't see and you get hit with all this yellow pollen stuff.  Who knows how many spider webs and bugs there might be lurking amongst the flowers.  As we walked last night it looked like someone was hanging out in that area of the sidewalk.  I thought for sure my eyes were playing tricks on me.  As I got closer there was definitely someone on the sidewalk.  I thought maybe they were cutting some of the flowers to take home but didn't want to get caught so they were accomplishing their task in the dark (yes I have thought of doing that very thing myself)  As we approached the area from the street I looked over and there was a disabled man that had missed the edge of the sidewalk in his wheelchair and had gotten stuck in this crazy garden of sunflowers.  He had managed to get out of his wheel chair but could not move the wheelchair by himself back onto the sidewalk.  Riley and I had a chance to be a good neighbor.   We were able to get the wheelchair back on to the side walk and get the poor guy on his way.

I am glad we went on our walk a bit early and I am so grateful we went that way and that we were able to help this man.  Ta Ta for now

PS - Questions from yesterday.....No corn dogs - my treat day was the birthday dinner - can't have more than one a week.  And yes - my UTES WON!!!!

Oh my Finger - Oh my thumb...

Oh my belly, Oh my bum!  
Actually none of those really hurt, but my face is tender from sitting in the sun for 4 hours Saturday watching my Utes play football.  And in case you were wondering - yes I used sun screen,  (You should see Ralph's face and knees - very red)  My Hams and inner thigh muscles hurt because I have started doing my Jillian Michaels exercise dvd again. I feel plump today (all those goodies last week) and my brain hurts - too much going on in the gray matter today.  I am tired because I didn't sleep well because I hurt and now I have to start thinking about how to tackle all my assignments starting today.

I went to the scrapbook expo on Friday - It sure was easy to get caught up in all the goodies they sell there.  Fortunately I was able to resist and realized once I was home and had a sleep on it - I didn't need anything I thought I wanted.  I stopped by several tables to watch the avid scrapbookers at work. Tables were covered in snacks, papers and scrapbooking stuff.  One lady even brought a portable crib so she could scrapbook and take care of her baby.  They Expo stays open until midnight and then opens bright and early the next morning.  My O My - these people definitely have a zeal for their hobby.

Have I told you how much I enjoy Fall and Football season? Ralph and I had so much fun on Saturday watching the game and being out of doors.  The weather could not have been better and I spent the better part of the day with my most favorite person it the world.  I love weekends like that!

Well enough reminiscing and off to tackle the tasks of the day.

Ta Ta for now.

 

Silent Sunday

The motto stamped on our coins, 'In God We Trust,' must also be stamped in our hearts and minds."   We need Him more now than ever.

Happy Birthday Mom Curtis!

We celebrated MIL Curtis’ 80th birthday yesterday. The evening turned out quite nice. All of the Curtis children and their spouses were able to make it as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren. We went to a barbecue place that catered dinner for us. The food was good, but….........ok, I will just leave it at that. (I complain and criticize too much - that is my food snobbery rearing it's ugly head) Ralph and I had been asked to do the birthday cake. Instead of posting the whole recipe and process, I will post links and give basic instructions. If you need more help contact me. Here is a picture of a slice of this decadent goodness.  Unfortunately once we arrived at our venue - the cake could not be refrigerated so the cheesecake was a little soft.

***We made a New York style cheesecake (click for link)– I only spread the graham cracker crust mixture on the bottom, not up the sides, and I kept it thin.  I also did not use the sour cream topping.

***We made Aunt Vinnie’s Chocolate cake – Doubling her recipe and cooking it in 2-9in rounds made enough for two cakes. If you opt for Aunt Vinnie’s recipe – I would only 1½ her original recipe. Any standard cake recipe for a 9 x 13 or 2-9in rounds would work – just make sure it is a firm, dense cake.  (if you want Aunt Vinnie's recipe and don't have it - contact any of the Curtis Clan - they should have it.)

***The filling was dulce de leche which can be bought or made. To make it place a can of condensed milk (unopened) in a pot of water – make sure the can is covered with water throughout the whole process. Boil 2 to 3 hours depending on how dark you want your caramel.  We did three.  After it was cooked and cooled we mixed in coconut and walnuts. This was used in between the layers of cake. For two cakes we used 5 cans – probably could have gotten away with 4.

***Assembly- slice both cakes horizontally in half. Layer them – and frost with your favorite frosting. Cake needs to be kept chilled.

Things to note :

• Make sure your cheesecake pan is the same size as your cake pans. You don’t want to have to trim edges to make them fit. Not that you couldn’t – just another process and waste of cake. 
• If we make this again, I would put a layer of chocolate cake on the bottom and not use graham cracker crumbs at all on the cheesecake. 
• Save Room For Dessert!!!

 Here is the birthday card I made for her. I really like how it turned out.

Stamps – Happiness Shared, French Script (retired) Warmest Regards

Paper – Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Always Artichoke DSP

Ink – Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, More Mustard, So Saffron

Accessories – Wheel Bella’s Border, blender pens, Kraft taffeta ribbon (retired), corner rounder punch, slot punch

Here is a picture of the inside. Ralph wrote a great letter to her that we put inside. He included several limmericks and a poem that I will probably post later with his permission. 

The family all pitched in and gave her a beautiful vase from OC tanner engraved with a Happy 80th birthday from her family.  I will have to get a picture of that and post it sometime as well. 

All in all - it was great to get together to celebrate someone so loved and accomplished.

Ta Ta for now

Silent Sunday

You are never to old to do Goofy Stuff!

First Game is a WIN and Coming out of the closet - again

OK – First things first – Utah Utes Wins over Pitt 27-24 in overtime. Our defense rocks! Our OL did a bang up job. Our special teams need work. We made lot of mistakes. Even though we won by a small margin and had several turnovers/mistakes we outplayed Pitt. I don’t imagine practice will be fun today. The team has a lot of talent and skills – they just need to be honed a bit.  (pictures pulled from the internet)

As I stood there yelling to distract the Pitt team and for our team to do well, just like the other 47,000+ attendees were doing, I wondered if the sound coming from my mouth was really making a difference. Would the damage to my vocal cords be worth it? Apparently I thought so. Ralph assured me that it was my voice that pushed the noise to the “edge” Ha Ha. It is not in my personality to sit still and be quiet when I feel so passionately about something. So – I don’t have much of a voice today. OH well – It was worth it.

So, I was talking with one of my BFF’s (name withheld) yesterday and found out she loves circus peanuts. I couldn’t believe my ears! We are not talking salted peanuts in the shell, but these orange marshmallow like candies shaped like a giant peanut. I confessed right then and there to her that I liked circus peanuts too. I don’t say too much to anybody about it because I get too much crap about it. Kind of like the crap I give to people who like “peeps” he he he. So, I guess you could call me a closet circus peanut eater. Not anymore! I will say they aren’t my first candy of choice – but I do like them. At this point I will be honest with you…There is not many types of candy I don’t like. (maybe those chocolate coins BLECH! oh yeah, and peeps)

I am so looking forward to the weekend and spending time with family and friends. It’s the best way to do it!

Ta Ta for now

Game Day

Oh my gosh I am so excited I have butterflies in my stomach.  Utah plays Pit tonight at 6:30 p.m.  We are picked to win, but not by much.  Oooh, I am so excited/nervous, I don't know that I will be able to get much work done.  I also know that if I don't focus in on work - the day is totally going to drag.  My boss - a fellow Ute is leaving at half day.  My goal is to leave work around 4 ish with plans to -  arrive home, change, drive to the the train stop,  catch the train to the stadium a little bit early so we can get an amazing corndog for dinner, that they sell at the stadium, and be in our seats for the game to start.  I know the corn dog is not on our diet menu, but my goal is to be super good today (no chocolate, crackers or starbursts) and with an hour of exercise during lunch, I can enjoy it without feeling guilty.   I also know stadium food is pricey and you don't normally get your money's worth.  But, we normally we don't indulge, and since this is the opening game and those corndogs are so good (so I have heard) we are going to splurge a bit.  It's all about the experience right?

Have a great day and
GO UTES!

Happy September and Book Review

Wowzers!  It is already September 1st.  My how the time flies by.   I only wish I felt that way at 9:00 in the morning as I sit there at my desk wondering if I am going to make it through the day.

I recently finished the book The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

I am not sure I have a lot of good things to say about the book.  The story takes place just before WWII hits the US.  It focuses in on 3 women - a postmistress who is kind of the town know it all spinster, a war correspondent/journalist who travels to Europe to report on the War, and a young newly married bride whose husband, a doctor, after a medical procdure goes awry travels to Europe to help in the hospitals.  It seems that most of the book follows the journalist as she documents what she sees over in Europe while periodically develping the other two characters in Cape Cod MA.  The book ends as they all story lines come together and each woman somehow is affected by the others.  My issue with the book is this...the author does great at telling the story, but wraps everything up so quickly it leaves you wondering what really happened.  I was disappointed in the ending - I wanted more.  There were so many good reviews, maybe talking with someone who has read the book and liked it might change my mind. 

Well - since the rest of the week and weekend are booked - tonight is the only night I have available for chores.  What chores you ask...?    Ralph has already bottled many quarts of tomato juice (I haven't counted) and made bread today.  I need to:

1. Clean bathrooms
2. Fold Laundry  - Put clothes away
3. Brush Riley - prep for bath
4. Make birthday cards   AND
5. Clean craft area 

With Grandma coming for a visit - Riley is in great need of a bath and brushing.  If we don't brush him before his bath - the tub gets too full of hair and clogs the drain.  After his bath  and he's dried - he gets another brushing.  He absolutely hates the whole process.  I usually bribe him to sit still with his favorite treat as I get as much hair as possible.    Quite the pile of hair I must say.  Ralph has volunteered to do the actual bathing. 

It has been a productive day so far, and I hope to have it end as productively as it has been so far.  I am off to get more stuff done.

Ta Ta for now